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Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes comes together in a FLASH and is loaded with flavor and nutrients! Enjoy it as is or on top of a green salad for a light yet satiating meal. 

Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes - mayo-free and healthy! | TheRoastedRoot.net #recipe #lunch @genovaseafood

Truth: I have always, always been a tuna salad sandwich kind of gal.

When my mom made school lunches for my siblings and I, I was always beyond excited each time I discovered she packed a tuna sandwich.

In fact – and buckle up, because I know this will be a shocker – when faced with the decision to enjoy a classic PB&J or tuna salad sandwich, I’d always select the latter.

And this is coming from a girl who has loathed mayonnaise since birth.

Tuna salad continues to be the ONE THING including mayo that I would happily, wholeheartedly consume.

Which brings me to my next point: mayo.

Still not a mega fan.

Whenever possible, I substitute mayonnaise for something else, such as avocado, plain yogurt, or hummus.

The sub-out sub-in always results in a fresher, healthier and – in my opinion – just as tasty result.

Instead of using mayonnaise for this tuna salad recipe, I used avocado. Avocado pesto to be exact!

Have you ever made avocado pesto?

The idea behind it is simple: use avocado in place of olive oil for a wicked creamy pesto sauce.

How to Make Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad:

In order to make the pesto, all you do is add avocado, basil (or parsley or herb of choice), pine nuts, lemon juice, and garlic to a food processor and process until it reaches your preferred consistency.

You can also add parmesan cheese, but I find I like the pesto better without.

Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes - mayo-free and healthy! | TheRoastedRoot.net #recipe #lunch @genovaseafood

Mix said avocado pesto in with your drained canned tuna, throw in a couple of other savagely flavorful ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes and red onion, and BOOM!: lunch of my dreams.

For serving, I ate the avocado pesto tuna salad in three ways: as is with a fork, as a sandwich between pieces of toasted gluten-free bread, and atop a green salad with feta cheese, dried cranberries, pistachios, and balsamic vinaigrette.

You can also serve this tuna salad up as a wrap with veggies and greens, or as a pita.

Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes - mayo-free and healthy! | TheRoastedRoot.net #recipe #lunch @genovaseafood

 

Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes - mayo-free and healthy! | TheRoastedRoot.net #recipe #lunch @genovaseafood

And that’s it! All you need is a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes of time to prepare this super scrumptious healthy high protein lunch recipe.

Also check out my Cucumber Dill Avocado Tuna Salad and my Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps.

Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes - mayo-free and healthy! | TheRoastedRoot.net #recipe #lunch @genovaseafood

Avocado Pesto Tuna Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Roasted Summer Vegetable Burrito Bowls with Avocado-Basil Crema is a delicious lunch or dinner loaded with nutrients!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
2 Servings

Ingredients

Avocado Pesto:

  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ½ cup basil or parsley leaves
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove large garlic, minced
  • sea salt

Tuna Salad:

  • Avocado Pesto, recipe above
  • 2 5-ounce cans Genova Yellowfin Tuna, drained
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and patted dry

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients for the avocado pesto to a food processor. Pulse until completely smooth. Taste for flavor and add more salt to taste.
  • Add the tuna, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes to a mixing bowl. Mix in the avocado pesto and stir until well-combined.
  • Spread tuna salad on toasted bread to make a sandwich or add to your favorite green salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 2 - Calories: 393kcal - Carbohydrates: 14g - Protein: 36g - Fat: 26g - Fiber: 6g - Sugar: 4g
Course: Lifestyle
Cuisine: American
Keyword: avocado pesto tuna salad, healthy lunch recipe, healthy tuna salad recipe, high protein lunch, lunch ideas, lunch recipes, paleo, pesto sauce with avocado
Servings: 2 Servings
Calories: 393kcal
Author: Julia
Recipe Rating




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Emily | Oat&Sesame

Monday 1st of August 2016

This sounds super yummy! Does the avocado pesto tend to brown similar to guacamole if made ahead of time or does it keep pretty well?

Julia

Tuesday 2nd of August 2016

Hi Emily,

The avocado pesto keeps pretty well! I didn't notice any brown spots and I had it in my refrigerator for 3 days. Hope you try it!

marcie

Wednesday 20th of July 2016

I don't dig mayo either but I love pesto...this is the tuna salad for me! The addition of avocado makes it even more appealing so this I gotta try!

Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health

Wednesday 20th of July 2016

Okay, you were definitely a child anomaly. I wouldn't go near tuna or any fish for that matter as a child. But had you served me this version with that avocado pesto I might have changed my mind. It looks too freaking good!!

Julia

Wednesday 20th of July 2016

Right? I definitely was the ONE kid who was psyched over my tuna sammie and mleh over my PB&J. You'll absolutely LOVE the avo pesto - so creamy and flavorful! xo

Kelly // The Pretty Bee

Wednesday 20th of July 2016

That looks like a delicious summer lunch! I love tuna salad too, and your version sounds amazing!

Julia

Wednesday 20th of July 2016

Thanks, girl! It truly is an awesome lunch - so quick, easy, and I love that there's no cooking involved.

dixya | food, pleasure, and health

Wednesday 20th of July 2016

i like tuna salad too but for some reason, it never occurs to me to make it at home. i will have to remember it next time :)

Julia

Wednesday 20th of July 2016

Homemade's soooo tasty! I think you'll love this salad! Let me know if you try it!

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