29 Decadent Ahi Tuna Salad Recipes for Summer Picnics

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Savoring the freshness of Ahi Tuna requires more than just opening a can. Instead, consider searing tuna steaks to bring out their natural flavors. Adding a marinade can elevate the taste even further, creating a truly delightful culinary experience. To complete this dish, combine the seared tuna with your favorite salad ingredients and a simple yet tangy dressing for a quick and easy meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Ahi Tuna Salad

Ahi Tuna Salad

Weave together a harmonious blend of flavors by crafting a Ponzu-Ginger Vinaigrette from freshly grated ginger, ponzu sauce, sesame oil, and honey to be shaken in a jar with avocado oil for added depth. Next, marinate tuna steaks in a mixture of grated ginger, ponzu, and sesame oil for approximately 20 minutes before combining an assortment of fresh greens, including bok choy slices, mixed greens, radishes, arugula, Persian cucumber, and edamame in a large bowl.

Once the marinade has been absorbed by the tuna steaks, sear them until cooked to perfection, then drizzle with the Ponzu-Ginger Vinaigrette, followed by garnishing with sliced avocado, wasabi, or pickled ginger to add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Ahi Tuna And Mixed Green Salad

Ahi Tuna And Mixed Green Salad

Ahi Tuna Salad With Citrus Soy Vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Salad With Citrus Soy Vinaigrette

Lightly coat the Ahi tuna steak with sesame seeds before searing it; set aside to rest. Next, prepare a colorful array of vegetables by cutting up romaine lettuce and napa cabbage, then adding thin slices of red cabbage, sliced cucumber, grated carrot, edamame, and diced tomatoes to create a vibrant salad base.

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad With Avocado And Mango

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad With Avocado And Mango

Zeroing in on the flavors, start by seasoning your tuna steaks with salt and pepper, then coat them evenly in sesame seeds. This crucial step enhances the flavor and texture of the tuna, making it a perfect match for the upcoming vinaigrette. In a separate bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, grated lime zest, creamy mayonnaise, drizzled honey, aromatic sesame oil, and a pinch of garlic powder to create a harmonious balance of flavors.

Japanese Poke Bowl Ahi Tuna Salad

Japanese Poke Bowl Ahi Tuna Salad

Very often, recipes rely heavily on the use of acidic ingredients to add depth and balance flavors. In this dish, red onion slices are first soaked in rice wine vinegar, a step that helps to reduce their pungency while also adding a tangy flavor. Meanwhile, quinoa is rinsed in cold water to remove any excess saponins, then cooked in simmering water until tender.

Next, various ingredients such as cilantro, green onions, pickled red onion slices, and bell peppers are combined in a bowl, providing the base for the rest of the dish. The tuna is prepared by tossing it with pickled onion, soy sauce, and sesame seeds to create a flavorful and savory component. A honey lime vinaigrette is then created by whisking together rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, horseradish sauce, honey, salt, and pepper, adding a sweet and tangy element to the dish.

Finally, the cooked quinoa is added to a bowl along with the tuna steak, diced avocado, and diced mango, before being topped with the vinaigrette to bring all of the flavors together.

Ahi Tuna Salad With Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ahi Tuna Salad With Spicy Peanut Sauce

To prepare a bold and flavorful dish, start by creating two distinct sauces that will elevate the overall taste experience. First, combine Teriyaki sauce with peanut butter and water in the microwave to heat it through, then whisk in honey, hot sauce, and sesame oil before setting aside. This spicy peanut sauce is a key component of the dish, providing a rich and nutty flavor.

Meanwhile, for the vinaigrette, blend together soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, honey, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth, then gradually add sesame and grapeseed oil to achieve a balanced consistency. Finally, finish the dressing by adding sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and freshness.

Once the sauces are ready, focus on preparing the protein by covering tuna steaks in olive oil and seasoning them generously, followed by a coating of sesame seeds before searing and cutting into strips. For the final assembly, combine carrots, red cabbage, edamame, red pepper, peanuts, and rice noodles in a bowl, then add the tuna strips and drizzle over both the vinaigrette and peanut sauce to complete the dish.

Seared Tuna Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Seared Tuna Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette

Knowing how to prepare a delicious tuna salad is an art that requires attention to detail, starting from selecting the freshest ingredients to carefully combining them in a harmonious balance of flavors. Keeping this in mind, the first step in making this salad is to marinate the tuna, which can be done by combining lemon juice, ginger, sesame oil, olive oil, soy sauce, and pepper in a sealable bag, then brushing and pouring it over the tuna.

