Tunacado Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

29 May, 2023

Delicious and Nutritious Tunacado Recipe: A Perfect Combination of Tuna and Avocado

Tunacado

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: Global
Category: Appetizer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: No cooking required
Servings: 2
Calories: 300 calories

About this recipe

Tunacado is a delightful dish that combines two delicious ingredients: tuna and avocado. It's a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds while providing a healthy and filling meal or snack option.

The concept behind Tunacado is rather straightforward. It involves hollowing out ripe avocados and filling them with a flavorful mixture of tuna, diced red onion, celery, mayonnaise, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. These ingredients come together to create a creamy and tangy filling that complements the rich and buttery nature of avocados.

To prepare Tunacado, you start by cutting the avocados in half and removing the pits. Then, using a spoon, you scoop out some of the avocado flesh from each half to create a larger cavity. You can save the scooped avocado for later use or even mash it up and incorporate it into the tuna mixture for added creaminess.

Next, in a bowl, you combine the drained tuna, diced red onion, diced celery, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This mixture gets seasoned with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring that all the flavors are well-balanced.

Once the tuna mixture is ready, you spoon it into the hollowed-out avocado halves, making sure to fill them completely. If you'd like to elevate the presentation and add extra flavors, you can top the Tunacados with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced cherry tomatoes, or diced cucumber.

As such, Tunacado is now ready to be enjoyed. The combination of the creamy tuna filling and the luscious avocado creates a harmonious blend of textures.

Each bite offers a burst of freshness from the avocado, balanced with the savory and tangy flavors of the tuna mixture. It's a light and healthy option that can be served as a main dish or a delightful appetizer.

The best part about Tunacado is its versatility. You can personalize the recipe by adding additional ingredients such as bell peppers, jalapeños, or spices like paprika or cayenne pepper, according to your preferences. It's an opportunity to get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking.

Give Tunacado a try, and enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors and textures it brings to your table!

Recipe origin and background

The Tunacado recipe is a modern creation that combines the popularity of avocados and tuna in a delicious and nutritious dish.

While it's difficult to pinpoint a specific origin or creator for this recipe, it likely emerged as a result of the growing interest in healthy eating and creative culinary combinations.

Both tuna and avocados have been widely enjoyed and incorporated into various dishes separately for many years. Avocados, native to Central and South America, have a long history of culinary use, dating back thousands of years. Tuna, on the other hand, is a widely consumed fish globally, known for its versatility and nutritional benefits.

The idea of pairing avocados and tuna might have emerged as a response to the demand for nutritious and flavorful recipes.

Avocados provide a creamy, buttery texture along with healthy monounsaturated fats, while tuna offers a good source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Combining these two ingredients creates a satisfying and balanced meal option.

The simplicity of the Tunacado recipe, with its focus on fresh ingredients and minimal cooking, aligns with the modern trends of health-conscious eating and quick, easy-to-make dishes. The recipe gained popularity through various food blogs, online platforms, and social media, where food enthusiasts and home cooks shared their versions and adaptations of the recipe.

As with many recipes, the exact origin or background of the Tunacado recipe may be challenging to trace, as it likely evolved through the creativity and experimentation of countless individuals. Nevertheless, its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice for those seeking a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Why try this Tunacado recipe?

