If you want a healthy, quick and tasty meal, this Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad Recipe is perfect. It is fresh, creamy and easy to prepare. The combination of tuna and avocado makes it filling but light.
You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner or even a quick snack. This salad is full of flavor and requires only a few simple ingredients.
If you are wondering how to make Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad, this step-by-step guide will help. I will show you all the ingredients for Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad and simple cooking tips.
My Experience With This Tuna Avocado Salad
I first made this salad last week and it was a hit. The avocado was creamy, and the tuna was tender. I added a little lemon juice for extra freshness. It tasted light but satisfying. It only took 10 minutes to prepare.
I enjoyed it with whole-grain crackers, and it felt perfect. This salad is now my favorite quick meal. I love that it is healthy, easy, and looks beautiful on the plate.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad
- Servings: 2–3
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Course: Salad / Light Meal
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Medium mixing bowl
- Fork or spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad
- 1 can tuna in water, drained (5 oz)
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Tuna
Drain tuna and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Break it into small chunks with a fork. - Add Avocado
Peel and dice avocado. Add to the bowl carefully to avoid mashing too much. - Mix in Dressing
Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat tuna and avocado evenly. - Add Veggies
Add chopped celery and red onion. Mix gently but keep pieces intact for texture. - Season to Taste
Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir lightly to combine flavors. - Garnish and Serve
Add fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad
- Use fresh, ripe avocado for creaminess.
- Drain tuna well to avoid watery salad.
- Stir gently to keep avocado pieces intact.
- Add lemon juice to prevent avocado browning.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using overripe avocado can make salad mushy.
- Not draining tuna causes watery texture.
- Overmixing breaks avocado and tuna into a paste.
- Skipping lemon juice leads to browning avocado.
- Adding too much mayonnaise can make it heavy.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect with whole-grain bread, crackers or in a lettuce wrap. You can serve it with a side salad for a full meal.
It also works as a light lunch or a quick dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs or a slice of lemon for a pretty presentation.
Variations You Can Try
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Mix in cherry tomatoes or cucumber for freshness.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Serve on avocado halves for a fancy presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Avoid storing for too long; avocado turns brown quickly.
- Do not reheat; serve cold or at room temperature.
- Add a little lemon juice before storing to slow browning.
- Stir gently before serving if stored for a few hours.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
Health Benefits
This salad is high in protein and healthy fats from tuna and avocado. Avocado provides vitamins E, C, and potassium. Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health.
The salad is low in carbs and filling, making it perfect for a light meal. Adding celery and onion increases fiber and adds antioxidants. Overall, it’s a nutritious, quick and balanced meal.
Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna in water drained (5 oz)
- 1 ripe avocado peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter version
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped celery
- 1 tablespoon chopped red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Tuna
- Drain tuna and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Break it into small chunks with a fork.
Add Avocado
- Peel and dice avocado. Add to the bowl carefully to avoid mashing too much.
Mix in Dressing
- Add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir gently to coat tuna and avocado evenly.
Add Veggies
- Add chopped celery and red onion. Mix gently but keep pieces intact for texture.
Season to Taste
- Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir lightly to combine flavors.
Garnish and Serve
- Add fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe avocado for creaminess.
- Drain tuna well to avoid watery salad.
- Stir gently to keep avocado pieces intact.
- Add lemon juice to prevent avocado browning.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
FAQs about Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but store in an airtight container for a few hours. Add lemon juice to prevent browning.
Q2: Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
Absolutely, canned salmon works well. It gives a slightly different flavor but is still delicious.
Q3: Is it okay to use store-bought mayonnaise?
Yes, store-bought mayonnaise works fine. You can also use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Q4: Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, cucumber, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes make it fresher and more colorful.
Final Thoughts
This Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad Recipe is simple, healthy and tasty. It only takes 10 minutes to make. Fresh tuna and creamy avocado create a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
It’s great for quick lunches, light dinners or meal prep. By following these easy steps, you can enjoy a nutritious, flavorful and satisfying salad anytime. Try it today and make a healthy, delicious meal in minutes.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!