After an hour-long marination process, sear the tuna before preparing the salad. To assemble the salad, place mixed greens in a bowl and cover with sliced tuna, followed by adding a vinaigrette made from balsamic vinegar, agave, garlic, sea salt, pepper, olive oil, and basil. Finally, complete the dish by drizzling on the vinaigrette and sprinkling feta cheese pieces over the top.

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Ahi Tuna Salad With Green Vegetables

Ahi Tuna Salad With Green Vegetables

Lightly spreading Dijon mustard and sesame seeds onto the tuna creates an initial layer of flavor. The combination is then seared in a pan before slicing into manageable pieces. Next, partially boil the asparagus to achieve a tender yet crisp texture, while simultaneously crafting a dressing from a blend of coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, honey, and sea salt.

Once prepared, place arugula in a bowl, top with the par-boiled asparagus spears, diced avocado, and tuna slices then generously cover with the carefully crafted dressing.

Seared Tuna Salad With Miso Dressing

Seared Tuna Salad With Miso Dressing

Just like a perfectly crafted dish, our recipe begins with searing the tuna to perfection. Coat it with a layer of canola oil and seasoning, and slice it on the diagonal for a visually appealing presentation. Meanwhile, create a delicious dressing by combining miso paste, rice vinegar, canola oil, sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic, and water in a harmonious balance of flavors.

To assemble the dish, combine broccoli slaw, field greens, red onion, and carrot slices in a bed, then top it with the dressing before adding sliced tuna and creamy avocado slices.

Seared Ahi Tuna With Cucumber Salad

Seared Ahi Tuna With Cucumber Salad

Very simply put, preparing this dish involves a few key steps: first, marinate the tuna in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, grated garlic, and sugar for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the fish. Meanwhile, combine sesame oil, sea salt, rice vinegar, and green onions, then add sliced cucumber, snap peas, and radishes to create a refreshing salad that pairs perfectly with the tuna.

To complete this dish, prepare wasabi mayo by whisking together sugar, lemon juice, wasabi paste, and mayonnaise before searing and slicing the tuna. Finally, place the tuna slices over the cucumber salad and drizzle the wasabi mayo over the top for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

Yesterday’s lunch was all about fresh flavors and textures, starting with seared tuna that’s sliced across the grain to enhance its tenderness. This protein-packed topping is added on top of a bed of mixed greens, paired with creamy avocado slices and crunchy cucumber pieces. Meanwhile, the dressing is crafted by combining olive oil, soy sauce, ginger, honey, and a pinch of seasoning, which are then poured over the entire ensemble.

Ahi Tuna Salad With Sesame Dressing

Ahi Tuna Salad With Sesame Dressing

Joining these two components together seamlessly is the key to creating a dish that truly pops with flavor. This involves first preparing a sesame dressing by whisking together sesame oil, pear juice, coconut aminos, white vinegar, tahini, ginger, garlic, and seasoning, allowing the various flavors to meld harmoniously. Subsequently, a sauce is crafted from flour, coconut aminos, pear juice, sriracha, and honey by heating it up until thickened, lending depth and richness to the dish.

Once ready, sear the tuna and brush with this savory sauce before adding a layer of sesame seeds and cutting into thin slices. To bring everything together, add a drizzle of the aforementioned sesame dressing to crisp lettuce leaves, then top with slices of tuna, accompanied by green onion, mango, and radish for added texture and freshness.

Ahi Tuna Salad With Mandarin

Ahi Tuna Salad With Mandarin

Not only does this recipe offer a unique combination of flavors and textures, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Begin by preparing your tuna – coat it with a mixture of seasoning and dried parsley, then sear until cooked through before slicing thinly. Meanwhile, create a vibrant salad featuring a variety of colorful vegetables such as mandarin slices, spinach, carrots, red cabbage, beet greens, kale, and broccoli stalks.

Next, take the time to carefully prepare your vinaigrette – whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, grainy mustard, honey, minced herbs, and seasoning until smooth and well combined. Once ready, drizzle this delicious dressing over the salad and top with the seared tuna slices for a truly satisfying meal.

