If you are in need of a quick recipe that's filling, loaded with flavor and friendly on your waistline, this Avocado Tuna Melt will become a quick go to meal!
Why Marci Loves This Recipe
- We always have avocados and tuna.
- Quick & easy to make.
- Takes just a few minutes in the oven (or air fryer).
- Low Carb/keto friendly recipe.
Ingredients Needed To Make Avocado Tuna Melt
- 2 avocado
- 1 can tuna, drained
- ¼ red onion, diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ c mayo
- ¼ c shredded cheese, Colby, cheddar or Monterey jack work best
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley to garnish
How to Make Avocado Tuna Melt
Preheat oven to 375°.
Slice the avocado in half, remove the seed. Using a small spoon, scoop out the avocado, leaving a ring around the outside of the avocado so that it holds its shape. Place the avocado in a medium bowl.
In the medium bowl with the avocado, add the tuna, onion, paprika, mayo, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Scoop the tuna mixture into the avocado skin and top with cheese.
Bake in the oven for 5-8 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Top with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks For Making the Perfect Avocado Tuna Melt
Choose ripe avocados: Select avocados that are ripe but still firm for the best texture and flavor.
Scoop out the avocado carefully: Use a spoon to gently scoop out the flesh of the avocado, leaving a little bit around the edges to create a sturdy base.
Customize your filling: Feel free to add extras like chopped pickles, herbs, or spices to your tuna salad for extra flavor.
Preheat your oven or broiler: Ensure your oven or broiler is hot before you place the filled avocado halves in to melt the cheese.
Choose the right cheese: Opt for a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, to top your avocado tuna melts.
Don't overfill the avocados: Fill the avocado halves with just enough tuna salad to mound slightly over the top, then add the cheese on top.
Keep an eye on the oven: Avocado tuna melts only need a few minutes under the broiler or in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, so watch them closely to prevent burning.
Serve immediately: Avocado tuna melts are best enjoyed right away while the cheese is still gooey and the avocado is fresh.
Variations
While this avocado tuna melt is perfect just the way it is, there are a lot of ways to change things up. Try these simple ideas to create variations to this dish.
- Spicy Tuna Melt: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the tuna salad for a kick of heat.
- California Tuna Melt: Top the filled avocado halves with slices of ripe tomato before adding the cheese for a classic California twist.
- Greek Tuna Melt: Mix feta cheese, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives into the tuna salad for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Tuna Melt: Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, minced ginger, and chopped scallions into the tuna salad and top with shredded nori (seaweed) and a drizzle of sriracha.
- Tex-Mex Tuna Melt: Add canned corn, black beans, diced bell peppers, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the tuna salad, then top with shredded Mexican cheese blend and sliced avocado before broiling.
- Caprese Tuna Melt: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves over the tuna salad before topping with more cheese and broiling until melted.
- Pesto Tuna Melt: Mix pesto sauce into the tuna salad for a burst of herbaceous flavor, then top with shredded Parmesan cheese before broiling.
- Mushroom and Swiss Tuna Melt: Sauté sliced mushrooms until golden brown and pile them on top of the tuna salad before adding Swiss cheese and broiling until bubbly.
How to Store
To store avocado tuna melt, first, allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature. Then, wrap each individual avocado half tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to help prevent air exposure and keep them from drying out. You can, also, place the avocado halves in an airtight container.
Store them in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for the best quality and freshness.
When ready to enjoy, reheat the avocado tuna melts in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through.
Avoid storing them for too long as the avocado may oxidize and the texture may change.
FAQs
Q: Can I make avocado tuna melts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the tuna salad mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. Assemble and broil the avocado tuna melts right before serving for best results.
Q: Can I use canned salmon or chicken instead of tuna?
A: Yes, you can substitute the tuna with canned salmon or chicken for a different twist on this recipe. Just make sure to drain and flake the fish or shred the chicken before mixing it into the salad.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to make a healthier version?
A: Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to make a healthier version of avocado tuna melts. You may need to adjust the seasonings and add a bit of lemon juice for acidity, as Greek yogurt has a tangier taste than mayonnaise.