Delicious Flavor Combination: Tunacado brings together the creamy richness of avocado and the savory flavors of tuna in a delightful way. The combination of these ingredients creates a harmonious blend of tastes that is both satisfying and delicious.
Nutritional Benefits: Avocado is known for its abundance of healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. Tuna is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients. By enjoying Tunacado, you'll be treating yourself to a nutrient-dense meal that offers a balance of macronutrients and important micronutrients.
Quick and Easy: Tunacado is a quick and easy recipe to prepare, making it perfect for busy days or when you're short on time. With minimal cooking involved, it can be whipped up in just 10-15 minutes, providing a convenient yet satisfying meal or snack option.
Versatile and Customizable: The Tunacado recipe serves as a versatile base that you can customize to your liking. You can add your favorite ingredients such as bell peppers, jalapeños, or spices to give it a personal touch and adapt it to your taste preferences. It's an opportunity to get creative and tailor the recipe to suit your individual flavor profile.
Health-Conscious Choice: If you're looking for a healthy and nutritious option, Tunacado fits the bill. It offers a good balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh ingredients. By choosing Tunacado, you can enjoy a satisfying meal while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Suitable for Various Occasions: Tunacado is versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner, or it can be served as an appetizer or a snack for gatherings or parties. Its colorful presentation and vibrant flavors make it an appealing addition to any mealtime or occasion.
Visual Appeal: Tunacado's vibrant colors and beautiful presentation make it an eye-catching dish. The contrast of the green avocado and the pink tuna filling, along with optional toppings like cherry tomatoes or cilantro, makes for an Instagram-worthy plate.

So, why not give the Tunacado recipe a try? It offers a delectable combination of flavors, a range of health benefits, and the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you're a fan of tuna and avocado or looking to try something new, Tunacado is a recipe worth exploring for its taste, nutrition, and convenience.

What does Tunacado taste like?

The taste of Tunacado can be described as a delicious blend of flavors that come together harmoniously. The combination of tuna and avocado creates a unique and satisfying taste experience.

The avocado itself has a rich, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor. It offers a smooth and buttery texture that provides a luscious backdrop to the other ingredients. Avocado also has a subtle sweetness that complements the savory components of the dish.

The tuna brings a savory and slightly briny taste to the Tunacado. It has a mild, delicate flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the avocado. The tuna's texture adds a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the avocado, creating a pleasing mouthfeel.

The addition of red onion and celery adds a fresh and crisp element to the overall taste. Red onion provides a mild, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor, while celery contributes a refreshing and mildly earthy taste. These ingredients bring a subtle crunch and aromatic quality to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

The mayonnaise and lemon juice in the recipe contribute tanginess and brightness to the Tunacado. The mayonnaise adds creaminess and depth of flavor, while the lemon juice offers a zesty and citrusy note that helps to balance the richness of the avocado and tuna.

If you choose to incorporate optional toppings like cilantro, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber, they can add additional layers of flavor. Cilantro brings a fresh and herbaceous taste, cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity, and cucumber adds a cool and refreshing element.

Tunacado offers a delightful combination of creamy, savory, tangy, and fresh flavors. The taste is balanced and satisfying, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy the pairing of tuna and avocado.

What is in Tunacado?

Avocado: Ripe avocados are the star of the recipe. They have a creamy, buttery texture and are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin E), and minerals like potassium.
Tuna: Canned tuna, either packed in water or oil, is used in the recipe. Tuna is a popular fish known for its mild flavor and versatility. It is a good source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.
Red Onion: Diced red onion adds a mild, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor to the dish. Red onions are commonly used in culinary applications and provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Celery: Diced celery adds a fresh and crisp element to the Tunacado. It has a mild, slightly earthy taste and a satisfying crunch. Celery is low in calories and a good source of fiber, vitamin K, and other nutrients.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise contributes creaminess and depth of flavor to the tuna mixture. It binds the ingredients together and adds a rich and velvety texture. Mayonnaise is made from oil, eggs, and vinegar or lemon juice.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a tangy and citrusy note to the Tunacado. It helps to brighten the flavors and balance the richness of the avocado and tuna. Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C and adds a refreshing taste.
Cilantro (Optional): Chopped fresh cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Cherry Tomatoes (Optional): Sliced cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity.
Cucumber (Optional): Diced cucumber adds a cool and refreshing element to the Tunacado.

