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Warm-weather dinner magic: cool, crunchy greens, buttery-tender seared ahi, and a gingery vinaigrette that wakes everything up. The wonton crisps bring the salty crunch you’ll crave.

It’s quick to pull together, feels restaurant-special, and you can prep the parts ahead—perfect for weeknights or low-key entertaining.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

Not sure if I am bummed about this or super happy. I am leaning towards super happy because with this Monday comes the potential for sunshine, and after the weekend we had here it will very much be welcomed. It’s still early, but I am hoping for no more snow.

And that’s all I will say about the weather. Just please… no more snow.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

You know what I still find really weird?

That people are actually making the recipes I create. I mean, I know that is the point of this whole site and what I do, but still, every time I read a comment, get to see an instagram photo (my favorite!! I love seeing your photos) or read an email about one of you guys making a recipe and loving it, it is the most awesome thing. Makes me smile every time. To me, it’s a little surreal.

Even when family members text me about recipes I get exited.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

Last night my cousin was looking for a gluten-free recipe to make for her roommate. Every time Abby texts or calls looking for recipes I get so pumped that she is going to make something. She is always sending me photos of dishes she had made.

It’s super fun and since we are far apart, it’s an awesome way to stay connected.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

I always fear that people are going to hate whatever they try. I mean, everyone’s got different tastes, so it scares the living daylights out of me.

I know, I gotta get over it, can’t please everyone…but I’ll always try. It’s a habit I don’t think I will ever be able to break. Unless you start to get on my nerves. Then I would be fearful if I were you. Just kidding!

Sort of.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

Moving along.

This salad. It is sort of raw fish, but sort of not. It’s about as raw as fish is going to get around here. Maybe I am still developing the taste buds (and braveness) to like raw seafood, but as of right now I am gonna be saying, no.

Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • Ahi tuna (yellowfin or bigeye): Ask for sushi-grade/“sashimi grade” from a reputable fishmonger. Look for firm, deep ruby flesh with a clean, ocean-fresh aroma. If raw/rare isn’t your thing, you can sear a touch longer, but aim to keep the center rosy for best texture.

  • Greens + veg: Adds crunch and texture to the salad

  • Ginger vinaigrette building blocks: Fresh ginger for heat, acid (citrus or vinegar) for brightness, a touch of sweetness, and a salty element for balance.

  • Wonton wrappers: Thickness with vary by brand; thinner = airier crisp. Store-bought crispy wonton strips as a time-saver.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

So I seared my tuna and called it poke mostly because I liked the way it sounded. That’s how I roll.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

Honestly though, this salad is so good and super quick to make too. The flavors are heavy on the tropics which seems to be all I am craving lately.

The tuna cooks in like two minutes and it is super important to not go any longer than that. If you cook the tuna through it’s just going to be dry and flavorless. Leave it extra pink and pretty.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

And there is also some wonton crisps. Baked not fried because I am tired of frying after these, + these. Baked works awesome. Still so good.

FAQ:

Can I use raw (not seared) ahi?
Yes—use very fresh, high-quality tuna from a reputable source. Keep it cold, slice just before serving, and dress lightly so the fish shines.

How do I know my seared tuna is done right?
Look for opaque edges with a deep ruby center and an easy release from the pan. Slice and check—edges should be just cooked while the middle stays tender.

How can I keep the wonton crisps from getting soggy?
Cool them completely on a rack and store at room temp in an airtight container. Add them to bowls right before eating.

Can I make parts ahead?
Yes—vinaigrette, washed/dried greens, and crisps all hold well separately. Sear and slice the tuna just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps.

4.38 from 27 votes
4 Servings
calories 2064kcal
Prep20 minutes
Cook5 minutes
Total25 minutes
A fresh fish dish full of flavour 
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Ingredients 

