If you’re in the mood for a salad that’s anything but boring, you’ve gotta try this Ahi tuna salad. It’s packed with flavour, loaded with fresh ingredients, and seriously satisfying!
If you’re a fan of tuna steaks (I mean, how can you not be?!) then you have to try this fresh and flavourful Ahi tuna salad recipe! It’s packed and loaded with ALL OF THE GOODS including a homemade tangy and zesty citrus vinaigrette. We’re talkin’ good ol’ mixed greens (use your favourite ones!), some ready made coleslaw, sliced radishes, cucumbers, red onions, jalapeńos, avocado, and green onions. There’s even some edamame thrown into the mix!
Because why not when delicious, healthy, filling, fresh, AND vibrant is the look you’re going for?! I’m just sayinnnnn’… they don’t call me the salad Queen for nothin’! You feel me?! This loaded Ahi tuna salad recipe checks off all of the boxes. Cause who the heck was it that once said that salads are boring?! Not me, I’ll tell you that much!
Whether you’re prepping for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a show-stopping potluck dish, this Ahi tuna salad is here to save the day. It’s super easy to whip up, with fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in no time. Just cook your tuna however you wish (grill, sear, air fry, etc.), toss it with the greens and veggies, and drizzle on that tangy citrus vinaigrette. Voila! You’ve got a meal that’s as simple as it is downright delicious.
And let’s not forget how versatile this salad is! It’s perfect as a stand-alone meal, a hearty addition to your dinner table, or even a unique side dish for your next gathering. Plus, with all those vibrant colours and flavours, it’s guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to.
So, are you ready to elevate your salad game? This Ahi tuna salad is your ticket to easy, tasty, and nutritious meals that never get old. It’ll help you discover how a few simple ingredients can turn into a dish that’s both satisfying and tasty AF!
INGREDIENTS FOR AHI TUNA SALAD
Before we get into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at the star ingredients that make this Ahi tuna salad a standout. I chose each component carefully so that the vibrant flavours and fresh textures shine creating a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail:
- Ahi Tuna: This high-quality, sushi-grade tuna is the star of the show. With its firm texture and mild, rich flavour, it adds a satisfying and luxurious touch to the salad. This Ahi tuna salad recipe features my air fryer tuna steaks which have the perfect seasoning to complement the other ingredients. However, for a different flavour profile, try grilling the tuna steaks and using this Asian style tuna marinade instead!
- Mixed Greens: A mix of your favorite leafy greens forms the crisp and refreshing base of the salad. Feel free to choose from spinach, arugula, baby kale, your favourite lettuce, or a mixture of all for added flavour.
- Coleslaw Mix: Adds a crunchy and slightly sweet texture. Pre-made coleslaw mix is convenient and complements the tuna perfectly. It’s a pre-shredded mixture of red and green cabbage and carrots. However, if you’re feeling up for it, you can always shred these ingredients yourself.
- Radishes: Thinly sliced for a peppery bite that adds a nice crunch and vibrant colour to this Ahi tuna salad recipe.
- Cucumbers: Fresh and cool, they offer a crisp texture and balance out the other flavours. You can peel them or not, depending on your personal preference.
- Red Onions: Thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness and tang that enhances the overall taste. You can use white or yellow onions instead, if you prefer.
- Jalapeños: Sliced for a hint of heat and a burst of flavour. Adjust the amount or omit completely based on your spice preference.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, it adds a luscious texture that complements the tuna and other ingredients perfectly.
- Edamame: A source of protein and a touch of nuttiness, adding extra texture and nutrition to the mix.
- Green Onions: Chopped for a mild onion flavour and a fresh, crunchy bite.
- Cirrus Vinaigrette: Made with freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and lime juice, this tangy dressing adds a zesty kick that perfectly complements the tuna and fresh veggies. It’s bright, refreshing, and ties all the flavours together beautifully. Find the easy to make recipe HERE.
HOW TO MAKE A SALAD WITH AHI TUNA (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this healthy recipe for Ahi tuna salad in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Choose fresh and high quality tuna. Opt for sushi-grade Ahi tuna for the best flavour and texture. Freshness is key, so look for bright, firm pieces with no off-smells.
