If youโre on the hunt for a fresh, light, and satisfying meal thatโs also packed with flavor, then look no further. This Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad is the perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, and savory. The avocado adds richness, the tuna packs in that protein, and the cucumber brings that satisfying crunch. Plus, itโs a no-cook, quick-to-make salad thatโs ready in minutesโideal for busy days when you still want to eat something healthy and delicious. Trust me, youโll want this recipe in your regular rotation!
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Why Youโll Love Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
This recipe isnโt just about throwing ingredients togetherโitโs about crafting the perfect bite. Whether youโre meal prepping for the week or looking for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is your go-to. Hereโs why:
Versatile: This salad is a blank canvas that can be easily tailored to your taste. Want a little heat? Throw in some jalapeรฑos. Prefer a more zesty flavor? Add lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.
Healthy & Filling: Packed with healthy fats from the avocado and lean protein from the tuna, this salad will keep you feeling full without weighing you down.
Quick & Easy: It doesnโt get easier than this. All you have to do is chop and mixโand youโve got yourself a delicious, nutrient-packed meal.
Customizable: Feel free to play around with the ingredientsโswap out the cucumber for celery or toss in some cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of color.
Light Yet Satisfying: Itโs the perfect balance of freshness and heartiness. You wonโt feel sluggish after this meal, but youโll be satisfied and energized.
Ingredients in Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
Hereโs the simple beauty of this dishโit uses minimal ingredients, but each one shines. Letโs break it down:
Tuna: The protein-packed base of this salad. You can use canned tuna in olive oil or water, depending on your preference.
Avocado: A creamy, rich addition that brings a smooth texture to the salad, plus a boost of healthy fats.
Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and refreshing, cucumber adds that perfect crunch and a subtle, light flavor to balance the creaminess.
Red Onion: Adds a touch of sharpness and a bit of color. The onion flavor softens beautifully when mixed with the other ingredients.
Olive Oil: For that smooth, slightly fruity dressing that ties everything together.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens the salad and enhances the flavors without overpowering.
Salt and Pepper: The essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this refreshing and satisfying salad:
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by draining the tuna and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Dice your avocado and cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
Combine the Ingredients: Add the avocado, cucumber, and red onion to the bowl with the tuna. Gently toss everything together. You want to make sure the avocado stays nice and chunky, so be gentle!
Season and Dress: Drizzle the olive oil and squeeze in the lemon juice. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, and then toss again until everything is coated in that delicious, zesty dressing.
Serve and Enjoy: You can serve this right away, or let it chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together even more. Serve it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a snackโitโs that good!
How to Serve Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
This salad is as versatile as it is tasty! Here are a few ideas for serving:
On Its Own: Itโs perfectly satisfying as isโlight, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious.
With Crackers or Bread: Serve with whole grain crackers or toasted bread for a bit of crunch.
Over a Bed of Greens: Want to make it a full meal? Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a little extra texture and flavor.
Topped with Nuts or Seeds: Add a sprinkle of chia seeds, sunflower seeds, or toasted pine nuts for a crunchy bite.
With a Side of Fruit: Pair it with a light fruit salad or some fresh pineapple for a sweet contrast.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a good salad is quality produce. Fresh, ripe avocado and crunchy cucumbers will make all the difference.
Add Some Heat: Want a little kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeรฑos, or even a splash of hot sauce.
Make It Ahead: If youโre meal prepping, you can prep the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving. This salad doesnโt hold up super well once dressed, as the avocado can brown, but everything else can be prepped ahead!
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Be sure to keep it chilled to maintain freshness.
Try Different Proteins: If you donโt like tuna, you can swap it for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tuna for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen tuna. Just be sure to thaw and drain it properly before adding it to the salad.
Q2: Can I make this salad in advance?
A2: You can prep the veggies and tuna ahead of time, but I recommend adding the avocado and dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The avocado may brown, but it will still taste great.
Q4: Can I substitute the cucumber with something else?
A4: Yes! You can swap it with celery, bell peppers, or even zucchini for a different twist.
Q5: Is there a dairy-free version?
A5: Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free! If you want some extra creaminess, try adding a dollop of dairy-free yogurt.
Q6: How can I make this salad spicier?
A6: You can add chopped jalapeรฑos, a dash of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to kick it up a notch.
Q7: What can I add for extra flavor?
A7: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill work beautifully with this salad. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Q8: Can I use canned tuna in oil?
A8: Absolutely! Tuna packed in oil will add an extra richness to the salad.
Q9: Can I add other veggies?
A9: Sure! Chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives are all great additions.
Q10: Can I serve this on top of a salad greens base?
A10: Yes! Serve it on a bed of greens like spinach, kale, or arugula for a fresh and satisfying meal.
And there you have itโAvocado Tuna Cucumber Salad! This recipe is easy, healthy, and packed with all the good stuff. Itโs the kind of dish thatโs perfect for a light lunch or a quick snack, and itโs versatile enough to fit any craving. Enjoy the crunch, the creaminess, and the goodness in every bite!
PrintAvocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2โ3 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, healthy dish packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies. Perfect for a light lunch or side dish!
Ingredients
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced avocado, cucumber slices, chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. - Serve:
Serve immediately for a refreshing meal or side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 20mg