Ahi Tuna Salad With Citrus-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Salad With Citrus-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Elevate your dish by creating a zesty vinaigrette using a combination of orange zest, orange juice, cilantro, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of seasoning. Once prepared, brush the tuna with oil, add a sprinkle of seasoning, and sear it briefly before refrigerating and slicing thinly. To assemble the dish, arrange a medley of green, orange segments, onions, and almonds on plates, then place the sliced tuna on top.

Finish by drizzling the vinaigrette over the tuna, allowing its flavors to meld with the other ingredients.

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Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

Understanding the importance of preparation, it’s essential to marinate the tuna for at least an hour in a mixture of soy sauce, red chili sauce, grated ginger, and lime juice. This initial step allows the flavors to penetrate deep into the fish, resulting in a more complex taste experience. Once the marinating process is complete, pat the tuna dry with paper towels and coat it evenly with sesame seeds before searing in a pan.

Allow the tuna to rest for a few minutes after cooking, then thinly slice it to achieve the perfect texture. To complement the flavors of the tuna, create a vinaigrette by whisking together sesame oil, Dijon mustard, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, and a pinch of seasoning. Add a drizzle of olive oil to finish off the dressing. This zesty vinaigrette will add a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the pineapple slices and the crunch of the macadamia nuts in the salad.

Finally, assemble the dish by placing the sliced tuna on top of a bed of mixed greens, radishes, pineapple slices, onion, and macadamia nuts. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.

Asian Ahi Tuna Salad

Asian Ahi Tuna Salad

Omitting the usual tedious steps of making individual components, we can blitz together a dressing from white balsamic vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, grated ginger, sesame oil, and olive oil, adding toasted sesame seeds and green onion to give it an extra kick. This dressing is then drizzled over the tuna before searing, allowing it to absorb all the flavors. Next, we create a salad from mixed greens, green onion, spinach, and avocado, topping it off with our freshly prepared tuna slices.

Ahi Tuna Winter Salad With Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Ahi Tuna Winter Salad With Creamy Balsamic Dressing

Navigating through various flavors and textures is an essential part of creating a mouth-watering meal, and for those who enjoy experimenting with different ingredients, the Creamy Balsamic Dressing is a game-changer. By blitzing balsamic vinegar, olive oil, coconut yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and seasoning in a blender or food processor until smooth, you’ll have created a rich and tangy dressing that’s perfect for elevating your salads.

To assemble the salad, start by seasoning the tuna with your desired herbs and spices, then remove it from the pan and slice it into thin strips. Next, combine fresh spinach leaves, sliced fennel, halved tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, halved roasted potatoes, and of course, the sliced tuna in a large bowl. Finally, drizzle the Creamy Balsamic Dressing over the salad, allowing each bite to transport your taste buds on a flavorful journey.

Asian-Inspired Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe

Asian-Inspired Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe

Bring your taste buds to life with this delectable and refreshing tuna salad recipe! To begin, season the tuna with salt to bring out its natural flavor. Then, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra boost of nutty goodness. Next, heat some sesame oil in a pan and sear the tuna until it’s cooked through. While that’s cooking, combine the napa cabbage, watercress, mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, cilantro, wontons, and scallions in a large bowl.

Once the tuna is done, add the Asian sesame dressing to the bowl with the mixed greens and toss everything together until it’s well coated. Finally, place the seared tuna slices on top of the salad and serve immediately.

Keto Spicy Ahi Tuna Salad

Keto Spicy Ahi Tuna Salad

Here’s a simple yet flavorful recipe for a delicious tuna salad. Start by creating a colorful mix of greens, including cilantro leaves, halved cherry tomatoes, bell pepper slices, and quartered radishes. Next, add some zing to the dish with lemon zest and blend it together with ginger, cinnamon, olive oil, and your preferred seasoning. This aromatic mixture is then rubbed into the tuna, which is seared to perfection.

To finish off this mouth-watering salad, a tangy dressing made by slowly whisking olive oil into balsamic vinegar and adding a pinch of seasoning is poured over the top. The final touches include some fresh arugula leaves and slices of perfectly cooked tuna.

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad With Wasabi Vinaigrette

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad With Wasabi Vinaigrette

Roll out the ingredients for this Asian-inspired salad by first preparing the protein component: coat the tuna with sesame oil and seasoning, followed by a quick sear to lock in flavor, before cutting it into strips.

Easy Seared Ahi Tuna Greek Chopped Salad

Easy Seared Ahi Tuna Greek Chopped Salad

Delight in the combination of flavors and textures in this delectable Greek-inspired salad, where succulent seared tuna takes center stage alongside a medley of fresh vegetables. Dredge the tuna with your preferred seasoning to bring out its natural flavor, then set it aside to await its reunion with the rest of the ingredients.

