Congratulations to the winner of the Bestowed Box giveaway, Jessie J.!
Salmon Salad Stuffed Avocado. I can’t remember the last time I bought a can of salmon (or tuna). I am not sure why, but it just fell off my list of staple foods. When my mom was here visiting she mentioned that she loves the canned salmon from Costco. It got me thinking of putting a twist on the typical mayo-based salmon (or tuna) salad. I almost always have the ingredients to give things a Mexican flair so that’s what I did!
I have been scaling back my carbs over the last week or so since I have had to stop running. I still have a good appetite though (as usual) so thought it would be good stuffed in an avocado instead of bread. I also didn’t want to weigh the salad down with a bunch of mayo!
What I love about dishes like this is that you don’t have to follow the recipe exactly. You can add a little more of this or that and make substitutions to your liking.
Here is what I did! I mixed the salmon with green onions, cilantro, jalapeno, red bell pepper, lime juice and spices. It almost reminded me a little of ceviche, but without as much lime.
Since I do like to keep our consumption of canned foods down, due to possible BPAs (an estrogen-like compound that is linked to health problems), I picked up a pouch of wild-caught salmon. Note: some companies use BPA free packaging so you can always research first. The salmon (canned or in a pouch) is still high in the healthy omega 3s so they make a great substitute when you can get fresh fish.
On a side note, when I don’t have fresh salsa ready, this is the one I buy, Double Roasted Salsa from Trader Joe’s. I really don’t like the majority of jarred salsa but this one is GOOD! Here is the ingredient list: tomatoes, water, double roasted anaheim peppers, onions, cilantro, vinegar, jalapeno, lime juice, sea salt, garlic, cumin, black pepper. That is it! Can you believe it? No crazy additives- yay!
The salmon salad was light and fresh and a perfect healthy lunch. If you don’t want it stuffed in an avocado, you could eat this over a bed of greens, with tortilla chips or in a tortilla wrap. Add extra heat or salsa if you want!
- 5 ounce pouch wild caught boneless salmon
- ⅓ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 Tablespoons sliced green onion
- 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
- ½ small jalapeno (more or less to taste)
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 Tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream (or could sub a little olive oil for a non-dariy version)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- salt and pepper to taste
- salsa or hot sauce (optional to serve on top or stir into salad)
- Drain salmon of juices. Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix gently with a spoon. Season to taste with salt, pepper and hot sauce.
- Spoon mixture onto a cut avocado half. Serve with salsa and extra lime wedges.
Fancy Nancy says
This looks awesome!!! I am obsessed with avocados but I’ve never stuffed one…until now!!
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Haha, I know I think I am going to figure out what else I can stuff in my avocados. 😉 Yum!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Yum! I have only bought canned salmon once and the smell was a little too much for me. Maybe it was the brand? I could always prepare my own salmon and still make this. Looks great as usual!
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Yes, this would be great with fresh salmon…or you could use tuna if you prefer?
Toni says
Interesting recipe! I love avocados!!! I found canned salmon a bit fishy last time I used it, but I would be will to try again with this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Yes, it can be. I am not very sensitive to the “fishiness” of fish, but my husband totally is though. You could use fresh salmon or canned tuna if you prefer!
Sarah MomRunnungonEmpty says
I have been on an avocado kick lately and never think to use it as the base if a salad! I too love all things with a Mexican flair so I can not wait to try this salad out!!
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thank you Sarah, me too. Growing up in Texas I do feel part hispanic. I could eat Mexican flavors daily. 😉
Linz @ Itz Linz says
YUM! Love all things avocado and rarely make salmon, so maybe I’ll try this recipe cuz I really do like salmon!
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Amanda says
Melanie, Looks yummy! I had a stuffed avacado with chicken salad once during Fiesta, it was really good. I like your salmon salad recipe – will have to try it! Glad your foot is healing. xoxo
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Amanda! I remember you saying you ate canned salmon frequently (or used to). Loved your crazy video by the way!
Kierston @candyfit says
Looks incredibly tasty! Love avocado and SALMON!
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Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I LOVE avocado! I am thinking that I may need to try making a vegetarian version of this dish with tofu :).
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
I think just serving pico with the red bell pepper, onions, tomatoes etc.stuffed in the avocado would be great!
DeAnna Lynn Englezos says
Looks awesome!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
Salmon salad is a staple in our house. Why have I not thought to use it to stuff an avocado before?? What a great idea!
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Thanks Christie! To be honest, I’ve never eaten an avocado like that either! 🙂
R.A. says
This looks wonderful and I would have it today as I have two ripe and ready avocados in the kitchen but I also have a package of fresh wild caught salmon that will be dinner tomorrow. This will be on the menu next week at our house for sure! We try to eat salmon once a week and this recipe looks like a winner.
Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Ooh this would be really good with fresh salmon. Enjoy and thanks for the comment!
GiGi Eats Celebrities says
Anything that has to do with SALMON, GiGi wants!!! Seriously my favorite food out there and I eat it every day, I hope that doesn’t turn into a bad thing, lol!
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Melanie Flinn, MS, RD says
Yeah don’t go getting sick of salmon now! 🙂
EA-The Spicy RD says
Love this idea Melanie! And, Thx for the TJ’s salsa tip. I will definitely look for it next time I go. Love your polenta bruschetta recipe too 🙂
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Mimi Holtz says
Oh yes, we stuff avocados! Love your recipe too. I prefer to peel off the skin to remove any blemishes. that way I don’t get an off-taste bite because a small bruise will stick to the skin when it is peeled away. Since we raise avocados on our family farm, we often get avocados that are cosmetically challenged but delicious inside. We ship the premium avocados in our gift boxes and subscriptions via CaliforniaAvocadosDirect.com, and recently have added Guacamole Boxes too, which offer the #2 avocados for a budget-friendly option.