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Avocado Tuna Bagel Sandwich Recipe


  • Author: Dianna

Ingredients

  • For the Tuna Salad:

    • Canned Tuna: 2 cans (5 ounces each) of tuna in water or olive oil, drained well. Choosing your tuna is important. For a leaner option, go with tuna in water. For a richer flavor and texture, tuna in olive oil is fantastic. Be sure to drain it thoroughly to prevent a soggy sandwich. You can use chunk light tuna for a more budget-friendly option, or splurge on albacore for a firmer texture and milder flavor.
    • Mayonnaise: ½ cup. Mayonnaise is the creamy binder that brings the tuna salad together. Full-fat mayonnaise provides the richest flavor and texture, but you can use light mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat content. For a tangier twist, consider using flavored mayonnaise like lemon aioli or chipotle mayo. You can also experiment with Greek yogurt or avocado-based mayonnaise alternatives for a healthier spin.
    • Red Onion: ¼ cup, finely diced. Red onion adds a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the tuna and avocado. Finely dicing it ensures it distributes evenly throughout the salad and doesn’t overpower other flavors. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes and then drain it before adding it to the tuna salad. Alternatively, you can use shallots or green onions for a milder allium flavor.
    • Celery: ¼ cup, finely diced. Celery provides a delightful crunch and fresh, slightly peppery flavor to the tuna salad. Finely dicing it ensures it integrates well into the mixture. If you don’t have celery, you can substitute it with chopped cucumber or bell pepper for a similar textural element.
    • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed. Lemon juice is essential for brightening the tuna salad and preventing the avocado from browning. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its vibrant flavor. Lime juice can also be used as a substitute for a slightly different citrusy note.
    • Dill: 1 tablespoon, fresh, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill). Fresh dill adds a delicate, herbaceous flavor that complements both tuna and avocado beautifully. If using dried dill, remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less. Other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro can also be added or substituted to customize the flavor profile.
    • Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is crucial! Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, taste, and adjust as needed. Remember that canned tuna can be salty, so taste before adding too much salt. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferable for its bolder flavor. Consider adding a pinch of sea salt for a more nuanced salty flavor.
    • Optional additions for the Tuna Salad: Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon for a tangy kick), capers (1 tablespoon, drained and chopped for a salty, briny flavor), hot sauce (a few dashes for a spicy kick), Worcestershire sauce (a few dashes for umami depth).

  • For the Avocado Bagel Sandwich:

    • Bagels: 2 bagels, your favorite kind. Bagels are the sturdy and satisfying base for this sandwich. Choose your favorite type! Everything bagels add extra flavor and texture with their seeds and seasonings. Plain bagels are a classic choice. Sesame bagels offer a nutty flavor, and poppy seed bagels provide a subtle crunch. For a healthier option, consider whole wheat bagels. Make sure your bagels are fresh for the best texture. Day-old bagels can be toasted to freshen them up.
    • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado. Avocado is the star of this sandwich, adding creamy richness and healthy fats. Choose a ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure. If your avocado is too firm, it will be difficult to mash and spread. If it’s too soft, it might be overripe. Hass avocados are a popular choice for their creamy texture and rich flavor. If you want to check for ripeness without cutting, gently press near the stem end – it should give slightly.
    • Optional Toppings:

      • Lettuce or Baby Spinach: For added freshness and crunch. Leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, or baby spinach work well. They add a refreshing element and a bit of extra nutrients.
      • Tomato slices: For juicy sweetness. Ripe tomato slices provide a burst of flavor and moisture. Beefsteak tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes are all great options.
      • Cucumber slices: For extra crunch and coolness. Thinly sliced cucumber adds a refreshing, cool crunch that complements the creamy avocado and tuna.
      • Sprouts: Alfalfa sprouts, radish sprouts, or broccoli sprouts for added nutrients and a slightly peppery flavor. Sprouts are packed with vitamins and minerals and add a delicate texture.
      • Cheese slices: Cheddar, provolone, or Swiss cheese for added richness (optional). While not traditionally in an avocado tuna bagel, cheese can add an extra layer of flavor and richness if desired.
      • Everything Bagel Seasoning: For extra flavor on top of the avocado. If you’re using plain bagels, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on the avocado adds a burst of flavor and texture.
      • Hot Sauce: For an extra kick (optional, to drizzle on top). Sriracha, Tabasco, or your favorite hot sauce can add a spicy element to the sandwich.


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tuna Salad: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, finely diced red onion, finely diced celery, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill (or dried dill), salt, and black pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the tuna salad mushy. Taste the tuna salad and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a bit more lemon juice for brightness, salt for flavor, or pepper for a kick. If you’re adding any optional ingredients like Dijon mustard, capers, or hot sauce, stir them in now.
  2. Prepare the Avocado: Slice the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a small bowl. There are several ways to peel and pit an avocado safely. One common method is to use a knife to score the avocado lengthwise around the pit. Twist the two halves to separate them. To remove the pit, you can gently tap the pit with the blade of your knife (be careful!) and twist to remove it. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to scoop out the pit. Scooping out the flesh with a spoon is the safest way to extract the avocado without cutting yourself. Mash the avocado with a fork until it reaches your desired consistency. You can mash it until completely smooth for a creamy spread, or leave it slightly chunky for more texture. A little bit of chunkiness can be nice in a sandwich. If you’re making the sandwiches ahead of time, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the mashed avocado to prevent browning.
  3. Prepare the Bagels: Slice the bagels in half horizontally. You can toast the bagels lightly if you prefer a warm and slightly crispy bagel. Toasting is especially recommended if your bagels are a day or two old, as it will refresh them and improve their texture. Toasting is optional, though. If you prefer a softer bagel, you can skip this step. If toasting, do so to your preferred level of crispness.
  4. Assemble the Sandwich:

    • Bottom Bagel Half: Spread a generous layer of mashed avocado on the bottom half of each bagel. Make sure to spread the avocado evenly to ensure every bite has that creamy goodness. If desired, sprinkle a little salt and pepper or everything bagel seasoning over the avocado.
    • Tuna Salad Layer: Top the avocado with a generous scoop of tuna salad. Don’t be shy with the tuna salad! Pile it on for a satisfying and flavorful sandwich.
    • Optional Toppings (if using): If you’re adding lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber slices, sprouts, or cheese, layer them on top of the tuna salad. Arrange your toppings attractively for a visually appealing sandwich.
    • Top Bagel Half: Place the top half of the bagel over the toppings, completing your Avocado Tuna Bagel Sandwich.

  5. Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve your Avocado Tuna Bagel Sandwich immediately. This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh when the bagel is still slightly warm (if toasted), the avocado is creamy, and the tuna salad is flavorful. If you need to transport the sandwich, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap to keep it intact.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 450-550
  • Sugar: 5-8 grams
  • Sodium: 500-700 mg
  • Fat: 25-35 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 5-8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
  • Fiber: 5-7 grams
  • Protein: 25-30 grams
  • Cholesterol: 60-80 mg