Easy Avocado Tuna Salad Recipe

3-Ingredient Avocado Tuna Salad

How to Make Tuna Avocado Salad with Canned Tuna

Whip up this creamy, savory, simple avocado tuna salad with only 3 main ingredients: mashed avocado, canned tuna, and lemon juice! Basically, a healthy tuna salad with avocado instead of mayo. Delicious served in lettuce wraps, on crackers, in a sandwich, or on its own! Learn how to make tuna avocado salad for a quick and easy lunch recipe that’s ready in 5 minutes.

Canned tuna is a versatile ingredient that’s packed with protein and healthy fats. Some folks eat it straight out of the can, or you can dress it up with a few basic additions. For this avocado tuna salad recipe, I simply mash avocado, add drained canned tuna, and mix with lemon juice and seasonings! A convenient keto snack or meal with only 2.5g net carbs per serving.

If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise or if you just want a change of pace, this tuna and avocado salad is worth giving a whirl! A budget-friendly lunch idea—perfect for packed lunches for school or work. And, a less-processed alternative to traditional tuna salads made with an ultra-processed mayo. I’ll show you how to make avocado tuna salad and the different ways I like to serve it!

What can I use in tuna salad instead of mayo?

Mayonnaise isn’t the only creamy dressing you can use in a tuna salad! Plain Greek yogurt or nondairy yogurt are other options—whether you’re making tuna, chicken salad, potato salad, or pasta salad. Personally, I prefer to make tuna salad with avocado instead of mayo. Not only is it egg free and dairy free, but avocado is also rich in healthy fats and fiber, and it’s super tasty paired with tuna!

How do you substitute avocado for mayonnaise?

To make this avocado tuna salad recipe, start with a ripe avocado and mash it. Or, if you’d rather use guacamole or if you have some left over, you can use that instead! You just need the avocado in a creamy form so it can substitute for the mayonnaise. Once mashed, add a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and preserve freshness.

Avocado Tuna Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

• Canned Tuna. Make this avocado and tuna salad with whatever canned tuna works for your lifestyle and budget. Be sure to read the label to see whether it’s canned in water, olive oil, or another oil. My personal preference is Wild Planet sustainable albacore tuna because it’s wild caught and doesn’t contain any oils or additives. Or, switch things up and make this recipe with canned salmon instead!
• Avocado. A ripe, mashed avocado serves as the creamy base for this recipe, or you could substitute with guacamole. Of course, feel free to make this like a traditional tuna salad with mayonnaise or yogurt instead.
• Lemon Juice. A dash of bright, citrus flavor and it will help to keep your mashed avocado green and fresh! For a substitute, try lime juice instead.
• Seasonings. Last but not least, use whatever seasonings you like. I keep it simple with salt and pepper, but you could also add flavor with garlic or onion powder, paprika, or a dash of fresh dill.

Addition & Customization Ideas

Since this 3 ingredient avocado tuna salad recipe is pretty basic, you’re welcome to jazz it up with additional ingredients! For flavor and variety, consider adding:

• Green onion or red onion
• Pickles, relish, and/or pickle juice
• Celery
• Tomatoes or grapes
• Herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme
• Hot sauce

Do you drain canned tuna?

Yes, this tuna and avocado salad tastes best if you drain the canned tuna first. Of course, you can eat canned tuna straight out of the can without draining it. But, for recipes like this avocado tuna salad, it’s best to remove the excess liquid before mixing.

How to Make Tuna Avocado Salad

• First, start by mashing the avocado in a large bowl.
• Add lemon juice and season to taste, stirring to combine.
• Drain the canned tuna, then mix into avocado mash until integrated.

What should I serve with tuna salad?

You can serve this avocado tuna salad in so many ways! Eat it straight out of a bowl. Use crackers, pita bread, or raw veggies for dipping. Serve as a side dish with a leafy green salad. I love this recipe served in lettuce wraps for a low carb lunch, or as a comforting tuna salad sandwich! There are loads of great ideas to enjoy this healthy lunch in new ways.

What mixes well with tuna?

For more ways to jazz up canned tuna, try some of these recipes:

• Easy Keto Tuna Salad
• 15-Minute Tuna Tomato Pasta
• Healthy Tuna Salad Sandwich
• Tuna Taco Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes

See how to make avocado tuna salad in my Healthy Lunchables Bento Boxes video!