I love using fresh ahi tuna instead of canned for this salad; it’s incredibly flavorful, tender, and transforms the classic dish into something special. This recipe combines smoky, charred tuna with crisp veggies like celery and red onion, all tossed in a creamy, tangy mayo dressing. Grilling the tuna adds a rich depth of flavor, while the fresh ingredients keep it light and vibrant. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a speedy lunch, a refreshing dinner, or even a hearty sandwich filler.
I especially enjoy how versatile it is—serve it chilled over greens, stuffed into a croissant, or alongside crackers for a satisfying crunch. The best part? You can customize it with extras like capers, hard-boiled eggs, or a squeeze of lemon to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a fresh twist on tuna salad, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Let’s get grilling!
Fresh Tuna Salad Recipe: Grilled Ahi & Veggie Delight
Ingredients
- 2 fresh tuna fillets 10 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion peeled, diced small
- 3 celery stalks diced small
- 2 pickles diced small
- 2 tablespoons capers minced
- 1 garlic clove finely minced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs diced small
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the grill
- Heat your grill to high (450°F–550°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Season the tuna
- Rub olive oil over the tuna fillets. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Step 3: Grill the tuna
- Place the tuna on the grill. Cook for 7–8 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked (no pink inside). Let it cool completely in the fridge.
- Step 4: Prep the veggies and dressing
- In a large bowl, mix onion, celery, pickles, capers, garlic, eggs, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5: Add the tuna
- Once chilled, roughly chop the grilled tuna into bite-sized pieces. Add to the bowl with the veggie mixture.
- Step 6: Combine and serve
- Gently fold everything together until well coated. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- Substitute fresh tuna with canned or frozen-thawed tuna if needed.
- No grill? Pan-sear or broil the tuna instead.
- If storing overnight, drain excess liquid and add a bit more mayo before serving.
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