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    Home » Recipes » Grilling

    Published: Aug 27, 2023 · Modified: Apr 23, 2025 by Angie Zoobkoff · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. · Leave a Comment

    Grilled Tuna Steak Salad

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This grilled tuna steak salad recipe is going to upend every notion you have about what tuna salad is. When fresh grilled tuna gets jumbled together with crisp greens, berries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds and tossed with lemon vinaigrette, it becomes a summertime staple in a whole new way.

    Two plates of grilled tuna salad with a bowl of pepitas, a dish of salt, and a jar of vinaigrette on the side.

    I'm definitely not knocking canned tuna salad. It's a staple around here, and tuna melts make a regular appearance at our table.

    But there is something to be said for a piece of lightly seared fresh tuna piled atop a bed of crisp greens, sweet blackberries, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and a light lemon dressing. And when it's hot and you're craving something fresh and light, it's the perfect solution.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to Make Grilled Tuna Steak Salad
    • FAQs
    • How to Make This Over a Campfire
    • Tips and Troubleshooting
    • More Grilling Recipes You'll Love
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's quick and easy to toss together, making it a great light meal, especially on a hot day.
    • You can make the dressing and pepitas ahead of time.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients for grilled tuna salad--tuna, greens, blackberries, olive oil, vinaigrette dressing, and spiced pepitas.
    • Tuna--Use good quality fresh tuna steaks for this grilled ahi tuna salad. Look for bright red steaks that have a mild, sea-like odor. Avoid any tuna that is brown or smells very fishy.
    • Greens--Mixed baby greens have a delicate flavor that pairs well with the tuna, but you can substitute butter lettuce or arugula, if you prefer.
    • Blackberries--The sweet berries balance the tartness of the vinaigrette and the spiciness of the pepitas. Blueberries will also work here.
    • Spiced pepitas--These spiced toasted pumpkin seeds add crunch to the salad and shouldn't be skipped. If you avoid spicy foods, feel free to use plain toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds. Got extra pepitas? Try one of these amazing ways to use pumpkin seeds.

    How to Make Grilled Tuna Steak Salad

    Two tuna steaks on a rimmed baking sheet with a bowl of olive oil and a brush on the side.

    1. Brush the tuna steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

      A tuna steak grilling on a metal grate.

      2. Grill the tuna over medium heat until seared to your desired doneness.

      A partially sliced tuna steak on a white cutting board.

      3. Slice the tuna against the grain.

      A partially assembled tuna salad with a bowl of blackberries, jar of dressing, and partially sliced tuna steak on the side.

      4. Assemble the salads with mixed greens, berries, pepitas, and sliced tuna steak. Drizzle with lemon thyme vinaigrette.

      FAQs

      What type of tuna is best for grilling?

      Look for ahi tuna, which can also be labeled as yellowfin tuna. It has a delicate flavor and is best enjoyed when just seared on the outside. When selecting tuna, choose steaks that are uniformly bright red, with no brown streaks or a rainbow hue. Avoid tuna with an overly fishy or unpleasant odor.

      Can I make this with a different type of fish?

      Absolutely. This salad would be great with grilled salmon skewers, trout fillets, or fresh grilled halibut.

      What should I serve with this?

      This grilled fresh tuna salad recipe is a meal in itself, but a loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread would be a great addition.

      How to Make This Over a Campfire

      If you're out camping and don't have a grill, fear not! You can easily make this using your hot campfire coals and your trusty cast iron skillet or grill pan. Set your skillet or grill pan over hot coals and coat it with oil. When it is very hot, add the tuna and sear to the desired doneness, flipping once.

      Tips and Troubleshooting

      • To get ahead, make your lemon thyme vinaigrette and your spiced pepitas ahead of time.
      • Use the freshest tuna you can find and take care not to overcook it as the tuna can become dry.
      • Keep everything separate until just before serving as the dressing will cause the greens to wilt.
      • This recipe is suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
      A white plate topped with grilled tuna, greens, blackberries, and spiced pepitas.

      More Grilling Recipes You'll Love

      Four grilled salmon kabobs on a pink plate with lemon wedges and fresh herbs next to them.
      Grilled Salmon Kabobs
      A white dish containing grilled beets topped with goat cheese and fresh mint.
      Grilled Beets with Goat Cheese

      Tried This Recipe?

      If you've tried this recipe, please leave a comment below. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest for more great camping and grilling recipes.

      Recipe

      Two plates of grilled tuna salad with a bowl of pepitas, a dish of salt, and a jar of vinaigrette on the side.

      Grilled Tuna Steak Salad

      A woman's face.Angie Zoobkoff
      This tuna steak salad made with fresh grilled tuna, sweet blackberries, mixed greens, crunchy spiced pumpkin seeds, and a zesty lemon herb dressing is an easy, healthy meal.
      5 from 1 vote
      Print Recipe Pin Recipe
      Prep Time 12 minutes mins
      Cook Time 8 minutes mins
      Total Time 20 minutes mins
      Course Main Course
      Cuisine American
      Servings 3 servings
      Calories 404 kcal

      Ingredients
        

      • 2 teaspoons olive oil plus more for the grill
      • 1 pound fresh ahi tuna about 1 inch (25-mm) thick
      • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
      • ¼ cup spiced pepitas
      • 1 container (5 oz) blackberries
      • ¼ cup lemon thyme vinaigrette

      Instructions
       

      • Preheat the grill for medium heat (400°F). Lightly oil the grill grate.
      • Brush the tuna steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
      • Grill the tuna over direct heat, flipping once, until seared to the desired doneness, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
      • Let the tuna rest for a couple of minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
      • Assemble the salads on plates or in bowls with a base of mixed greens topped with spiced pepitas, blackberries, sliced tuna, and a drizzle of lemon thyme vinaigrette.

      Notes

        • Get ahead--Make your lemon thyme vinaigrette and your spiced pepitas ahead of time.
        • Choose the best fish--Use the freshest tuna you can find and take care not to overcook it as the tuna can become dry.
        • Assemble at the last minute--Keep everything separate until just before serving as the dressing will cause the greens to wilt.
        • Dietary--This recipe is suitable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.

      Nutrition

      Serving: 1 portionCalories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 47gFat: 21gCholesterol: 84mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3g
      Keyword fresh tuna, fresh tuna salad, grilled tuna
      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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      Hi, I'm Angie! I'm so glad you're here. I can't wait to share my favorite camping and grilling recipes with you.

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