- Season well. You can use salt and pepper, your own seasoning or spice blend, the spice blend from my air fryer tuna steak recipe, or this Asian style tuna marinade. Either way, make sure to season the tuna before cooking to enhance its natural flavour.
- Don’t overcook the tuna. For the best texture, cook the tuna just enough to achieve a nice sear on the outside while keeping the center rare. This preserves the tender, juicy quality of the fish. No matter which cooking method you choose, when the tuna is ready, it should be bright pink in the middle with a nicely seared crust/outer edges.
- Prep fresh ingredients. Use crisp, fresh vegetables and greens to ensure a vibrant and flavourful salad. The contrast of textures from the crunchy radishes and creamy avocado makes each bite extra satisfying. Freshness and quality of ingredients will make a difference in this Ahi tuna salad recipe!
- For a perfectly uniform and bite-sized salad, make sure to cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution and makes each bite just as delicious as the last!
- Balance the dressing. Although delicious, the homemade citrus vinaigrette has some pretty bold and sour flavours. Feel free to adjust it to your taste by balancing the acidity with a touch of honey or a pinch of salt. This will help enhance the overall flavour and complement the tuna and your salad perfectly. EXTRA TIP: To keep your salad fresh and crisp, dress it just before serving. This prevents the greens from becoming soggy and ensures each bite stays vibrant and flavourful.
- Chill before serving. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep the tuna and salad components separate until ready to serve. This prevents the greens from wilting and keeps the tuna at its best.
- Mix ingredients gently. Use care when tossing the salad to avoid bruising the greens and to ensure the vinaigrette evenly coats all the ingredients without breaking up the tuna or avocado.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
People often confuse Ahi tuna and regular tuna, but they aren’t exactly the same. Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, is a specific species known for its mild flavour and firm texture, often used in sushi and sashimi.
On the other hand, “regular tuna” can refer to various types of tuna, including albacore, skipjack, or bluefin, each with distinct flavors and textures. While ahi tuna is a type of tuna, not all tuna is ahi, and choosing the right variety can impact the taste and quality of your dish.
Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, stands out for its exceptional flavour and texture. Prized in culinary circles, it features a firm, meaty texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste that makes it ideal for dishes like sushi and sashimi as mentioned above. Its vibrant, deep red colour is visually appealing and indicates its freshness.
Ahi tuna is also famous for its high nutritional value, being rich in lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. This combination of taste, texture, and health benefits is what makes Ahi tuna a standout choice for gourmet and everyday meals alike.
When preparing Ahi tuna, it’s generally recommended to avoid washing it. Washing the tuna can remove some of its natural flavours and potentially introduce bacteria if not dried properly.
Instead, simply pat the tuna dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps ensure a good sear and maintains the rich, fresh taste of the fish. If cleanliness concerns you, purchase sushi-grade tuna from a reputable source, which is handled and prepared under strict hygiene standards.
No, you don’t need to fully cook Ahi tuna in order for it to be delicious. In fact, people often enjoy Ahi tuna seared on the outside while keeping the center rare.
For the best taste, Ahi tuna salad is best enjoyed fresh, especially once dressed, as the vinaigrette can make the greens soggy over time. If you have leftovers, or if you know you won’t be eating it all at once, keep the tuna and dressing separate from the salad components.
Store the tuna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and keep the dressing in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, simply toss the salad ingredients with the dressing and top with the tuna for a fresh and satisfying meal.
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AHI TUNA SALAD
Ingredients
- 4 cups Mixed Salad Greens
- 1 cup Coleslaw Mix
- 1/4 small Red Onion thinly sliced
- 2 Green Onions chopped
- 1/2 cup Edamame shelled and cooked
- 1/2 Cucumber peeled and diced
- 1 small Avocado sliced
- 1 small Jalapeńo thinly sliced, optional, for a bit of heat
- 3 Radishes thinly sliced
- 1 recipe Air Fryer Tuna Steaks sliced against the grain
- Homemade Citrus Vinaigrette as much as desired
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, add the salad greens, coleslaw mix, red onion, cucumber, avocado, scallions, edamame, jalapeño, and radishes. You can leave it like this or gently toss to mix.
- Arrange the tuna slices over the prepared salad. Drizzle as much homemade citrus vinaigrette over the salad and tuna as you desire. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
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