If youโre craving something light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad. Itโs a bright and satisfying dish that combines creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and protein-packed tuna in a way that feels both indulgent and healthy at the same time. Every bite is a perfect mix of freshness, crunch, and smoothness, making it the ideal salad for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack.
This salad is the kind of recipe you throw together when youโre craving something easy but still want to feel like youโre eating something fresh and exciting. The creamy avocado and flaky tuna pair so well with the cool, refreshing cucumber. Plus, the light dressing brings it all together in a way that makes you want to go back for seconds. Trust me, this is one of those recipes thatโs so simple but feels like a total treat.
Why Youโll Love Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
This salad isnโt just about being healthyโitโs about hitting that perfect balance of fresh, satisfying, and super flavorful. Hereโs why itโs a total winner:
Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes! You donโt have to spend hours in the kitchen to make this dish. Itโs the ultimate no-fuss, go-to recipe for when you want something fresh but donโt have a ton of time.
Healthy & Light: With the creamy avocado, lean tuna, and refreshing cucumber, this salad feels wholesome and light, but still keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Packed with Protein: Tuna is a great source of lean protein, making this salad a perfect option for a quick, protein-packed meal that doesnโt skimp on flavor.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the ingredients depending on what you like. Add some cherry tomatoes, a hard-boiled egg, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese if you want to make it your own!
No Cooking Required: This is a no-cook recipe, which makes it perfect for warm days or when you want a dish thatโs easy to prepare without turning on the stove.
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Ingredients in Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
Hereโs everything you need to make this flavorful, fresh salad:
Canned Tuna
The base of the salad. Opt for a good quality, sustainably caught tuna for the best flavor.
Avocado
The creamy, dreamy addition that makes this salad so satisfying and smooth.
Cucumber
Fresh, crisp, and hydrating, cucumber adds a light crunch and keeps things refreshing.
Red Onion
Thinly sliced red onion adds a subtle sharpness that balances the creamy avocado and tuna.
Fresh Cilantro
For a pop of freshness and a bit of herbal flavor.
Olive Oil
The healthy fat that ties everything together with a light, rich dressing.
Lemon Juice
A squeeze of lemon adds brightness and a bit of tang to the whole dish.
Salt & Pepper
Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Instructions
Ready to make this salad? Hereโs how you pull it all together in just a few easy steps:
Prep the Ingredients
Start by draining your canned tuna and placing it in a large bowl. Cut the cucumber into thin slices (or half-moons, depending on your preference) and dice the avocado. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh cilantro.
Combine the Ingredients
Add the cucumber, avocado, red onion, and cilantro to the bowl with the tuna. Gently toss everything together to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado too muchโit should remain in nice chunks.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything again until itโs evenly coated.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately as a refreshing salad on its own, or pair it with a side of whole grain crackers, pita bread, or a simple green salad. Itโs light but still super satisfying!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
This salad is perfect for all sorts of occasions, from light lunches to picnics to a quick dinner. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
- As a Light Lunch: This salad can be a meal on its own! Itโs satisfying, but still light and refreshing.
- With Crackers or Pita Chips: Pair it with some crunchy crackers or pita chips for a little extra texture.
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve it over a bed of leafy greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for an even bigger salad experience.
- With a Side of Fruit: A fresh fruit salad or some juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with this savory dish, bringing a little sweetness to the meal.
- With Toasted Bread: A piece of toasted sourdough or a baguette would be the perfect addition to scoop up every last bit of the salad.
Additional Tips
- Make It Ahead: This salad is best served fresh, but if you need to prep it ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to avoid the avocado browning.
- Substitute Veggies: If youโre not a fan of cucumber, you could use diced bell peppers or even zucchini for a different twist.
- Spice It Up: Add some sliced jalapeรฑos or a pinch of chili flakes to give the salad a little heat if you like it spicy.
- Use Fresh Tuna: If youโre feeling extra fancy, you can use fresh tuna steaks instead of canned tunaโjust sear the tuna, chop it up, and add it to the salad.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of protein?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap out the tuna for cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The avocado might brown a little, but itโll still taste delicious!
Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A3: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers, but I recommend adding the dressing and avocado just before serving to keep things fresh.
Q4: How can I make this salad a little heartier?
A4: To make it more filling, you can add some cooked quinoa, a hard-boiled egg, or some roasted chickpeas on top for extra protein and texture.
Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?
A5: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check any extras, like crackers or bread, if youโre serving them alongside.
Conclusion
This Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad is the ultimate refreshing dish thatโs perfect for any time you need a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal. Itโs creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether youโre making it for lunch or serving it at a family gathering, this salad is sure to hit the spot. Plus, itโs so easy to make, youโll find yourself whipping it up again and again. Enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavorsโyouโre going to love this one!
Print
Avocado Tuna Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A light, refreshing salad made with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and protein-packed tuna. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or as a side for any meal.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- ยฝ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ยฝ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ยผ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional Garnish:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Extra cilantro leaves
- Chili flakes (for a little heat)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine tuna, avocado, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the ingredients, and gently toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor as desired.
- Top with optional garnishes such as crumbled feta cheese, extra cilantro, or a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
- Serve immediately as a fresh lunch or side dish!
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day in the fridge. Keep the avocado from browning by covering the salad tightly.
- For a variation, you can add a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or sprinkle with some sunflower seeds or nuts for crunch.
- If you want to make it a full meal, serve it with some whole-grain crackers or over a bed of greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 25mg