Seared Ahi Tuna Salad with Avocado and Mango
Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe – These refreshingly delicious salads are loaded with seared Ahi tuna steaks, mango, avocado, crispy wonton strips, and scallions. Plus, a drizzle of lime aioli adds even more bright flavor to every bite!
Why We Love This Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe
We have a pretty epic Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos Recipe on the site. They can be made with seared Ahi (like what we use in this dish) or with fully raw Poke. However, if you are trying to up your veggie intake and lessen your fried food intake, this Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna Salad recipe offers a similar flavor profile, but with way fewer calories and fat.
It features lightly seared ahi tuna steaks crusted with sesame seeds, fresh mango, avocado, scallions, and a sprinkling of irresistibly crunchy wonton strips, all kissed with rich tangy lime aioli. Every bite is packed with mind-blowing delicious flavor and the perfect crunchiness that keeps you going back in for another forkful.
These salads are light and refreshing, but also nutritious and satisfying. And they only take about 25 minutes to put together! So keep this recipe on your menu plan for a night when you want a fun and scrumptious dish that feels a bit fancy – but is easy and quick to prepare in a flash.
Ingredients You Need
- Ahi tuna steaks – 1 inch thick
- Sesame seeds – for a light nutty flavor that pairs well with tuna and has a terrific texture
- Romaine lettuce – chopped
- Mango – peeled and diced
- Avocado – peeled and diced
- Wonton strips – for that delightful crunch you crave
- Scallions – chopped
- Mayonnaise – classic or light
- Lime – zested and juiced
- Honey – or agave
- Sesame oil – most preferred for its rich nutty flavor, but can be subbed with avocado or olive oil in a pinch
- Spices – garlic powder, salt and black pepper
How to Make Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad
- Prep the produce and season the tuna steaks (liberally!) on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Pour the sesame seeds out onto a plate or into a shallow dish. Use clean hands to gently but firmly press the tuna steaks into the sesame seeds… You want a nice even coating on all sides.
- Set a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and use tongs to sear tuna steaks in the pan for 1-2 minutes on all sides. The outside should be deep golden-brown, but not blackened. Transfer the seared steaks to a plate or cutting board for them to rest while you assemble the salad.
- Next make the aioli dressing: Combine the mayonnaise, lime juice and zest, honey, the remaining 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and garlic powder in a small mixing bowl. Stir well, then taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Pile 4 dinner plates each with the lettuce, mango, and avocado. Really load ’em up!
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled tuna steaks into evenly-sized ¾ inch cubes.
Get the Complete (Printable!) Sesame-Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe Below. Enjoy!
- Place a pile of seared ahi tuna cubes on each plate. Sprinkle the top of each salad with scallions and wonton strips. Then either drizzle or dollop the lime aïoli over the top.
Serve the salads immediately.
Aren’t these *almost* too pretty to eat?!
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Set out the steaks – For quick and even cooking, we recommend letting the tuna steaks come to room temperature before searing. This usually takes just about 15-20 minutes, max.
- Spicy dressing – Want to kick things up? Add wasabi paste to the aioli. Start with just a smidge, stir and taste. Continue to add a bit more and taste until it’s reached your desired level of spiciness.
- Other dressing – Change things up and substitute the lime aioli with any other dressing you like! Try this salad with a sesame dressing, fresh ginger salad dressing, or a zesty vinaigrette with soy sauce, lime, and wasabi.
- Wait to dress – Speaking of dressing … Wait until you are ready to serve before drizzling on the aioli dressing. This keeps the lettuce from getting sad and soggy.
- Wonton strips – If by chance you aren’t a big fan of wonton strips you can totally leave them off. Instead try regular ‘ol croutons or tiny tempura crunchies.
- Decrease the servings – As-is this ahi tuna salad recipe makes 4 hearty servings. Feel free to halve the ingredients to make lunch or dinner for two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Surprise – they are the same fish! Ahi is the Hawaiian name for what’s otherwise known as yellowfin tuna.
While they have everything you need for a complete meal in one bowl – veggies, lean protein, and a bit of carb-y goodness from the wontons – these salads are also delicious to enjoy with all kinds of fresh and/or fried sides. Pair with Japanese Clear Soup or Egg Drop Soup, dumplings, or Okonomiyaki for an even heartier dinner!
Can’t get enough mango? You don’t want to miss this Mango Pudding dessert recipe!
The salads should be served and enjoyed as soon as they are assembled. Many components can be prepped ahead of time, like washing and chopping the lettuce, mango, and green onions.
However, avocado is best when peeled and chopped right before serving. The seared and cooled tuna will keep well for up to a day or so in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Looking for More Terrific Seafood Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Get the Complete (Printable!) Seared Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad with Avocado and Mango
Ingredients
- 2 Ahi tuna steaks 1 inch thick (about 1 lb.)
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 mango peeled and diced
- 1 ripe avocado peeled and diced
- 1 cup wonton strips
- ½ cup chopped scallions
- ½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 1 -2 tablespoons honey
- 3 teaspoons sesame oil divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Chop and prep all the fresh produce. Season the tuna steaks liberally on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Then pour the sesame seeds out onto a plate and press the tuna steaks into the sesame seeds to coat on both sides.
- Set a 10-12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Sear the tuna steaks for 1-2 minutes per side then remove from heat and allow them to rest.
- In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, lime zest, honey, remaining 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, and garlic powder. Mix well, then taste. Salt and pepper as needed and add additional honey if desired.
- Set out 4 dinner plates. Pile with Romaine lettuce, diced mango, and diced avocado.
- Once the tuna steaks have had a few minutes to cool, cut them into ¾ inch cubes.
- Place a pile of seared ahi tuna cubes on each plate. Sprinkle the top of each salad with scallions and wonton strips. Either drizzle or dollop the lime aïoli over the top. Serve immediately.
Absolutely stunning! The tuna is perfect and the ingredients complement each other flawlessly! I LOVE it when healthy AND delicious come together in one great meal! <3
Wow, I cannot believe how fresh and flavorful this salad was! The mango and avocado pairing is fabulous!
Seared Ahi Tuna is one of my favorite things to order at restaurants but I was always too intimidated to try to make it myself at home. Well, NO MORE! This recipe was not only surprisingly simple to make, but it turned out so, so good! Fresh, healthy, and delicious…my family was so impressed!
wow – this salad is just AMAZING – thank you for sharing this recipe!