I get on kicks with my breakfast and lunch selections where I make variations of the same thing every day. Lately it’s been smoothies for breakfast and salads for lunch. Last week I was ready to break out of my salad rut so I got a little creative with a can of tuna. I don’t eat a lot of canned tuna but always keep it in the pantry because it just seems like a pantry staple that you need to have.
When I was in school at the University of Georgia there was this little cafe downtown that had this awesome cashew chicken salad. They served it in a sandwich that was pressed in one of those old school sandwich makers that made your sandwich into two little triangles. Do you remember what I’m talking about? I decided to play with the cashew idea for this tuna salad but put a Thai twist on it.
I used avocado in place of most of the mayo, spicy Thai chili lime cashews, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
I have always loved a good tuna melt but I wanted to do something outside of the sandwich box with this tuna salad so I served it in Romaine lettuce leaves topped with cherry tomatoes. It was a very light and refreshing lunch that was also healthy and packed with protein!
I entered the recipe into My Fitness Pal to get the nutritional breakdown. This is for the entire can of tuna. Pretty solid lunch!
Canned tuna…love it or not so much? Favorite way to enjoy?
And for the recipe…
Avocado, Cashew and Lime Tuna Salad
(Recipe developed by Jen DeCurtins, Peanut Butter Runner)
Ingredients:
1 can chunk white albacore tuna in water, drained
1/2 avocado
1 tablespoon light mayonnaise or plain greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup cashews (I used Trader Joe’s Thai Lime & Chili but any will do)
Juice of 1/2 lime
Salt to taste
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve in lettuce cups, with crackers, in a sandwich, on cucumber bites…get creative!
I adore tuna salad, especially with avocado…now I just need to get my hands on some of those delicious cashews!
This is a creative and different take on the traditional tuna salad. Avocado would be really good with the fish!
very creative way to jazz up tuna salad; have you ever tried using plan Greek yogurt in place of mayo?
I would have never thought to make this! looks delicious – will be trying it!
I enjoy canned tuna. It is a great lunch option to have in my cabinet when I don’t have anything else to make. Plus sometimes a good tuna sandwich can hit the spot. Or even a tuna melt! I love the addition of the cashews…Genius!
I keep tuna on hand all the time as a back up when I haven’t gone to the store or need a quick something. I’ve never tried avocado mixed in, but love the idea! I used to have one of those sandwich presses in college too, but we would only make pizza in it as a hangover meal. haha
I always keep tuna on hand. It’s a great go to snack on occasion but I’d take a seared tuna steak anyday! I will be trying this one out for sure.
I wish I’d have seen this recipe yesterday! I just finished a bag of those cashews. Guess I’ll have to buy another 😉
Are you referring to Cookies and Co. in Athens? They had the best sandwiches and to top it all off, free cookie with every sandwich. Oh how I love the Classic City.
yes, i am. i loved that place! especially when it was in the tiny underground spot.