Save to Pinterest Brighten up your table with these Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados, a vibrant dish that brings together the creaminess of ripe avocados and the zesty crunch of a fresh tuna salad. This recipe is a perfect choice for those seeking a light lunch or a sophisticated appetizer that requires zero cooking time but delivers an explosion of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Save to Pinterest Using simple pantry staples like canned tuna and elevating them with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives makes this dish both accessible and delicious. It is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a versatile option for a variety of dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Ingredients
- Tuna Salad
- 2 (5 oz/140 g) cans tuna in olive oil, drained
- 1/2 cup (75 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/3 cup (50 g) cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup (40 g) Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup (35 g) red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup (35 g) roasted red peppers, diced
- 2 tbsp (30 g) feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Avocados
- 2 large ripe avocados
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Step 2
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, sprinkle with oregano, and season with salt and black pepper. Gently mix until well combined.
- Step 3
- Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Gently scoop out a small amount of flesh from each half to create a larger cavity, and set aside the scooped avocado.
- Step 4
- Dice the reserved avocado flesh and fold it into the tuna salad mixture.
- Step 5
- Fill each avocado half generously with the Mediterranean tuna salad.
- Step 6
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or a sprinkle of feta if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When preparing the avocados, use a spoon to gently create a larger cavity, ensuring you leave enough of the wall intact to hold the filling. Slicing the extra avocado flesh into small, uniform cubes and folding them back into the salad adds a wonderful creaminess and ensures no part of the fruit goes to waste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a different protein profile, you can easily substitute the canned tuna with canned salmon or chopped grilled chicken. If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan version, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
Serviervorschläge
These stuffed avocados are best served immediately to maintain their freshness. For a more filling meal, serve them on a bed of mixed greens or alongside whole-grain crackers. To round out the Mediterranean experience, pair this dish with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light, refreshing rosé.
Save to Pinterest With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, these Mediterranean Tuna Salad Stuffed Avocados are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Quick to assemble and impressively beautiful, they offer a perfect way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal any day of the week.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I know when the avocados are ripe enough?
Gently press the avocado - it should yield slightly to gentle pressure without being mushy. The skin should turn from bright green to darker green or nearly black. If it feels hard, give it 1-2 days at room temperature to ripen.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the tuna salad mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container. However, it's best to stuff the avocados just before serving to prevent the cut surfaces from browning and to maintain the best texture.
- → What can I substitute for the feta cheese?
For a dairy-free version, omit the feta entirely or use vegan feta alternatives. You could also substitute with diced avocado chunks for extra creaminess, or add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for savory flavor.
- → Is it better to use tuna in water or olive oil?
Tuna packed in olive oil provides superior flavor and richness that complements the Mediterranean ingredients. If using water-packed tuna, you may want to increase the olive oil in the dressing slightly to maintain the desired texture.
- → How can I prevent the avocado halves from turning brown?
Brush the exposed avocado flesh with lemon juice before stuffing. Serve immediately after preparation. If storing leftovers, keep the tuna salad separate and assemble just before eating for the best presentation.