Powell Family Cooking

  • Recipe Index
  • Spring Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Spring Recipes
  • Little Chefs
  • About Us
×
You are here: Home / Recipes / Salad

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

📋 Modified: Jan 19, 2025 Published: Jun 11, 2021 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS
Jump to Recipe

Did you catch yourself drooling over this Seared Ahi Tuna Salad?! It includes seared Ahi tuna paired with crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful ginger sesame dressing. This 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.

healthy seared ahi tuna salad feature image close up

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

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.

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:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make a Seared Ahi Tuna Salad
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Asian Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes
  • Versatile: Perfect for a quick lunch or a special occasion
  • Flavorful: A delicious combination of savory and zesty flavors

Ingredients

  • Sushi-grade Ahi Tuna: The centerpiece of this salad, sushi-grade tuna is lean and packed with flavor.
  • 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.
  • Ginger Sesame Dressing: This dressing ties all the components together with its vibrant and tangy flavor, complementing the tuna perfectly.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • 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.
  • Flavor: Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest.
  • Add-ins: Toss in edamame beans for added protein.

How to Make a Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

Healthy Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Process Shot 1 raw una

STEP 1: Prepare the Tuna

Select a fresh, sushi-grade ahi tuna.

Healthy Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Process Shot 2 coated with sesame seeds

STEP 2: Prepare the Tuna

Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Coat tuna with sesame seeds and sear each side. Let it rest before slicing.

Healthy Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Process Shot 3 lettuce preparation

STEP3: Prepare the Salad Base

Combine spring mix, cucumber and radishes in a large bowl.

Add sliced avocado, seared tuna, and green onions to the bowl.

Healthy Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Process Shot 4 includes all toppings

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with ginger sesame dressing and toss gently.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Use fresh, sushi-grade ahi tuna.
✔️ DO Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp.

Storage

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.

Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare Ahi Tuna Salad ahead of time?

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.

What are some quick dressing alternatives for Ahi Tuna Salad if I don't have ginger sesame dressing?

A quick alternative to ginger sesame dressing is to whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, a little honey, and fresh lime juice.

Seared ahi tuna salad close up

More Asian Recipes You'll Love ♥️

  • Crunchy cucumber salad with garnish in a white bowl.
    Crunchy Cucumber Salad with Peanut Dressing
  • Asian bean salad in a large wooden bowl being dipped with a serving spoon.
    Asian Bean Salad with Chicken and Sesame-Ginger Dressing
  • Better than take out beef and broccoli stir fry feature image close up with sesame seeds over rice
    Better than Take Out Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
  • Jasmine rice instant pot recipe feature image close up in bowl with parsley
    Jasmine Rice Instant Pot Recipe

Did You Like This Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this ahi tuna salad is amazing!

📖 Recipe

ahi tuna on a bed of greens close up

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

Jami Powell
Did you catch yourself drooling over this Seared Ahi Tuna Salad?! It includes seared Ahi tuna paired with crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful ginger sesame dressing. This 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.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Salad bowl
  • Salad tongs
  • Colander
  • Oil and vinegar dispensers
  • Knife
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board

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.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Notes

Storage 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.
Freeze This dish is not freezer friendly.
Reheat No reheating required.
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.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 46mgPotassium: 594mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2328IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

Other Related Recipes

  • Mediterranean smashed cucumber salad feature image close up in blue bowl.
    Mediterranean Smashed Cucumber Salad
  • Quinoa power bowl with chickpeas and avocado close up feature shot.
    Healthy Quinoa Power Bowl
  • coleslaw recipe for pulled pork feature image coleslaw in blue serving bowl
    The BEST Coleslaw Recipe for Pulled Pork
  • fall salad recipe with kale, delicata squash, and maple dressing feature image close up
    Kale and Delicata Squash Salad with Maple Dressing

Be the friend who shares good food.

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • SMS

Comments

No Comments

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Professional image of the Powell family sitting on a rock at the beach.

This is us. ♥️
We began this journey together in 2020, not really knowing which direction to take. Much has changed over the years, but we remain dedicated to this endeavor. We hope you continue to visit.

More about us →

Spring Recipes

  • Creamy pasta with ricotta and peas in a black bowl.
    Creamy Pasta with Ricotta and Peas

  • Spring pasta salad with garnish in a salad bowl.
    Spring Pasta Salad Recipe with Asparagus and Peas

  • Quick and easy marinated olives with feta cheese feature image close up in white bowl with rind.
    Simple Marinated Olives with Feta

  • Greek chicken meatballs with lemon spinach orzo feature image close up in white bowl.
    Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Spinach Orzo

  • green beans and carrots close up with thyme in buerre fondue sauce feature image
    Green Beans and Carrots in Thyme Infused Butter Sauce

  • Easy Greek lentil soup fakes feature image
    Easy Greek Lentil Soup Recipe (Fakes)

See more Spring →

Popular Recipes

  • A feature image of the scallop recipe with the linguine being twirled around a fork.
    Easy Bay Scallop Pasta Recipe (Lemon & Garlic Sauce)

  • Beef stroganoff without mushrooms feature image close up in skillet
    Creamy Beef Stroganoff without Mushrooms

  • garbanzo bean soup recipe with chorizo feature image close up
    Cuban Garbanzo Bean Soup with Chorizo

  • Feature image of fried grouper cheeks on a wire rack.
    Grouper Cheeks Recipe (Fried to Perfection)!

  • Bacon and Green Beans on a plate.
    Quick & Easy Southern Bacon and Green Beans

  • Sartin's signature deep fried bbq blue crabs copycat recipe feature image close up of fried crabs on platter on back deck next to a glass of white wine
    Sartin’s Signature Deep Fried BBQ Blue Crabs: Copycat Recipe

Footer

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Mailing List

  • Subscribe

Contact

  • Email

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Powell Family Cooking, LLC

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.