Equipment required for this recipe

Knife: Essential for cutting and halving the avocados, as well as dicing the red onion and celery. If you don't have a knife, you can try using a sturdy spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh and use pre-diced onion and celery.
Spoon: Needed for scooping out the avocado flesh and creating a cavity for the tuna mixture. A melon baller or a small measuring spoon can work as a substitute for scooping out the avocado flesh.
Mixing Bowl: Used for combining the tuna, diced onion, celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings. Any large bowl or even a clean saucepan can be used as a substitute for mixing the ingredients.
Fork: Required for mashing the avocado or mixing the tuna mixture. A potato masher or a spoon can be used to mash the avocado or mix the ingredients if a fork is not available.
Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing the ingredients. A clean and sturdy plate or a large, flat surface can be used as a substitute for a cutting board.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Used for combining and stirring the ingredients in the mixing bowl. A regular spoon or any kitchen utensil that allows you to mix and combine the ingredients can be used.

How to make Tunacado

Try our mouthwatering Tunacado recipe, combining the goodness of tuna and avocado. A healthy and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados
1 can of tuna (in water or oil, drained)
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup diced celery
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced cherry tomatoes, or diced cucumber

Instructions

Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop out some of the flesh from each half to create a larger cavity for the tuna filling. Save the scooped avocado for another use or mash it and add it to the tuna mixture.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced red onion, diced celery, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Season the tuna mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Spoon the tuna mixture into the hollowed-out avocado halves, dividing it equally among them. Press it down slightly to fill the cavity completely.
If desired, top the stuffed avocados with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced cherry tomatoes, or diced cucumber for added flavor and presentation.
Serve the tunacados immediately as a light and healthy meal or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side salad.

How to serve Tunacado

Plating the Tunacado:
- Take a serving platter or individual plates where you'll be presenting the Tunacado.
- Carefully place the prepared Tunacado halves on the platter or plates, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Garnishing the Tunacado (Optional):
- If desired, you can add some additional toppings or garnishes to enhance the presentation and flavors of the dish.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, sliced cherry tomatoes, or diced cucumber on top of the Tunacado.
- Alternatively, you can get creative and add other ingredients like a drizzle of balsamic glaze, a sprinkle of paprika, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Serving Utensils:
- Place a serving utensil, such as a salad server or a large spoon, next to the platter or plates. This allows guests to scoop out the Tunacado easily.
Accompaniments:
- Tunacado can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or snack, but you can also serve it with various accompaniments to make it a more substantial meal.
- Consider serving it with a side salad, whole grain bread or crackers, or even alongside some fresh fruit.
Presentation Tips:
- To make the dish visually appealing, you can sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or cilantro, around the platter.
- Arrange any accompanying sides or garnishes neatly beside the Tunacado.
- Consider using colorful plates or a decorative serving platter to enhance the overall presentation.
Enjoying Tunacado:
- Once everything is set up, invite your guests or family members to serve themselves from the platter.
- Alternatively, you can serve the Tunacado individually plated and present them directly to each person.

Tunacado is best served fresh, so try to serve it immediately after preparation to maintain the flavors and textures.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 398 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Tunacado, Tunacado Recipe, Recipe, Top rated

What to serve Tunacado with

Tunacado can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal or snack, but if you're looking to serve it as part of a more substantial meal or add some variety to your spread, here are a few suggestions for accompaniments:
Side Salad: Serve Tunacado with a side salad to add freshness and additional nutrients to the meal. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette can complement the flavors of Tunacado nicely.
Whole Grain Bread or Crackers: Offer some whole grain bread or a selection of crackers alongside the Tunacado. This allows your guests to enjoy the tunacado mixture spread on bread or as a dip with crackers. Whole grain options provide extra fiber and can add a satisfying crunch.
Fresh Fruit: Include a platter of fresh fruit slices or a fruit salad as a refreshing and sweet accompaniment to balance the savory flavors of Tunacado. Fruits like watermelon, pineapple, grapes, or berries work well and provide a burst of natural sweetness.
Vegetable Crudité: Serve a platter of sliced vegetables such as carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, celery sticks, and radishes alongside the Tunacado. This adds a crunchy and colorful element to the meal and provides an opportunity for additional dipping options.
Sweet Potato Chips or Tortilla Chips: Offer a bowl of baked sweet potato chips or tortilla chips as a crispy and flavorful option for dipping into the Tunacado mixture. This adds a bit of texture and a fun snacking element to the meal.
Quinoa Salad or Couscous: If you prefer a heartier side dish, consider serving Tunacado with a quinoa salad or couscous. These grain-based salads can be prepared with fresh herbs, diced vegetables, and a light dressing, providing a satisfying and nutritious accompaniment.