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke

Salad

Hula Ginger vinaigrette

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Arrange the wonton strips in a single layer (or as best you can get them) on a greased baking sheet. Spray the wontons with olive oil spray and a good sprinkle of sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, watching them closely to make sure they don't burn. They are done when they are a light golden color and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  • In a small sauce pot mix together 1/4 cup soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch until smooth. Add 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup honey and 1 teaspoon chile garlic sauce. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 3-4 minutes until the sauce is just beginning to thicken and coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet on high and add the sesame oil. Sear the tuna steaks in the skillet for 1-2 minutes, flip and brush the seared side with the soy sauce mixture. Sear another minute or 2 and then remove the steaks from the pan, brushing them with the remaining soy sauce mixture. Slice into strips.
  • Combine the spring greens, cilantro, pineapple chunks, avocado, and jalapeño (or red chile) in a bowl and toss.
  • In another small bowl make the vinaigrette. Combine the hot chile sesame oil, soy sauce, pineapple juice, rice vinegar, chile garlic sauce, tahini, 1 teaspoon lime zest and the juice of 1 lime, the fresh ginger and garlic. Add 1-2 tablespoons black and white sesame seeds.
  • Divide the greens among plates. Top with tuna, avocado slices and wonton crisps. Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Dig in!

Nutrition

Calories: 2064kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 1379mg | Potassium: 767mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 2580IU | Vitamin C: 47.5mg | Calcium: 97mg | Iron: 4.4mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.

Seared Ahi Tuna Poke Salad with Hula Ginger vinaigrette + Wonton Crisps | halfbakedharvest.com

I mean, there is pink involved. And not the died kind. Ya!

Meet Tieghan Gerard

I'm Tieghan, the recipes you'll find here are inspired by the people and places I love most. I try to live simply, eat seasonally, and cook with whole foods. My hope is to inspire a love for amazing food, as well as the courage to try something new!

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4.38 from 27 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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103 Comments

  1. Rachael | Spache the Spatula says:

    This is so beautiful. I’m totally with you on the tropical flavor bandwagon, lately—I can’t get enough! I think it’s the whole craving warmth and sunshine thing, haha

    1. Tieghan says:

      Warmth and sunshine! Yes!

      Thanks Rachael!

  2. foodiecrush says:

    Fresh, light and extra pink. That’s how I like my Mondays, and my fresh tuna. Fun recipe as usual Tieghan 🙂

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thank you so much, Heidi!

  3. fabiola@notjustbaked says:

    I love ahi so much! Especially seared, so simple, so good.

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thanks so much!

  4. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health says:

    i hardly cook tuna at home but will eat them outside like its going out of style. you always make food look so pretty. happy monday

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thank you so much, Dixya! Hope you make some tuna!

  5. kerry says:

    Hi, where did you get those plates? I love them.

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thanks Kerry! I got them on Etsy.

  6. Kim @ Kim's Healthy Eats says:

    This salad looks fantastic! I love your recipes 🙂 Happy Monday!

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thank you so much, Kim!!! 🙂
      Hope you had a great Monday!

  7. laurengrier says:

    Now, this is what I need on a Monday!! Love!

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thanks Lauren!

  8. lisatberry says:

    I am so into pineapple lately just can’t get enough of it and this salad with it looks awesome.

    1. Tieghan says:

      Me too! I love it!
      Thank you!

  9. steph@stephsbitebybite says:

    Salad is so much easier to eat when it looks like this!

    1. Tieghan says:

      Agreed! Thanks Steph!

  10. wickedspatula says:

    LOVE those plates! Can I ask where you got them? Great recipe for a Monday!

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thanks! I got them on Etsy.

  11. bakerbynature says:

    O.M.G.

    This is what I NEED!

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thanks Ashley! Hope you had a great monday!

  12. Bri | Bites of Bri says:

    This looks so fresh! Even if there’s a chance of snow here in Maryland tomorrow, this salad says its spring darn it! I love tuna, so I’m in!

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thanks Bri! Hoping for no more snow!

  13. Kathy H. says:

    I can’t believe your still getting snow – amazing! The colors in this salad – whoa, love it! Looks delish!

    1. Tieghan says:

      I know, it is horrible!

      Thanks so much, Kathy!

  14. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says:

    OMG where did you get those plates? I’m drooling over them…and this salad! We LOVE tuna in my house…but my husband doesn’t like leafy things. However, I think he could get into this! Pinned 🙂
    Ps. I have a spare room here in Florida…come visit, and cook with me 😉

    1. Tieghan says:

      Haha! Done deal, I be there in the morning! 🙂

      Thanks Taylor!

  15. Norma says:

    We do love ahi tuna around here. This looks and sounds incredible, Tieghan! But so do all of your recipes. 🙂

    1. Tieghan says:

      Thanks so much, Norma! 🙂
      Hope you had a great Monday!