Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad is a simple, elegant, and protein-rich salad that brings together flaky tuna, creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s the perfect no-cook lunch or light dinner—nutritious, satisfying, and easy to prepare in minutes.

With clean flavors and wholesome ingredients, this salad is a smart choice when you want something fresh but filling.

What Is Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad?

This salad combines high-quality tuna (either canned or seared fresh), creamy avocado chunks, crisp veggies like cucumber and red onion, and a lemon-mustard vinaigrette. It’s tossed gently to preserve texture and served chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing, nourishing dish.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad

Quick and easy – Ready in under 15 minutes
High in protein and healthy fats – Great for lunch or post-workout
Fresh and vibrant – Loaded with flavor, not heavy
No cooking required – Perfect for warm days
Versatile – Enjoy on its own or stuffed in wraps or lettuce cups
Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free – Suitable for many diets
Make-ahead friendly – Just add avocado at the last minute

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad

1 (5 to 7 oz) can of high-quality tuna packed in olive oil, drained
1 ripe avocado, diced
½ English cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional: 1 tablespoon capers, drained
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing:

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad

Step 1: Make the dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

Step 2: Combine the salad ingredients

In a medium bowl, gently mix the tuna, diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and capers (if using).

Step 3: Dress the salad

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the tuna mixture and toss gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the avocado intact.

Step 4: Taste and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad

Toasted sourdough or baguette slices – For scooping
Whole grain crackers or pita chips – Adds a crunchy element
Stuffed into lettuce wraps – Low-carb option
Spoon over quinoa or brown rice – For a more filling meal
Alongside a boiled egg – Boosts protein
Fresh fruit like melon or grapes – Balances the savory flavors
Iced green tea or sparkling lemon water – Keeps the meal light and clean

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad

Use good-quality tuna – Tuna packed in olive oil has better texture and flavor
Add avocado last – Prevents it from becoming mushy
Keep ingredients chilled – Enhances freshness
Dice uniformly – For even texture and appearance
Make the dressing ahead – Saves time on busy days
Don’t overmix – Preserve chunks of avocado and tuna
Add herbs right before serving – Keeps flavor bright

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad

Use fresh seared tuna instead of canned – For a gourmet touch
Add cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers – For sweetness
Include chickpeas or white beans – For extra fiber and bulk
Swap parsley with cilantro or dill – For a different flavor profile
Add a pinch of chili flakes or jalapeño – For gentle heat
Include diced celery or radish – For extra crunch
Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese – If not keeping it dairy-free

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Tuna Avocado Salad

Best enjoyed fresh – Avocado browns quickly
If storing, add avocado just before serving – Keeps texture and color intact
Store in an airtight container – Up to 1 day in the refrigerator
Avoid freezing – Fresh ingredients will lose texture upon thawing
Keep dressing separate for make-ahead prep – Assemble when ready to eat

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad

No reheating needed – This salad is best served cold or at room temperature
Let chill for 10–15 minutes before serving – Enhances flavor blend
If chilled too long, bring to room temperature before serving – Improves texture
Stir gently if stored – To redistribute dressing and avoid breaking down ingredients

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 340
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 420mg

A heart-healthy, balanced meal packed with nutrients, healthy fats, and clean flavor.

FAQs

Can I make tuna avocado salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

What kind of tuna does Ina Garten use for her salads?

Ina prefers high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for better texture and flavor. Look for solid white or albacore tuna in jars or cans.

Is tuna avocado salad healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutrient-dense salad rich in protein, omega-3 fats, and fiber. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in heart-healthy ingredients.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Absolutely. You can use seared ahi or grilled tuna in place of canned. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before mixing with the other ingredients.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Tuna Avocado Salad is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for quick lunches, elegant starters, or healthy dinners. With creamy avocado, high-protein tuna, and a lemony vinaigrette, it’s refreshing and satisfying all at once. It’s everything you want in a salad—simple, nourishing, and full of clean, bold flavor.