This Avocado Tuna Salad recipe swaps out the mayonnaise for creamy avocado and bright lime juice to create a tuna salad packed with protein and flavor that comes together with ease!

I grew up despising tuna salad and swore that as an adult I would never subject myself (or my kids) to eating it again.

Fast forward 30 some years, I now LOVE tuna salad. But not just any tuna salad, I like my tuna with avocado instead of mayo, thank you very much!

And if you think you don't like tuna salad, let me introduce you to this fresh, bright, Avocado Tuna Salad.

Instead of heavy mayonnaise, creamy avocado binds the tuna salad together, giving the tuna flavor, while adding healthy fats and a rich taste. Finished with fresh lime juice, this Tuna Salad pops with flavor and freshness.

Now that I have learned how to transform tuna fish into something delicious, whether it be in easy Tuna Cakes, Instant Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole, or this recipe for Avocado Tuna Salad, I can't get enough of this affordable pantry staple!

Notes on Ingredients

You technically only need 4 ingredients to make Avocado Tuna Salad: Tuna, avocado, lime juice, and salt. However, I have included a few other optional add-ins, to add flavor and texture to this tuna salad recipe.

• Tuna: I highly recommend using wild albacore tuna sold in a pouch, as it has the best nutritional value and is mild and perfectly flaky with no "canned" food taste. That said, you can use canned tuna, just be sure to drain well.
• Avocado: Be sure your avocados are ripe for easy mashing.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is key to making this tuna salad taste so fresh! Be sure to use FRESH lime juice. Fresh lemon juice can be substituted if that is all you have on hand.
• Seasoning: This recipe needs quite a bit of salt, as salt is really needed to make the avocado pop! I also love to add a bit of garlic powder for additional flavor.
• Crunch Factor: Most classic tuna salad recipes add in celery for crunch. Instead of celery, I opt to add finely minced jalapeno and onion. The crunch of the onion and fresh jalapeno will be a great textural element that also imparts BIG flavor! If you do not like raw onions but still want crunch, mix in some diced celery. And feel free to omit the jalapeno if you do not care for heat.
• Cilantro: I love the flavor of cilantro paired with avocado and lime but omit the cilantro if you are not a fan. I would not substitute parsley for it, just leave it out completely.

How to Make Avocado Tuna Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, mash the avocado with salt, lime juice, and garlic powder until creamy and well combined.
• Mix in the jalapeno, onion, and cilantro (if using) until well combined.

• Add in the tuna and mix until the tuna is evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

• Pile it high on sliced honey whole wheat bread with sliced fresh tomato, lettuce, and pickled red onions for a hearty, delicious sandwich.
• Top a flour tortilla or wrap with leaf lettuce, spread the avocado tuna salad over the lettuce, and roll up for a wrap that transports well.
• Serve the tuna salad with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips.
• Keep this recipe for tuna salad low-carb and serve on a bed of lettuce or in lettuce cups.

Storing Tuna Salad

Any recipe that calls for using fresh avocado is best served immediately. However, because this avocado tuna salad has a significant amount of lime juice, you can store any leftover tuna salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

If you enjoyed this simple Avocado Tuna Salad, please be sure to leave a comment and review below.