Easy avocado tuna salad that is completely mayo-free! It’s made with avocado and lime juice. So creamy, fresh, and healthy.

Enjoy it as a healthy lunch, or meal prep, or make Tuna Avocado Melts.

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Avocado adds a creamy texture to the salad, while the lime juice has the right amount of zestiness. So there is no need for any mayonnaise!

It lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days so you always have a quick lunch or healthy snack to enjoy. 

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients for this healthy tuna salad:

ingredients for avocado tuna salad recipe
  • Canned tuna
  • Avocado
  • Dill pickles
  • Red onion
  • Cilantro
  • Garlic
  • Ground cumin
  • Lime juice and zest
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

What Kind of Tuna is Best for Tuna Salad?

White albacore tuna is our favorite type of tuna for a tuna salad. It has a firm texture and a mild taste.

Light tuna is another great option. It typically includes skipjack, but may also include yellowfin. It’s softer in texture, flakier, and has a stronger flavor.

Whether you buy tuna canned in water or oil is up to personal taste. Tuna in oil adds a nice flavor to the salad while tuna in water has a milder flavor.

Some of our favorite tuna brands include:

How to Make Avocado Tuna Salad

In a large bowl, start off by mashing the avocado with tuna to create a creamy base.

tuna with avocado in a bowl.

Stir in the rest of the ingredients and mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.

creamy avocado tuna salad in a glass bowl.

Healthy Ways to Eat Tuna

  • With whole-grain crackers
  • Lettuce wrap
  • Fresh cucumber slices
  • Plantain chips
  • Hard-boiled eggs 
  • Stuffed into a tomato
healthy tuna salad.

How Long Does Avocado Tuna Salad Last?

This easy avocado tuna salad will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It might slightly darken because of the avocado but it will still taste great. Keep stored in an airtight container or bowl covered with plastic wrap.

Make-Ahead Instructions

If making ahead, omit the avocado just until ready to serve. When prepared this way, the avocado tuna salad recipe can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

tuna and avocado salad in a bowl with crackers.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute canned chicken for the tuna?

Yes! While the flavors will slightly be different but the texture should remain the same.

Can I freeze avocado tuna salad?

It’s best not to freeze this tuna salad as it will change the texture of the salad upon thawing.

What else can I add to my tuna salad?

Hard boiled eggs, celery, green onions, or Dijon mustard are all great add-ins!

If you try Avocado Tuna Salad recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how you like the recipe in the comments below.

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avocado tuna salad

Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Chop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Healthy avocado tuna salad that is completely mayo-free! It’s made with creamy avocado and lime juice. So fresh and healthy.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 (5-6oz) cans of albacore tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup fresh chopped cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice + zest 1 lime
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. Kosher salt
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flaked tuna with avocado.  Mash with a fork, breaking up any large chunks. Keep it creamy or leave some chunks for texture.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix to combine.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Leftovers: Leftover tuna salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Avocado might slightly darken.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 259
  • Sugar: 0.8 g
  • Sodium: 332.5 mg
  • Fat: 15.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.6 g
  • Protein: 22.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 36.1 mg