Paleo Tuna Salad

Looking for a delicious and nutritious way to reach your health goals? Look no further than Paleo Tuna Salad. Packed with flavor and full of wholesome ingredients, this recipe is not only perfect for those following a Paleo lifestyle, but for anyone looking to incorporate more healthy options into their diet. With its simplicity and versatility, Paleo Tuna Salad is sure to become a go-to favorite that will keep you satisfied and on track towards your wellness goals. So, get ready to indulge in a guilt-free meal that is both satisfying and oh-so-good for you.

Ingredients

Canned tuna

Canned tuna is the star ingredient in this Paleo Tuna Salad. It provides a convenient and affordable option for adding protein to your salad. Make sure to choose a high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor.

Avocado

Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to the salad. It is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and beneficial for your overall well-being.

Red onion

Red onion adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. It also provides a nice crunch and vibrant color. If you’re not a fan of raw onions, you can soak the sliced onions in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out their flavor.

Cucumber

Cucumber adds freshness and a refreshing crunch to the salad. It is low in calories and high in water content, making it a great choice for hydrating and nourishing your body.

Cherry tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity to the salad. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a wonderful addition to any healthy dish.

Fresh cilantro

Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the salad. It pairs well with the other ingredients and adds a touch of freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or basil.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice adds a tangy and zesty flavor to the salad. It also helps to brighten and enhance the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

Olive oil

Olive oil is used to dress the salad and adds a smooth and rich flavor. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Look for extra virgin olive oil for the best quality and taste.

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are used to season the salad and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s best to season to taste and adjust accordingly.

Instructions

Step 1: Drain and flake the canned tuna.

Start by draining the canned tuna to remove any excess liquid. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to combine with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Chop the avocado, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes.

Next, chop the avocado, red onion, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Make sure to remove the seeds from the cucumber and avocado before chopping.

Step 3: Finely chop the fresh cilantro.

Finely chop the fresh cilantro to release its flavors and distribute it evenly throughout the salad.

Step 4: In a bowl, combine the flaked tuna, chopped vegetables, and cilantro.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked tuna, chopped avocado, red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and cilantro. This is the base of your Paleo Tuna Salad.

Step 5: Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil according to your personal preference.

Step 6: Mix everything together until well combined.

Using a spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until everything is well combined. Be careful not to mash the avocado or overmix the salad.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy!

Serve the Paleo Tuna Salad immediately or refrigerate for later. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Paleo Benefits

The Paleo Tuna Salad offers numerous benefits for those following a paleo lifestyle:

High in protein

Canned tuna is a fantastic source of protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.

Rich in healthy fats

Avocado and olive oil add healthy monounsaturated fats to the salad. These fats are beneficial for heart health and help to promote satiety.

Packed with micronutrients

The combination of vegetables in this salad provides a variety of micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal health and well-being.

Low in carbohydrates

The Paleo Tuna Salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle.

Promotes weight loss

The high-protein, high-fiber, and healthy fat content of this salad can help promote satiety and support healthy weight loss.

Improves heart health

The monounsaturated fats from avocado and olive oil, along with the omega-3 fatty acids found in canned tuna, contribute to heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Variations

Here are some delicious variations to try with your Paleo Tuna Salad:

Add chopped celery for extra crunch.

If you enjoy the crunchiness of celery, consider adding it to your salad. Chop some celery into small pieces and mix it in with the other ingredients.

Sprinkle with sliced almonds for added texture.

For an added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle some sliced almonds over your salad. They will provide a delightful texture contrast to the creamy avocado and tender tuna.

Top with diced avocado for extra creaminess.

If you absolutely love avocado, why not take it one step further and add some diced avocado on top of your salad? This will amp up the creaminess and provide an extra dose of healthy fats.

Replace canned tuna with cooked, flaked salmon.

If you’re not a fan of canned tuna, or simply want to switch things up, you can replace it with cooked, flaked salmon. This will give your salad a different flavor profile while still ensuring a protein-packed meal.

Add a touch of paleo-friendly mayo for creaminess.

If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix in some paleo-friendly mayo with the other ingredients. This will add richness and creaminess to the salad.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your Paleo Tuna Salad turns out delicious every time:

Use high-quality canned tuna for the best flavor.

Invest in high-quality canned tuna to ensure a delicious flavor and texture. Look for brands that source sustainable and responsibly caught tuna.

Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to suit your taste preferences.

Feel free to play around with the amount of lemon juice and olive oil you use. Add more if you prefer a tangier and more dressed salad, or use less if you prefer a milder flavor.

Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop a more cohesive taste.

Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs of your choice.

If you want to customize your Paleo Tuna Salad even further, feel free to add any other vegetables or herbs of your choice. Some great options include bell peppers, radishes, or even fresh mint.

Nutritional Profile

Here is the approximate nutritional profile for a serving of Paleo Tuna Salad:

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Vitamin C: 25% of the Daily Value
• Vitamin K: 50% of the Daily Value
• Iron: 15% of the Daily Value
• Potassium: 20% of the Daily Value

Please note that these values may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Paleo Tuna Salad ahead of time. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

How long will the tuna salad keep in the refrigerator?

The Paleo Tuna Salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, the avocado may start to brown slightly after the first day. To prevent this, you can squeeze some extra lemon juice over the salad or store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface of the salad.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tuna instead of canned. Simply cook the tuna to your desired doneness and flake it into small pieces. Fresh tuna will provide a different flavor and texture compared to canned tuna, but it can be just as delicious in this salad.

What can I serve with Paleo Tuna Salad?

Paleo Tuna Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve it on a bed of lettuce or baby spinach for a lighter meal, or you can stuff it inside lettuce wraps or collard green leaves for a fun and portable lunch. You can also enjoy it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of sweet potato fries for a more substantial meal.

Is this recipe suitable for a Whole30 diet?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for a Whole30 diet. It is made with whole, unprocessed ingredients and does not contain any grains, dairy, or added sugars. Just make sure to check the labels of your canned tuna and any other store-bought ingredients to ensure they are compliant with the Whole30 guidelines.

Conclusion

Paleo Tuna Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for a quick and easy meal. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of micronutrients, it is a perfect choice for those following a paleo lifestyle or looking to incorporate more wholesome recipes into their diet. With its customizable nature and simple preparation, this salad is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe. So grab your ingredients, mix everything together, and enjoy a satisfying and healthy Paleo Tuna Salad today!