Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, my Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad is just what you need. This dish combines the creamy goodness of avocado with budget-friendly canned tuna and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a tangy sesame-soy dressing. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen—or for gatherings where you want to impress your friends and family!

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as part of a potluck spread. You’ll love how the crispy rice adds a fun texture that keeps every bite exciting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip this salad up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the combination of flavors and textures—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the crispy rice ahead of time and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this salad keeps you full without weighing you down.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad. You likely have many of these items on hand already!

For the Rice

• 3 cups (555 g) cooked jasmine or sushi rice, cooled (or a 450 g/1 lb packet of microwave jasmine rice)
• 2 tbsp tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Dressing

• ½ cup (125 g) whole-egg mayonnaise (see note 1 about dairy-free)
• 3 tbsp tamari or all-purpose soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice apple vinegar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional)

For the Salad

• 425 g (15 oz) canned tuna in oil, drained
• 2 Lebanese (short) cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup (140 g) frozen edamame beans, thawed
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
• 1 tsp black sesame seeds
• Chilli crisp or chilli oil (optional)
• 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Instead of tuna, try using canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Go spicy: If you love heat, add more sriracha or even diced jalapeños throughout the salad.
• Mix up the greens: Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for an extra dose of freshness.

How to Make Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Rice

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Spread the cooled cooked rice onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with tamari, dark soy sauce if using, sesame oil, and olive oil. Toss everything together until well-coated. This step is key because it will give your salad that delightful crunch once baked!

Step 2: Bake Until Golden

Now it’s time to bake! Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 40–50 minutes. Remember to check and stir every 15 minutes so that all sides get golden brown. This crispy texture is what elevates our Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad.

Step 3: Whisk Up Your Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine all your dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, tamari or soy sauce, rice apple vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and sriracha if you’re feeling adventurous. Whisk until smooth. A good dressing brings all flavors together beautifully!

Step 4: Combine Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, add your drained tuna, cucumber slices, edamame beans, diced avocado, finely sliced spring onion, and that gorgeous crispy rice we just made.

Step 5: Dress It Up!

Drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds and top with chilli crisp or oil along with sliced jalapeños if desired. The colors will pop beautifully—trust me!

Step 6: Serve Fresh

Right before serving, give everything a gentle toss at the table so everyone can see those delicious layers coming together. Enjoy this refreshing Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad as an uplifting meal any day of the week!

Pro Tips for Making Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad

Creating the perfect Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad is all about attention to detail and a bit of love! Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and ripe avocados make a world of difference. They enhance the flavor and texture of your salad, ensuring each bite is bursting with freshness.

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to skip the sriracha or jalapeños. Conversely, if you love a kick, add more to suit your taste—this salad is easily customizable!

• Monitor Rice Crispiness: Keep an eye on your rice while it’s baking. Different ovens can vary, so checking every 15 minutes will help you achieve that perfect crispy texture without burning.

• Experiment with Dressings: While this sesame-soy dressing is delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment! A citrus vinaigrette or a creamy tahini dressing can bring new flavors and excitement to your salad.

• Make it Ahead of Time: The components can be prepared ahead of time—just assemble before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on busy evenings.

How to Serve Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad

Presenting your Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad can make all the difference in creating an inviting dining experience. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh cilantro or parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor with their aromatic notes.

• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime right before eating brightens up the entire dish and balances out the creaminess of the avocado.

Side Dishes

• Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup pairs perfectly with this salad, offering a comforting contrast to the coolness of the ingredients.

• Seaweed Salad: Light and refreshing, a side of seaweed salad complements the tuna beautifully while adding an additional layer of umami flavor.

• Quinoa Pilaf: For those looking for a heartier side, quinoa pilaf mixed with vegetables provides extra protein and fiber, making your meal even more satisfying.

• Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled carrots or radishes adds a tangy crunch that enhances the overall flavor profile and balances the richness of the salad.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad will not only taste amazing but will also look stunning on your dining table! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad is a fantastic option for meal prep! It stores beautifully, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lunches throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your salad fresh and delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and freshness.
• Keep the crispy rice separate from the salad if possible to maintain its crunch.

Freezing

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the avocado and mayonnaise, which can change texture when thawed.
• However, you can freeze the crispy rice separately. Spread it out on a baking tray and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer bag.

Reheating

• Reheat the crispy rice in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again.
• Avoid reheating the salad mixture. Instead, enjoy it cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Have some questions? Here are some common inquiries about the Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad!

Can I use different types of fish in this Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad?

Absolutely! While tuna is a classic choice, feel free to swap it for salmon or even chickpeas if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

How do I make this Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply substitute whole-egg mayonnaise with a plant-based mayonnaise alternative.

Can I prepare this Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients up to a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers for easy assembly when you’re ready to serve.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

Jasmine or sushi rice are both excellent choices for achieving that perfect texture. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before baking!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad as much as I do! It’s not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself on a busy night, this salad is sure to impress! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out; I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!