Avocado Tuna Melt Bites

Looking for a fun and tasty snack or appetizer that's packed with flavor and good nutrition? These avocado tuna melt bites check all the boxes! The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the savory tuna salad for a delicious bite-sized snack. Keep reading to learn how to make these easy and delicious avocado tuna melt bites at home.

Ingredients

To make about 24 avocado tuna melt bites, you will need:

• 2 medium ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and peeled
• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Tuna Salad

First, we'll make the tuna salad. This is what gives the avocado bites so much rich, savory flavor.

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, lemon juice, red onion, dill, and garlic powder until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Refrigerate the tuna salad until ready to use.

Tip for Tuna Salad

Feel free to tweak the tuna salad ingredients to your liking. Some other mix-ins could include chopped celery, sweet pickle relish, hot sauce, mustard, etc.

Assemble the Bites

Now it's time to put everything together.

1. Scoop the avocado flesh into a medium bowl and mash slightly with a fork.
2. Stir in the tuna salad until well combined.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Now we'll form and coat the bites:

4. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form balls of the avocado-tuna mixture, about 1-1.5 tablespoons each.
5. Gently roll them in the panko-Parmesan mixture to coat all sides.
6. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet or plate as you work.

Shaping Pro Tip

Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking as you form the balls.

Bake the Bites

The last step is to bake these tasty bites until they're warm and golden.

1. Drizzle the tops of the avocado tuna balls with olive oil.
2. Bake at 400°F for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned.
3. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Baking Tips

Keep an eye on them as they bake so they don't over-brown. If needed, loosely tent with foil in the last few minutes. The total baking time depends on the size of your bites.

How to Serve Avocado Tuna Bites

These versatile bites can be served so many ways! Here are some serving suggestions:

• As an appetizer or snack
• On salads
• In lettuce cups
• On sandwiches or wraps
• With crackers as an open-faced bite
• Topped with hot sauce or other condiments

Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or pesto sauce. They also make great high protein snacks for kids' lunches or after school.

Storage

Store cooled avocado tuna bites in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3-4 days. Let come to room temperature before serving.

Reasons to Make Avocado Tuna Bites

Here are just a few of the many reasons these delicious avocado tuna bites should be your new go-to snack or appetizer:

• Loaded with nutrition from the avocado and tuna
• Satisfying crunch from the toasted panko coating
• Fun, unique flavor and texture combo
• Protein-packed snack
• Made with simple real food ingredients
• Easily customizable
• Appealing bite-size shape
• Perfect party food

Nutrition Information

One serving (about 4 bites) provides:

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 4g

The avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while the tuna gives protein, omega-3s, selenium, and vitamin B12.

Possible Variations

The great thing about this recipe is you can customize it endlessly by switching up the ingredients.

Some variation ideas include:

• Use different types of tuna like albacore or skipjack
• Mix in different herbs, spices, or seasoning blends
• Use diced pickles, olives, or roasted red peppers instead of onion
• Mix in hot sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick
• Swap in Greek yogurt for mayo
• Use crushed pork rinds or almond meal instead of panko
• Replace Parmesan with shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Make Buffalo tuna bites with buffalo hot sauce and blue cheese crumbles

Let your imagination run wild! Change up the flavors to suit your tastes.

More Avocado Appetizer Recipes

If you love snacking on avocado, try out some of these other awesome appetizer recipes:

• Avocado deviled eggs
• Avocado shrimp cocktail cups
• Avocado fries
• Avocado toast bites
• Avocado and goat cheese crostini

The creamy, rich avocado pairs so well with both savory and sweet flavors. It makes the perfect addition to appetizers and snacks.

Conclusion

These easy avocado tuna melt bites are sure to be a hit at your next party or as a healthy snack option any time. Kids and adults alike will love the fun size, crunchy exterior, and creamy flavorful interior. The avocado and tuna provide a powerhouse of nutrition to keep you satisfied. Let your creativity run wild with possible mix-in additions and serving suggestions. Make a batch soon and enjoy this unique and tasty snack!

FAQs

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the raw avocado-tuna mixture into balls up to a day ahead. Keep chilled until ready to coat in panko and bake. Baked bites can also be made 1-2 days in advance and reheated briefly before serving.

How long will they keep after baking?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they will keep 3-4 days.

Can I freeze them?

You can freeze the unbaked patties by placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or bag. Bake frozen bites at 400°F for 16-18 minutes.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Yes, Greek yogurt works great in the tuna salad and will provide extra protein. Use an equal amount as the mayonnaise called for.

What goes well with these bites?

Serve avocado tuna bites with ranch or sriracha mayo for dipping. They also pair well with marinara sauce or pesto. Side dishes like rice pilaf or fruit salad balance the bites nicely.