Why You’ll Love Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe

Creamy, savory, crunchy and fresh all in one bite — it’s like tuna salad meets guacamole.
Completely mayo‑free, yet rich and satisfying thanks to ripe avocado and lime juice balancing the flavors.
Ready in about 10 minutes with just a handful of common, whole‑food ingredients — easy to throw together on busy days.
Versatile: great on its own, stuffed into lettuce wraps, spread on bread, or scooped with crackers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 medium avocados
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 (5‑oz) cans tuna, drained (for example, a mix of chunk light and solid white albacore)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons celery, finely chopped
3 tablespoons red onion, minced
1 tablespoon jalapeños (optional; minced; can add more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

Directions

In a large bowl, mash the avocados with the lime juice and sea salt until fairly smooth (you can leave a few small avocado chunks if you like texture).
Add the drained tuna, chopped cilantro, red onion, celery, and minced jalapeños (if using). Gently stir together, breaking up any large pieces of tuna.
Taste and adjust salt or jalapeño amount if needed, then serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 (about 1 cup per serving)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~10 minutes

Variations

For more protein, stir in a few chopped hard‑boiled eggs — essentially combining this salad with a tuna‑egg‑avocado mix.
Add cooked bacon for extra flavor and crunch.
Substitute or supplement with other crunchy veggies like diced cucumber, bell pepper, or chopped tomatoes for extra freshness.
Replace cilantro with parsley or green onion if you prefer milder herb flavor.
Skip jalapeños — or use a milder pepper — if you prefer a no‑spice version.

Storage/Reheating

Because of the avocado, this salad is best eaten fresh. If you need to store it, press a layer of lime juice over the top (to help slow browning) and keep in an airtight container in the fridge. It will hold for a day or two, but note that the avocado may brown and the texture soften.

FAQs

What kind of tuna should I use — light or white (albacore)?

Either works. A combination of chunk light and solid white albacore gives a nice balance of texture and cost. Tuna packed in water tends to have a cleaner flavor, but olive oil–packed tuna can also be used if you prefer.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?

Yes — lemon juice works, though lime gives a slightly brighter, more guacamole‑like flavor in this salad.

I don’t like cilantro. What can I substitute?

You can substitute fresh parsley or chopped green onion instead of cilantro, for a milder herb flavor.

Can I skip the jalapeños?

Absolutely. The jalapeños add a spicy kick, but you can omit them for a milder salad or adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I add other veggies?

Yes — chopped cucumber, bell pepper, or cherry tomatoes are great additions for extra crunch and freshness.

How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown if I store leftovers?

Press a little extra lime juice over the top, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate. But even with that, the color and texture may change over time.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can store it 1–2 days with care (lime juice + airtight container). The texture and color may degrade slightly.

Can I use this salad as a sandwich filling?

Yes — it works well in sandwiches, wraps, or even stuffed inside lettuce leaves or bell pepper halves.

Is the recipe suitable for a low‑carb or keto diet?

Yes — the recipe uses avocado instead of mayo and limits high‑carb ingredients, making it compatible with low‑carb or keto meal plans.

What if the salad turns out dry?

You can mash in an extra avocado (with extra lime juice and salt) until you get your desired creaminess.

Conclusion

This Avocado Tuna Salad is a quick, easy, and nutritious alternative to traditional mayo‑based tuna salad — with the creaminess of avocado, the brightness of lime, and the satisfying protein from tuna. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome lunch in under 10 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients and small prep time, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your regular rotation.