My recommendations and tips

Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. Select ripe avocados and good-quality canned tuna. Fresh vegetables and herbs will also enhance the flavors.
Avocado Selection: Look for avocados that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Avoid overly ripe avocados that are mushy or have brown spots.
Mixing Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the tuna mixture to your preference. If you prefer a chunkier texture, lightly mix the ingredients. For a smoother consistency, mash the avocado thoroughly and mix it well with the other ingredients.
Seasoning to Taste: Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference. Taste the mixture and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Creative Additions: Feel free to get creative with your toppings and accompaniments. Experiment with different herbs, spices, or additional ingredients to customize the dish to your liking.
Serving Presentation: Take some time to plate the Tunacado beautifully. Garnish with fresh herbs, colorful toppings, and serve it on visually appealing dishes or platters.
Freshness Matters: Tunacado is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately after preparation for the best flavors and textures. If you have leftovers, store the tuna mixture and avocado halves separately and assemble just before serving.
Customize and Adapt: Don't hesitate to adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Explore different ingredient variations, substitutions, or additions to make it your own.
Enjoy and Share: Tunacado is a delightful dish meant to be shared and enjoyed with others. Invite friends or family to savor the flavors together and create lasting memories.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Avocado: If avocados are not available or you prefer a different flavor, you can try using mashed cooked sweet potato or hummus as a creamy substitute.
Tuna: If you don't prefer tuna or are looking for alternative options, you can try using cooked and flaked salmon, shredded cooked chicken, or chickpeas (for a vegetarian/vegan version).
Red Onion: If you don't have red onion, you can use finely chopped shallots or spring onions (scallions) as a substitute. They provide a similar mild onion flavor.
Celery: If you don't have celery, you can use diced cucumber or bell peppers for a similar crunch and freshness.
Mayonnaise: If you want to avoid mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado as a healthier alternative. These substitutes provide a creamy texture and add a different flavor profile.
Lemon Juice: If you don't have fresh lemons, you can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute. However, fresh lemon juice is generally preferred for its bright and zesty flavor.
Cilantro: If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can use parsley or basil for a fresh herb flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes are not available, you can use diced regular tomatoes or sundried tomatoes for a different flavor and texture.
Cucumber: If cucumber is not to your liking, you can use diced bell peppers or pickles for a crunchy and tangy element.

Additional information

Storage: Tunacado is best enjoyed fresh and immediately after preparation. However, if you have leftovers, you can store the tuna mixture separately from the avocado halves. Place the tuna mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. The avocado halves should be stored separately, preferably with the pit intact, in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to prevent browning. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply assemble the Tunacado by filling the avocado halves with the refrigerated tuna mixture.
Ingredient Variations: The Tunacado recipe can be customized to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or add your own twist. For example, you can add diced bell peppers, pickles, or olives for added flavor and texture. You can also adjust the seasonings by incorporating spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to enhance the taste.
Serving Size: The number of servings may vary depending on the size of the avocados and the appetites of those being served. The recipe generally yields enough for about 2-4 servings, but you can easily scale it up or down to accommodate your needs. Adjust the quantities of ingredients accordingly.
Ingredient Freshness: To ensure the best flavor and quality, it's recommended to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a rich green color. For the tuna, opt for good-quality canned tuna packed in water or oil. Using fresh vegetables and herbs will also enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions: If you or your guests have any allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to check the ingredients and make necessary substitutions or omissions. For example, if you have a dairy allergy or follow a vegan diet, consider using a dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise as a substitute.

Final Remark

In conclusion, our Tunacado recipe is a must-try dish that brings together the delightful flavors of tuna and avocado. With its nutritional benefits and delicious taste, it's a recipe that will surely impress your taste buds. Give it a try and elevate your culinary experience!