Next, create the base of the salad by artfully combining crisp greens, thinly sliced red onion, diced red pepper, halved grape tomatoes, pitted olives, and thinly sliced cucumber in a harmonious union. Add a drizzle of your favorite salad dressing to bind all the flavors together, then place seared tuna slices on top to add a touch of protein and visual appeal. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top to balance out the dish with its salty, creamy goodness.

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Gluten-Free Seared Honey-Chili Ahi Tuna Salad With Oriental Dressing, Avocado, And Mango

Gluten-Free Seared Honey-Chili Ahi Tuna Salad With Oriental Dressing, Avocado, And Mango

You can easily elevate your meal by creating an Oriental-inspired dish featuring seared tuna, fresh vegetables, and a homemade Oriental dressing. The key is to combine vegetable oil, grated ginger, sesame oil, honey, white vinegar, tamari, and sesame seeds in the right proportions to create a harmonious balance of flavors. Once you’ve prepared the dressing, it’s time to move on to the seared tuna.

To do this, add seasoning to the fish, then sear it until cooked through before removing it from the heat to cool. Meanwhile, prepare your toppings by placing honey on one plate and chili powder on another. Dip the cooled tuna in the honey, then coat it with a generous amount of chili powder and sprinkle with salt for added depth. Thinly slice the tuna and arrange it alongside crisp lettuce leaves, sliced avocado, and diced mango, accompanied by shredded carrot.

Finally, bring everything together by drizzling your homemade Oriental dressing over the top.

Knockout Seared Tuna Salad

Knockout Seared Tuna Salad

Often, the key to a successful salad lies in its dressing, which is why creating a flavorful vinaigrette is essential before assembling the dish. This can be achieved by whisking together vinegar, fish sauce, olive oil, and black pepper in a bowl until well combined. Next, set aside half of this mixture for later use, then add it to another bowl along with sliced fennel and minced garlic cloves. Allow the flavors to meld together before moving on to the next step.

Once the tuna is seasoned according to taste, it’s time to sear it in a pan until cooked through, then transfer it to a plate where it can be sliced across the grain for optimal tenderness. Meanwhile, arrange the sliced fennel, Bing cherries, and diced avocado in a visually appealing pattern on a separate plate or platter. Finally, drizzle the reserved vinaigrette over the top of the salad, followed by scattering chopped pistachios for added crunch and texture.

Grilled Tuna Salad

Grilled Tuna Salad

When preparing your tuna salad, start by combining the tuna steaks, canola oil, celery salt, pickle juice, and seasoning in a Ziploc bag. Make sure to shake the ingredients well before letting them marinate for at least 20 minutes. After the marinade time has passed, remove the steaks from the ziplock bag and sear them over high heat on the grill until they’re cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Once the tuna is cooked, take it off the grill and set it aside while you prepare a delicious dressing to accompany the salad. To make the dressing, whisk together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and Champagne vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.

Ahi Tuna Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing

Ahi Tuna Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing

Key to this dish’s flavor profile is its unique dressing combination. To prepare it, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, honey, and sesame oil in a jar, then shake well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Next, place your mixed greens in a bowl and generously drizzle over half of the prepared dressing.

The remaining components of this dish – sliced ahi tuna, avocado slices, bell pepper strips, wonton strips, carrot sticks, and cucumber noodles – should be arranged artfully on top of the greens. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds to add texture and finish off the presentation by drizzling over the rest of the dressing.

Sesame-Ginger Ahi Tuna Salad

Sesame-Ginger Ahi Tuna Salad

Yesterday’s dinner plan doesn’t have to be dull and unexciting. In fact, with a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious tuna salad bowl that will make your taste buds dance. To start, create a tasty vinaigrette by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, ginger, honey, canola oil, and sesame oil in a small bowl. This is the perfect marinade for the tuna, so don’t skip this step!

Next, take the tuna and mix it with some cayenne pepper, black pepper, and sesame seeds until well combined. Sear the tuna in a pan until it’s cooked through, then slice it thinly into manageable pieces. Now it’s time to build your salad bowl – add mixed greens and spinach as the base, followed by slices of seared tuna, garbanzo beans, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado. The final touch is drizzling on that delicious vinaigrette you made earlier. It’s a match made in heaven!

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