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Seared Ahi Tuna Salad Recipe

This sesame-crusted seared ahi tuna salad recipe is deliciously refreshing and light! Served over fresh greens with avocado, cucumber, edamame, grated carrots, cabbage, radishes, and sunflower sprouts tossed in a sesame ginger dressing.

4.8 from 154 votes
45 mins
Total Time
4
servings
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Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

How to Make the Best Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

This seared ahi tuna salad is a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The combination of the sesame-crusted tuna with its beautiful pink center and the crisp, fresh vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The Asian-inspired sesame ginger dressing ties everything together with its blend of savory miso, tangy rice vinegar, and warming ginger.

What makes this salad truly special is the contrast between the warm, seared tuna and the cool, refreshing vegetables. The sesame crust provides a satisfying crunch while the creamy avocado adds richness. With edamame for protein and a rainbow of vegetables, this isn’t just a light starter—it’s a complete, nutritious meal.

Whether you’re looking for an impressive dish to serve guests or a healthy weeknight dinner, this seared ahi tuna salad delivers. The key is to use sushi-grade tuna and sear it quickly over high heat, keeping the center rare and silky. Once you master this technique, you’ll find yourself making this beautiful salad again and again.

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

This sesame-crusted seared ahi tuna salad recipe is deliciously refreshing and light! Served over fresh greens with avocado, cucumber, edamame, grated carrots, cabbage, radishes, and sunflower sprouts tossed in a sesame ginger dressing.

4.8 from 154 votes
CourseSalad
CuisineAsian
Keywordahi tuna salad, seared ahi tuna salad, ahi salad, ahi salad recipe, ahi recipes, tuna salad recipe, healthy ahi salad
Prep Time40 mins
Cook Time5 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings4 servings
Calories468kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
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Ingredients

Sesame Ginger Dressing

Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna

Salad

Instructions

Make the Dressing

  1. Place all dressing ingredients in a small jar and whisk together, or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
  2. Add more wasabi paste to taste if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Tuna

  1. Place the sesame seeds, salt, pepper, sugar, garlic powder, and thyme in a wide bowl and stir well.
  2. Brush the tuna on all sides with soy sauce.
  3. Coat the tuna on all sides with the sesame mixture, pressing in the sesame seeds firmly.

Sear the Tuna

  1. Heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat until hot. Turn your hood fan on.
  2. Place the tuna carefully in the pan and sear until golden, 1-2 minutes depending on thickness.
  3. Turn and sear the other side and edges. Place on a paper towel to blot excess oil.
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into ¼ inch slices.

Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the greens, cucumber, edamame, radishes, carrots, and cilantro.
  2. Spoon a little of the dressing over the salad and toss to lightly coat.
  3. Divide the salad among four plates or bowls.
  4. Top with the seared ahi slices, avocado, and sunflower sprouts. Add pickled ginger if desired.

Notes

  • Use sushi-grade ahi tuna for the best quality and safest raw-center results.
  • The sugar in the sesame crust helps caramelize and create a beautiful golden sear.
  • For a gluten-free version, use liquid aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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