Introduction

This Seared Ahi Tuna Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Featuring tender, rare tuna and crisp mixed greens, it combines simple ingredients for a delicious and healthy meal.

A wooden bowl filled with fresh mixed greens as the base layer, topped with slices of ripe avocado in light green with creamy texture, and thin red and yellow bell pepper strips arranged around the edges. There are thinly sliced radish rounds, bright red cherry tomato halves, and three thick slices of seared tuna with a pink center and a browned peppered crust placed in the center, each slice garnished with a small green herb leaf. Small drops of beige dressing and a few mustard seeds are scattered on top. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a fork and knife on a beige cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Sushi-Grade Ahi Tuna Steak – firm texture and mild, fresh flavor perfect for searing rare
2 cups Mixed Greens – combination of arugula, spinach, or baby lettuces
1 medium Avocado – adds creamy richness and healthy fats
½ cup Cucumber – sliced for crispness and coolness
1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds – toasted for nuttiness and crunch
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce or Tamari – for savory umami seasoning and dressing base
1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger – grated or finely chopped for aromatic depth
1 clove Garlic – minced for gentle bite in the dressing
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil – for dressing and flavor
1 tablespoon Citrus Juice – freshly squeezed, such as lime or lemon
Salt and Pepper – to taste, for seasoning the tuna
1 teaspoon Oil with high smoke point (such as avocado or grapeseed) – for searing

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dressing by whisking together soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and citrus juice in a small bowl. This mixture will brighten the salad and tie all the flavors together.
Step 2: Pat the ahi tuna dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides to create a flavorful crust.
Step 3: Heat a cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until very hot. Add the high smoke point oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Place the tuna steak in the hot pan and sear undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes per side, depending on thickness, to lock in a rare, tender center with a caramelized crust.
Step 5: Let the tuna rest for a couple of minutes, then slice thinly against the grain to showcase tenderness and the rosy interior.
Step 6: Toss mixed greens, cucumber slices, and avocado with a light drizzle of the dressing. Arrange tuna slices on top, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions.

Tips & Variations

Use sushi-grade ahi tuna to ensure safety and best flavor.
Prepare the dressing ahead of time for deeper flavor.
Toast sesame seeds just before serving to enhance their crunch and aroma.
For a gluten-free option, substitute tamari for soy sauce.
Serve the salad immediately after assembling to keep greens crisp and tuna tender.

Storage

Store the tuna and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one day. Reheat the seared tuna gently in a warm pan if desired, but serve the greens fresh to avoid wilting or sogginess.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with a fresh mixed green salad serves as the base, layered with dark red and bright green leaves. On top, there are slices of pink seared tuna with black pepper seasoning, arranged in the center with small green herb leaves on them. Around the tuna, there are halved red cherry tomatoes, thin round slices of white and pink radish, and yellow and red bell pepper strips. Creamy green avocado slices are placed evenly around the bowl. The salad has light dressing droplets sprinkled with coarse black pepper. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin and silver fork nearby, and some salad dressing and utensils are in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook the tuna more than rare?

Yes, but searing ahi tuna rare preserves its tender texture and flavor. Cooking it longer will firm up the center and change the dish’s character, so adjust cooking time according to your preference.

What if I can’t find sushi-grade tuna?

For safety and the best results, use only sushi-grade tuna when serving it rare. If unavailable, you can cook the tuna thoroughly like a regular steak, or substitute with another firm fish suitable for searing.