Name: Asian Tuna Salad (no Mayo)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 handful red cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, julienned; 1 Persian cucumber, smashed and sliced; 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 2 green onions, finely chopped; 1 can tuna, 5 ounces, drained; 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon agave syrup; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pinch chili flakes; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1/2 lemon, juiced; Optional toppings, extra sesame seeds, crispy wonton strips, or fresh cilantro

Description

This vibrant Asian Tuna Salad features crisp vegetables, tender drained tuna, and creamy avocado tossed in a tangy sesame-soy dressing with no mayo. Perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or light dinners, this fresh and flavorful salad comes together in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 handful red cabbage, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1 Persian cucumber, smashed and sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 can tuna, 5 ounces, drained
2 tablespoons soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon agave syrup
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pinch chili flakes
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/2 lemon, juiced
Optional toppings, extra sesame seeds, crispy wonton strips, or fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Slice the Cabbage: Thinly slice the red cabbage and set aside in a large mixing bowl. The thinner the slices, the better they will absorb the dressing.
Julienne the Carrot: Cut the carrot into thin matchstick pieces and add to the bowl with the cabbage.
Prepare the Cucumber: Gently smash the Persian cucumber with the side of your knife before slicing it. This trick allows it to soak up even more of the flavorful dressing.
Slice the Bell Pepper: Thinly slice the red bell pepper and add it to your vegetable mixture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, agave syrup, and sesame oil until well blended.
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, chili flakes, and sesame seeds, mixing until fully incorporated.
Finish with Citrus: Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and whisk the dressing one final time. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Combine Veggies and Tuna: In your large mixing bowl, add all the prepped vegetables, diced avocado, and drained tuna, being gentle so you do not break up the avocado or tuna chunks.
Pour and Toss: Pour the Asian dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated and has a glossy appearance.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately for the crispest vegetables, or chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes