Greens are topped with grilled tuna steak, crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and a zingy wasabi vinaigrette to create a light but substantial dinner option. 

Close up of grilled tuna steak salad.

I tried sushi for the first time just over 10 years ago. Once I acquired a taste for it, I became *obsessed* with it. And I wasn’t the only one! Catching up with friends over coffee or beers quickly turned into demolishing sushi boats and sipping Sapporo’s instead.

But the things I love about sushi aren’t restricted to sushi. Fish, creamy avocado, crisp cucumbers, and a zingy whirl of wasabi in salty soy sauce can be used many different ways. I’ve even incorporated some of these elements into breakfast with a soy-drizzled avocado toast with smoked salmon, as seen in this post. (So good!)

Sticking with my chilled summer dinner theme, I decided to bring these elements to a big refreshing salad. It includes perfectly seared yellowfin tuna steaks, cucumber, avocado, scallions, and a punchy wasabi vinaigrette. It’s super simple and ready in a snap.

Grilled Tuna Steak {Yellowfin Tuna}

I had different plans when I walked into my local butcher shop last weekend. But when I saw the beautiful cuts of sushi-grade yellowfin tuna, plans changed pretty quickly.

If you haven’t ever grilled a rare tuna steak, it’s easy. (No. Like, REALLY easy.) The beauty with sushi-grade fish is you don’t have to worry about undercooking it. A quick one to two minute sear on each side and you’re done! You have a nice grill-marked surface and a cool pink center.

Cutting board with grilled tuna steaks on it.

Close up of plate of grilled tuna steak salad.

Plate of salad with grilled tuna on top.

If you try this recipe or create your own variation, let me know in the comments! I love connecting with you. Then snap a photo and tag me on the Insta @killing__thyme to be featured in our newsletter.

Plate of salad with grilled tuna on top.

Get the Recipe:

Grilled Tuna Steak Salad with Wasabi Vinaigrette {Yellowfin Tuna Recipe}

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Greens are topped with grilled tuna steak, crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and a zingy wasabi vinaigrette to create a light but substantial dinner salad. 
5 from 6 votes
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Ingredients

Grilled Tuna Steak Salad.

  • 2 fresh yellowfin or ahi tuna steaks
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
  • 4 handfuls of mixed salad greens
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 medium-sized cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts (extra for garnish)
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 2 TBSP toasted sesame seeds (extra for garnish)

Wasabi Vinaigrette.

  • 1/2 tsp wasabi paste
  • 1 TBSP rice wine vinegar
  • 1 TBSP low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

Instructions 

Grilled Tuna Steak Salad.

  • Heat a clean grill or a grill pan or griddle over high heat. Wipe with a thin layer of oil over the surface using tongs and a paper towel dipped in olive oil. Wipe over the surface a few times until it's slick.
  • Pat the tuna steaks dry with paper towels, then season with a bit of salt and pepper. Place the tuna steaks onto the hot cooking surface and sear them for 1-2 minutes per side. You want a sear on each side with a cool pink center. When done, remove the tuna from the heat. Set the steaks onto a cutting board and let them rest.
  • Place the salad greens into a large bowl. Drizzle them with lime juice and massage the lime juice into the greens for a light and even coating, then distribute the greens evenly onto serving plates.
  • Transfer the avocado, cucumber, and scallions to the bowl you used for the greens; sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and grate ginger until thoroughly combined. Drizzle over the avocado and cucumber mixture, and gently toss to coat. Dividing the mixture in half, place over top of the plated greens.
  • Carefully slice the tuna against the grain into bite-size cubes. Top each salad with the cubed tuna. Drizzle each salad with wasabi vinaigrette, top with extra sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired, and serve.

Wasabi Vinaigrette.

  • Place the wasabi paste, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce into a small bowl. Whisk to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle the olive in with a steady stream to emulsify.

Notes

To toast the sesame seeds, place them in a dry pan over medium heat. Let them toast for about 3-5 minutes, or until aromatic and turning golden in color, shaking the pan every 20-30 seconds to prevent burning. 
Author: Dana Sandonato
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: East and Southeast Asian Influence, Pescetarian