Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Aug 15, 2025 
Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe – This refreshingly delicious Ahi tuna avocado salad is loaded with seared Ahi tuna steaks, mango, avocado chunks, crispy wonton strips, and scallions. Plus, a drizzle of lime aioli adds even more bright flavor to every bite!
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
My family loves raw seafood, particulary sushi and Hawaiian poke. However, a lovely piece a fresh ahi tuna, seared for just a minute on each side, also brings them to the dinner table in a hurry!
Why We Love This Ahi Tuna Avocado 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 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 (or napa cabbage)
- 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 Ahi Tuna Salad
Tips for Success: To make an incredibly fresh and perky tuna salad, start with the freshest, best quality, sushi-grade tuna steaks from a local fish market… And fresh produce.
Find the full Ahi Tuna Salad recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and a video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Serving Suggestions
This Ahi tuna avocado salad is amazing as is, but if you want to elevate it and make it more of a full meal, you can serve it with a side of protein-rich quinoa, air fried asparagus, seaweed salad or even with creamy mashed potatoes infused with a hint of wasabi.
You can also enjoy it with Japanese Clear Soup or Egg Drop Soup, dumplings, or Okonomiyaki for an even heartier dinner!
To add a touch of elegance, garnish the salad and Ahi tuna slices with edible flowers or a sprinkle of microgreens.
Recipe Variations
- 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 ginger dressing, fresh ginger salad dressing, or a zesty vinaigrette with soy sauce, lime or rice vinegar, and wasabi. Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos if you prefer.
- 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.
Seared Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna Salad with Avocado and Mango
Video
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Surprise – they are the same fish! Ahi is the Hawaiian name for what’s otherwise known as yellowfin tuna. Tuna in general is a lean protein source.
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.
To keep avocado from turning brown, include the pits in the salad if not serving immediately. This method helps maintain the avocado’s vibrant color.
Seared Ahi tuna will keep well for up to 2 days in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator.
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!