Did you catch yourself drooling over this Ahi Tuna Salad?! It includes seared Ahi tuna paired with crisp greens, nutrition-packed veggies, and a flavorful ginger sesame dressing. This protein-packed salad is the perfect weekday meal and it's super easy to make at home. A few simple ingredients are all you will need to create this flavorful salad.
Ahi tuna, also known as yellowfin tuna, is a popular choice in both raw and cooked forms due to its mild flavor and firm texture. Originating from Hawaiian cuisine, this salad combines ocean freshness with crisp vegetables and a delicious dressing.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Quick to prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes
- Health benefits: Rich in protein and heart-healthy fats
- Versatile: Perfect for a quick lunch or a special occasion
- Flavorful: A delicious combination of savory and zesty flavors
If you like this seafood recipe, you may also love our Poke Bowl with Seared Ahi Tuna or our Salmon and Mango Salad Recipe.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Step-By-Step Guide
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- Nutritional Benefits of Ahi Tuna Salad
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Sushi-grade Ahi Tuna: The centerpiece of this salad, sushi-grade helps ensure it's perfect for enjoying raw. It's also lean and packed with protein.
- Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds add a flavorful crunch and a hint of nuttiness. Toast them lightly in a dry pan for extra flavor.
- Sesame Oil: This oil is key for marinating the tuna.
- Lettuce: A mix of your favorite greens works best—think spring mix, romaine, or butter lettuce.
- Cucumber: Fresh and crisp, cucumbers add a yummy crunch.
- Radishes: Their peppery sharpness is a great contrast to the tuna's mild flavor, adding a bit of spice without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Avocado: Adds creamy texture and richness, making the salad more filling and satisfying.
- Green Onions: These bring a mild, slightly sharp flavor that brightens up the salad.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
Dressing
- Ginger Sesame Dressing: This dressing ties all the components together with its vibrant and tangy flavor, complementing the tuna perfectly.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Tuna: Try substituting with salmon for a different flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Olive oil can be used for a lighter taste.
- Ginger Sesame Dressing: Try soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey if unavailable.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Flavor: Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.
- Add-ins: Toss in edamame beans for added protein.
Step-By-Step Guide
How to Make Ahi Tuna Salad
STEP ONE: Prepare the Tuna
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Coat tuna with sesame seeds and sear each side. Let it rest before slicing.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Salad Base
- Combine spring mix, cucumber and radishes in a large bowl.
STEP THREE: Assemble the Salad
- Add sliced avocado, seared tuna, and green onions to the bowl.
Step Four: Dress and Serve
- Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with ginger sesame dressing and toss gently.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Salad bowl
- Salad tongs
- Colander
- Oil and vinegar dispensers
- Knife
- Frying pan or cast iron skillet
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
How Should You Store This?
Store your Ahi Tuna Salad in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the dressing separate and refrigerate any leftovers promptly; consume within one to two days for the best quality.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For best flavor, use fresh, sushi-grade ahi tuna.
To keep the salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of Ahi Tuna Salad
- Rich in Protein: Ahi tuna is an excellent source of high-quality protein, making it a great option for muscle building and repair.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: It contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. These fats help reduce cholesterol levels, decrease inflammation, and potentially lower the risk of heart disease.
- Low in Fat: Ahi tuna is relatively low in total fat, which can be beneficial for those managing their calorie intake.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This fish provides a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (especially B12 and niacin), which are crucial for energy production and maintaining proper heart function.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Radish can be used in almost any salad. Try them in this Italian Salad Meal Prep.
- Try making a Cucumber and Radish Salad for a light lunch.
- Use leftover avocado in this Tomato and Avocado Side Salad.
In the Mood for a Similar Dish?
More Asian recipes you will love:
Frequently Asked Questions
Sushi-grade ahi tuna is the best choice for making Ahi Tuna Salad because it's safe to eat raw and offers a fresh, clean taste that's crucial for a salad meant to be served chilled.
Yes, you can prepare the components of Ahi Tuna Salad ahead of time, but for the best texture and flavor, assemble the salad close to serving time. Store the dressing and prepped ingredients separately in the refrigerator.
A quick alternative to ginger sesame dressing is to whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, a little honey, and fresh lime juice.
📖 Recipe
Ahi Tuna Salad: Healthy and Fresh
Equipment
Ingredients
Salad
- 14 ounces sushi-grade ahi tuna
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 6 ounces spring mix lettuce
- 1 small cucumber sliced
- 5 radishes thinly sliced
- 1 small avocado diced
- 2 green onions chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
- Ginger Sesame Dressing to taste
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the sesame oil.
- Coat the ahi tuna evenly with sesame seeds, pressing gently to adhere.
- Sear the tuna for about 2 minutes on each side or until the desired doneness is reached. Remove from heat and slice thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine spring mix, sliced cucumber, radishes, diced avocado, and chopped green onions.
- Add the sliced tuna to the salad.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with ginger sesame dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tuna: Try substituting with salmon for a different flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Olive oil can be used for a lighter taste.
- Ginger Sesame Dressing: Try soy sauce mixed with a bit of honey if unavailable.
Nutrition
Our Ahi Tuna Salad recipe packs a nutritional punch that can benefit your overall health. With its simple ingredients like sushi-grade tuna, fresh vegetables, and a zesty ginger sesame dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch. Try making it today and experience incredible flavor in every bite! Share your creation on social media or leave a comment below to let us know how it turned out.
Important Food Safety Tips
Many people eat *sashimi-grade or *sushi-grade tuna raw. Please do your research and if you are uncomfortable with this, cook the fish thoroughly by adding additional time until the center is no longer pink.
While ahi tuna offers many health benefits, it is also important to consider its mercury content. It’s advisable to consume it in moderation, especially for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.
*See USDA.gov guidelines below for recommended internal temperature.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Comments
No Comments