Tunacado Dip
on Sep 03, 2026
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Some things are better 👀 left unblended, but this Tunacado Dip is NOT one of them. Tuna, avocado, honey Dijon, and pesto go into the food processor together and come out the other side as something creamier 😋 and way more interesting than the sum of its parts. This dip can be used however your heart imagines—scoop it, spread it, eat it with a spoon 🥄 out of the bowl. However you eat it, it’s downright delicious.
Tunacado Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cans tuna, drained
- 1 avocado
- ¼-⅓ cup yogurt, start with less and look at the consistency
- 4 teaspoons honey Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- salt, to taste
- ½ lemon, to taste
Instructions
- Add the drained tuna, avocado, yogurt, honey Dijon mustard, pesto, salt, and a squeeze of lemon to a food processor.
- Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust. Add more lemon, salt, or yogurt until it's exactly how you like it.
- Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately, or chill until ready to eat.
Nonna’s Notes
- Consistency control: Start with less yogurt than you think you need. You can always add more.
- Make it a meal: Spread it thick on toast and top with a fried egg for a fast lunch.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on top.
- Serving size: Easily doubles for a party-sized batch.
My Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Key Takeaways
- Tunacado Dip is a creamy, flavor-packed blend of tuna, avocado, yogurt, honey Dijon mustard, pesto, and lemon, all made in a food processor in just a few minutes.
- The combination creates a texture that’s lighter than traditional mayo-based tuna salad but incredibly rich and satisfying. It’s versatile enough to serve as a dip, spread, or even eaten straight from the bowl with a spoon.
- Key tips include using ripe avocado and adding yogurt gradually to control consistency. Serve it with crackers, pita chips, or use it as a delicious lunch option.
Why You’ll Love Tunacado Dip
🥑 Ridiculously creamy: Avocado and yogurt blend into a texture that’s somehow lighter than mayo-based tuna salad but still incredibly rich.
⏱️ Five minutes & one machine: Everything goes in the processor at once. It doesn’t get any simpler.
🍽️ Pulls extra duty: Dip it, spread it, or eat it with a spoon. It can work great as an appetizer or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
🐟 Tuna: I use Safe Catch tuna, drained well so the dip doesn’t turn watery.
🥑 Avocado: Ripe is key here so it stays nice and creamy.
🥄 Yogurt: Start with ¼ cup and add more only if needed. It’s much easier to loosen the dip than to thicken it back up.
🍯 Honey Dijon mustard: Brings sweetness and tang in one ingredient, so you don’t need to add sugar separately.
🌿 Pesto: Adds herby depth without you having to chop a single herb.
🍋 Lemon: Brightens everything and keeps the avocado from browning too fast.
🧂 Salt: Always taste as you go!
Nonna’s Tip 🐟
Add the yogurt in increments and pulse in between. It’s a lot easier to thin the dip out than to fix it once it’s too loose.
Variations and Substitutions for Tunacado Dip
- Swap the tuna 🐟 for canned salmon for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce 🌶️ for heat.
- Swap honey Dijon for regular Dijon plus a small drizzle of honey 🍯 if that’s what you have.
- Stir in chopped chives or dill 🌿 after processing for texture and color.
Best Served With
- Crackers or pita chips for easy scooping.
- Fresh-cut veggies like cucumber and bell pepper 🥒 for a lighter option.
- Spread on No Knead Bread 🍞 for an open-faced sandwich.
- A dollop on top of a baked potato 🥔 instead of sour cream and butter.
Similar Recipes
Creamy Tuna Pasta
15 mins
Rice Paper Tunacado
17 mins
3 Ingredient Tuna Nuggets
16 mins
Tuna Poke Bowl
55 mins
Common Questions
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular?
Yes, Greek yogurt works well and will give you a slightly thicker, tangier dip.
What if my dip is too thin?
Add a spoonful of extra drained tuna or a bit more avocado to thicken it back up.
Can I skip the food processor and mash this by hand?
Yes, a fork or potato masher works if you don’t mind a chunkier texture.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Swap the yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The texture stays close to the original.
