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### How to Make Avocado Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cilantro
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
Start by draining the can of tuna and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break up the tuna into small pieces. Then, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Dice the avocado into small cubes and add it to the bowl with the tuna.
**Step 2: Add the Fresh Ingredients**
Next, peel the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds if you prefer a less watery salad, then slice the cucumber into half-moon shapes or small cubes. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the tuna and avocado. If you’re using red onion, finely dice it and add it to the bowl as well.
**Step 3: Season the Salad**
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the salad for a burst of fresh flavor. Drizzle the lime juice over the ingredients to bring some acidity and brightness to the dish. For a little extra richness, you can also add a tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure everything is well-seasoned and balanced.
**Step 4: Mix and Serve**
Gently toss all the ingredients together, being careful not to mash the avocado too much. You want the avocado to stay in nice chunks for texture. Once the salad is mixed, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like a bit of heat, you can drizzle a little hot sauce or add diced chili peppers.
Serve the avocado tuna salad immediately as a light meal on its own, or as a topping for a bed of greens. It’s also fantastic as a filling for wraps, pita bread, or even in a whole-grain sandwich.
### Tips for Customizing Your Avocado Tuna Salad
1. **Add More Veggies**: To bulk up the salad, consider adding additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots. This will increase the fiber content and add more texture and color to the dish.
2. **Add Crunch**: If you love a little extra crunch, top the salad with some toasted nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, for added texture and healthy fats.
3. **Spicy Kick**: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a small diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. The spiciness pairs wonderfully with the creamy avocado and mild tuna.
4. **Switch Up the Protein**: If you’re not a fan of tuna or want to switch things up, this salad works just as well with other proteins, like cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
5. **Make it a Meal**: If you want a more substantial meal, serve this salad in a whole-grain wrap, on top of mixed greens, or alongside some roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa for a complete and filling dish.
### Why This Salad is Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about this avocado tuna salad is that it’s great for meal prepping. While the avocado might brown over time, you can easily prep the tuna, cucumber, and cilantro ahead of time. To keep it fresh, simply store the avocado separately and add it just before serving. Alternatively, you can mix everything up, but store it in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly against the salad to minimize browning.
### Conclusion
This **Avocado Tuna Salad with Cucumber and Cilantro** is an easy, nutritious, and flavorful dish that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a fresh side to accompany dinner, this salad has you covered. The combination of creamy avocado, lean protein from tuna, refreshing cucumber, and zesty cilantro makes for a meal that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavor.
So next time you need something quick and delicious, reach for this simple, yet satisfying salad. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a wholesome meal while still indulging in delicious, fresh ingredients.
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