Ahi Tuna Salad: A seared ahi (yellowfin) tuna steak is perfectly paired with an arugula salad and a dollop of creamy yogurt (if you’re not lactose intolerant). Ahi tuna is packed with omega-3s and the antioxidant selenium. Be careful when handling a tuna steak and always keep it cold. If you are using frozen steaks, defrost them slowly in the refrigerator or with cold running water–don’t let them sit at room temperature. While steaks are best cooked from room temperature, ahi tuna should always be kept cool.
Dairy is a point of contention in many Paleo communities, but you can easily leave out the yogurt dressing if you wish. Just make a salad dressing with 2 parts olive oil to 1 part vinegar and season with salt and pepper and a bit of raw honey. Drizzle over salad in place of yogurt.
Difficulty: Medium
Total Time to Cook: 30 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
For tuna:
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
- 2 ahi tuna steaks
For dressing:
- ¼ c. Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. lime juice
- 1 tsp. wasabi (check the label to make sure the wasabi is pure–many brands are just colored horseradish)
- 1 Tbsp. chives, chopped
For salad:
- 2 c. arugula
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1/4 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 c. cilantro, chopped
Direction
- Mix the first four ingredients well and coat the tuna steaks in the marinade. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over high heat.
- Add the tuna steaks and cook for 1-2 minutes until seared. Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Remove from pan and let sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the salad.
- Mix the yogurt, lime juice, wasabi and chives in a small bowl; set aside.
- Mix all of the salad ingredients together and divide between two plates.
- Slice the tuna steaks and place on top of salad.
- Top each salad with half of the yogurt dressing.
What Makes Ahi Tuna Salad “Paleo?”
- You’re making your own salad dressing with natural whole ingredients. Store bought salad dressings usually have high fructose corn syrup and preservatives.
- Ahi tuna is a great way to get lean protein, which is great if you’re trying to burn fat and lose weight.
- Greek yogurt is a great source of probiotics IF you’re not lactose intolerant. If you are, ditch the yogurt!