Healthy Tuna Stuffed Avocado is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special. This dish combines the creamy, rich texture of avocado with the light, refreshing taste of tuna, creating a perfect balance. The addition of red bell pepper and jalapeno introduces a subtle crunch and a hint of spice, while the lime juice adds a zesty freshness. This meal is not just about the taste; it’s also about convenience and health. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy moms who want to enjoy a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a satisfying snack, this dish is sure to please.
This Healthy Tuna Stuffed Avocado is stuffed with a flavorful southwest mixture of tuna, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro. No mayo necessary here! It’s the perfect healthy lunch.
We were making this recipe a couple of times each week for months before finally publishing it to share with the world. We came up with it one day simply based on what was lying around in the kitchen. We immediately fell in love. It is our absolute favorite lunch. We hear that you aren’t supposed to eat tuna more than twice a week, so maybe we shouldn’t make this every day, but you can bet that we absolutely want to. Not only is this so easy to make, but it is also incredibly healthy.
Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions
- Avocado: Choose ripe avocados for creaminess. If unavailable, ripe mangoes can offer a sweet twist.
- Tuna: Opt for canned light tuna in water for a leaner option. Canned salmon or canned chicken can also be used in place of the tuna to switch things up. For a vegetarian version, chickpeas are a great alternative.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and color. Substitute with diced tomato for a juicier texture.
- Jalapeno: For less heat, use green bell peppers.
- Cilantro: If not to your taste, try parsley or chives.
- Lime Juice: Lemon juice works well as a substitute.
Tuna Options
When selecting tuna for your dish, understanding the different types available can help you choose the best option for your taste preferences and health considerations. Here’s a look at four popular types of tuna you might find at your supermarket:
- Solid White Albacore Tuna: Known for its less “fishy” taste and firmer texture, solid white albacore is a premium choice. It’s particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health. However, it’s also higher in mercury, so it’s advisable to consume it in moderation. This variety is excellent for those who prefer a milder tuna flavor.
- Skipjack/Light Tuna: Skipjack, often labeled as light tuna, is more affordable and has a stronger tuna flavor. It’s lower in mercury compared to albacore, making it a safer option for regular consumption. Its texture is usually flakier, and it’s a great all-around choice for various recipes, including tuna stuffed avocado.
- Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi): Yellowfin, or Ahi, is another popular variety. It offers a richer flavor and firmer texture than albacore, and is often found in both canned and pouch forms. Yellowfin is a good middle ground between the mildness of albacore and the stronger flavor of skipjack.
- Chunk Light Tuna: This type is typically a blend of various smaller tuna species like skipjack or yellowfin. It has a more pronounced fish flavor and a flakier texture than solid white albacore. Chunk light tuna is versatile and works well in a variety of dishes, offering a more robust tuna taste.
Storage Instructions
Tuna Stuffed Avocados are best served fresh. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but know that your avocado will brown from oxidation.
More Avocado Favorites
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
The recipe calls for 1, 4.5 oz can of tuna. Do you know what the drained weight for the recipe would be? I have a 7oz can and am not sure how much to use.
Thank you
The great thing about this recipe is that it is very forgiving. Close is good enough! 🙂
Just tried this awesome recipe!! My husband and I love it.. will be making this weekly..Thank you
I ate something similar to this at a restaurant years ago but with salad shrimp. So now I alternate between tuna, shrimp & chicken. Sometimes I use a a meat with tomatoes, & cucumber added also. I could eat avacado everyday. It is healthy.
I don’t care for anything hot like jalapeno. What can replace it?
You could just leave it out.
Celery?
Plz eat local avocados, the ones from México are planted in zones where trees are cutted off to make space for avocado trees, like rain forest. No COOL, NOT AT ALL
I think you might be slightly confused. The global demand for avocado has increased the expansion of avocado farms in Mexico for sure. They aren’t cutting down rainforests though. They are cutting down pine trees. It definitely has an affect on local wildlife, but also provides the Mexican economy with growth so I guess it just depends on your personal world political views.
Damn aint we talking bout food just food why bring in lawyer aint nobody died from it. Damn!!!!!!
You’d be surprised.
I’m suprised this isn’t made with steamed fresh wild caught tuna, and a dash og olive oil instead of canned tuna. I hate canned tuna. Fresh steamed tuna tastes so much better. Get it at any fish or meat market
Great recipe! Made it today for the guys and they loved it. They looked at me kinda funny at first…lol…but all it took was one bite and they were all in.
Thanks 🙂
jalapeños add a little heat and the red bell peppers add sweetness… and who doesn’t ❤️ creamy avocados?
By the way, on My Fitness Pal, this recipe ( 2 servings) is 185 calories, 12 g fat, 11 g carbs & 11 g protein. If you eat the whole thing it’s 370 calories. Is it bad to eat an Avacado a day?…. cause I seriously could! Haha!