I recently signed up with the Barefoot Bloggers, just in time for their 1 year anniversary! This group tries out recipes by the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, twice a month. I figured this would be a fun way to try some new recipes that I might not otherwise choose.

The first May recipe was chosen by Kate of Warm Olives and Cool Cocktails, and it’s one that’s right up my alley – Tuna Salad. Tuna Salad, you’re thinking? How boring! Not hardly.

This is not your mama’s tuna salad. Made with fresh tuna, lightly seared on the outside and rare on the inside, bathed in an Asian-style vinaigrette, and combined with cool creamy avocado and some crunchy red onion. I knew I would love this dish as soon as I read the ingredients. And just as well, I knew my boyfriend wouldn’t.

I’m originally from California where I was born and lived until I was 37. My first husband introduced me to sushi, and like many people, at first I was put off by the thought of raw fish. The first couple of times, I would give his a little taste, then order tempura instead. After a while, I ordered California Rolls. Then, eventually, I was the one saying “Hey! Let’s have sushi!” Now, I’m a major sushi fan. So rare tuna is a special treat for me, now that I live in Texas with a healthy-food-hating-and-especially-raw-fish boyfriend.

This dish was was very quick and simple to make, as well. The hardest part was getting a decent picture, as the soy sauce mixed with soft avocados wanted to make everything look sort of greenish-brown – not the best color for a food photo. But with a little perseverance, I got one that wasn’t too bad. The recipe says it will serve 4, so I halved it to serve 2. However, that made 2 very large servings, especially when combined with rice, so I think this could definitely serve 3 – that means the original could probably serve 6 or so.

I loved this recipe served warm, but it could be served cold just as well. Give this delicious new take on tuna salad a try at your earliest opportunity!