Avocado Tuna Salad

Avocado Chickpea Tuna Salad with a zesty lemon dressing is the kind of dish you'll want on repeat for lunch or dinner. Quick to make and easy to pack for meal prep, it's a wholesome option that comes together in minutes.

This avocado tuna salad recipe is healthy, filling, and loaded with protein, fiber, and good-for-you fats. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish, a light side, or paired with a warm breakfast casserole for a hearty brunch, this tuna salad with avocado is as versatile as it is satisfying: good for those days when you need a meal that's both nourishing and fast.

What Makes This Recipe Work

This Avocado Tuna Salad works because it transforms simple pantry staples into something fresh, creamy, and nourishing. By replacing mayonnaise with ripe avocado, you get a lighter, healthier base that's full of flavor and loaded with good fats. The addition of chickpeas brings extra protein and fiber, making this avocado chickpea tuna salad more filling and satisfying than the classic version.

People love this recipe because it's quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and easy to adapt for any meal. You can enjoy it as a main dish, a quick side with a sweet and spicy cottage cheese toastor even tuck it into wraps and sandwiches for on-the-go lunches. If you love fresh avocado-based dishes, it also pairs beautifully with a bowl of fresh shrimp guac for casual weekend snacking. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack or a meal prep hero, this avocado tuna salad recipe is a simple way to keep things both good and nourishing.

What Goes Into Avocado Tuna Salad

The beauty of this Avocado Tuna Salad is that it uses fresh, simple ingredients that come together in minutes for a healthy and satisfying meal. Every element adds its own texture and flavor, making this salad both hearty and refreshing.

• Avocados: Creamy and rich, avocados replace mayo in this salad, bringing healthy fats and a smooth base that ties everything together.
• Tuna: Canned tuna is the star here, and we personally love using Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil for its rich flavor and tender texture. It's the one we always keep in our pantry, but any good-quality tuna works well.
• Chickpeas: Packed with fiber and plant-based protein, chickpeas add heartiness and a nutty bite that makes this avocado chickpea tuna salad extra filling.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the dressing and keeps the avocados vibrant, adding a zesty balance to every bite.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

On the stove

1. Make the Dressing: In a small jug or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, and salt until well combined. This creates a light, zesty dressing that ties the salad together.

1. Assemble the Salad: Add the tuna, chickpeas, avocado, tomato, cucumber, and red onion to a large bowl. Pour over the dressing, toss gently to coat, and season with extra salt and pepper if desired.

For a warm and comforting contrast, pair this Avocado Tuna Salad with Slow Cooker Tortellini Minestrone Soup. The tender pasta and rich broth make a hearty companion to the fresh and zesty flavors of the salad.

If you'd rather keep things on the lighter side, try Crispy Baked Garlic Butter Asparagus for a crisp savory bite. Together, these pairings create a meal that's fresh, satisfying, and a little unexpected.

Recipe FAQ's

Absolutely. The chickpeas hold up well, and with a squeeze of lemon to keep the avocado fresh, this salad makes a great grab-and-go option.

Canned tuna in olive oil gives the richest flavor, but tuna in brine works just as well if you prefer a lighter option.

You can swap chickpeas with white beans, lentils, or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor.

What you need

• 15 ounces tuna canned in brine or olive oil
• 14 ounces chickpeas drained
• 2 large avocados peeled and pitted
• 2 large vine ripened tomatoes cut into wedges
• 1 large cucumber halved lengthways and sliced
• 1/2 of a red onion sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, plus extra to serve
• 1 teaspoon garlic minced, or 1 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients in jug or jar.
2. Mix together all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing. Season with pepper and extra salt if desired.