This Easy Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad is a fun dish full of flavor! Crispy rice provides a yummy crunch, while creamy avocado and tasty tuna make it super satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice: I recommend using white rice for its texture, but brown rice works too for a nuttier flavor. Quinoa can be a fun gluten-free alternative as well!
Tuna: Canned tuna is super convenient! You could swap it for canned salmon or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just make sure the chickpeas are mashed a bit for a similar texture.
Avocado: This adds creaminess. If you’re avocado-less, you could use Greek yogurt or even a little bit of hummus for creaminess instead.
Edamame: If you can’t find edamame, frozen peas can be a quick substitute. They’ll add a nice pop of color and flavor too!
Cucumber: Use any crunchy veggie like bell peppers or radishes if you’d like a change. Each brings a different taste and texture!
How Do I Get My Rice Perfectly Crispy?
Crispy rice is all about even cooking and a little patience. Start with cooled, cooked rice to avoid mushiness.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding rice—this helps it crisp up nicely!
- Use enough cooking oil to coat the bottom of the pan so the rice doesn’t stick.
- Don’t stir too often! Letting it sit for 3-4 minutes allows the bottom to become golden and crispy. Flip it gently to crisp more sides.
This technique may take some practice, but trust me, the crunch is worth it!
Easy Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water or oil, drained and flaked
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup edamame (shelled), cooked
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (black or white)
For the Dressing:
- 1-2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
For Crisping the Rice:
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- Optional: a drizzle of sriracha or chili sauce for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes on cooking the rice, crisping it up, and mixing everything together. After that, it’s ready to eat right away or chill if you prefer it cold!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Crisping the Rice:
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the cooled cooked rice in an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom becomes golden and crispy. Gently stir the rice and repeat until you achieve your desired level of crispiness. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice, flaked tuna, cooked edamame, chopped green onions, and cucumber slices. Make sure everything is mixed well without breaking apart the ingredients too much.
3. Adding the Flavor:
Drizzle the rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil over the rice mixture. Toss everything gently to combine, being careful not to mash the rice or avocado.
4. Incorporating the Avocado:
Gently fold in the sliced avocado at the end to keep it intact and add creaminess to the salad.
5. Final Touches:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top for a bit of crunch and garnish. If you like a little heat, you can drizzle some sriracha or chili sauce over the salad.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your Easy Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad right away for a warm, crispy texture or refrigerate and serve chilled if you prefer. It’s fresh, crunchy, and bursting with flavor!
FAQ for Easy Tuna Avocado Crispy Rice Salad
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice provides a nuttier flavor and is a healthier option. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before crisping to get the best texture.
How Can I Add More Vegetables to This Salad?
Feel free to customize by adding more veggies! Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even corn would complement the dish well. Just ensure they are cut small enough to mix in easily.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture, the crispy rice may lose some crunch, but you can reheat it in a skillet to freshen it up!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the tuna with chickpeas or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein. You can also use more edamame for added texture and nutrition!
