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If you’re craving a dish that’s as vibrant and fresh as a sunny Mediterranean afternoon, you have to try this Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe. It’s a fantastic marriage of creamy avocado halves filled with a zesty and colorful tuna salad bursting with flavors from cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. This recipe is not just easy to whip up in about 15 minutes but also feels like a little bite of the Mediterranean coast with every forkful. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, light dinner, or even serving up when friends drop by unexpectedly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe is that it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a dish packed with texture and flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the creamy richness of ripe avocados to the briny olives and tangy feta that elevate the tuna salad to a whole new level.
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained: Provides a tender, flaky protein base with added richness from the olive oil.
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered: Adds juicy sweetness and a pop of bright color.
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced: Offers a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: Brings an essential salty, slightly tangy punch to the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Introduces a sharp, savory bite for depth.
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced: Contributes a smoky sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled: Delivers a creamy, tangy element that complements the tuna beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Luxuriously coats the salad and enhances all the Mediterranean flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Injects zesty brightness to lift the entire mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a classic Mediterranean herb punch, grounding the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- 2 large ripe avocados: Creamy vessels that transform this salad into a fun handheld meal.
How to Make Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture
Start by draining the tuna to avoid any excess moisture, then in a medium bowl, combine it with the quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, finely diced red onion, diced roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, and chopped fresh parsley. This colorful medley forms the heart of your stuffed avocados.
Step 2: Season the Salad
Next, drizzle the mixture with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle in dried oregano along with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently fold all the ingredients together to ensure every bite bursts with balanced, zesty Mediterranean flavors without breaking up the tuna too much.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocados
Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pits. Using a spoon, scoop out a bit of the flesh from each half to create a slightly larger cavity—perfect for holding a generous amount of your tuna salad. Keep that reserved avocado flesh aside for the next step.
Step 4: Incorporate Avocado into Tuna Salad
Dice the avocado flesh you scooped out and fold it gently into the tuna salad mixture. This adds a creamy texture throughout the salad and makes each bite extra luscious and satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Finally, fill each avocado half generously with your Mediterranean tuna salad mixture. Serve them immediately to enjoy the freshness and creaminess at their peak, or add a little extra parsley or crumbled feta on top for garnish.
How to Serve Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this dish from wonderful to unforgettable. Sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley or a dusting of crumbled feta cheese over the filled avocados. For an extra burst of color and flavor, you might add thin slices of lemon or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These small touches add freshness and enhance the beautiful Mediterranean vibe.
Side Dishes
This salad-stuffed avocado pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty whole grain bread, a leafy green salad, or a light quinoa salad. If you want a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a lemony couscous for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast that’s full of texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can turn this recipe into party bites by scooping the salad into endive or romaine lettuce leaves instead of avocado halves. Or, try hollowing out mini avocados for bite-sized appetizer portions at your next gathering. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients will always be the star, no matter how you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and the avocado halves separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the avocado apart slows browning, while the salad retains its bold flavors and freshness.
Freezing
Because avocados and fresh vegetables don’t freeze well, it’s best to avoid freezing this stuffed avocado combination. The texture and taste will suffer when thawed, so enjoy this recipe fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do want it slightly warmer, allow the salad to sit out for a few minutes before serving, but avoid the microwave to maintain the fresh textures and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use tuna packed in water instead of olive oil?
Yes, tuna packed in water works perfectly if you want a lighter option, though using tuna in olive oil adds richness that complements the creaminess of the avocado beautifully.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives are hard to find, you can substitute with green olives or even capers for that salty, briny punch that balances the salad.
Can I prepare the salad mixture in advance?
Absolutely! The tuna salad can be made a few hours ahead of time and refrigerated, but it’s best to fill the avocados just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it’s wonderfully low-carb thanks to the natural fats from avocado and olive oil combined with protein-packed tuna, making it a satisfying and healthy choice.
How ripe should the avocados be?
For the best texture, choose avocados that are just ripe – soft enough to scoop easily but still firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe is a true celebration of bright, fresh ingredients and simple preparation. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and healthy, easy enough for a weekday lunch yet elegant enough to serve guests. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy bringing a touch of sunshine and Mediterranean charm to your table with every delicious bite.
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Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A fresh and vibrant Mediterranean Tuna Salad served in ripe avocado halves, combining savory tuna with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for a light and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick lunch or healthy appetizer.
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Avocados
- 2 large ripe avocados
Instructions
- Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, quartered cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, finely diced red onion, diced roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley, mixing gently to blend the flavors without breaking down the tuna too much.
- Season the Salad: Drizzle the mixture with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with dried oregano, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently fold all the ingredients together ensuring an even distribution of the dressing and spices.
- Prepare the Avocados: Slice each avocado in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pits. Using a spoon, scoop out a small amount of flesh from each half, creating a larger cavity to hold the tuna salad filling.
- Incorporate Avocado: Dice the reserved avocado flesh from the scooped halves and gently fold it into the tuna salad mixture, ensuring the avocado is evenly incorporated to add creaminess and flavor.
- Assemble and Serve: Generously fill each avocado half with the Mediterranean tuna salad mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese and serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to hold the filling well without collapsing.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Chill the tuna salad mixture slightly before filling the avocados if preparing ahead to keep it fresh.
- Serve on a bed of greens for added volume and texture.
- This salad can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
