Bruschetta Tuna Patties with Fresh Avocado

Crispy, creamy and bright, these Bruschetta Tuna Patties with Fresh Avocado make a delightful quick and easy dinner.

When my son 11-year-old son Will and I went to middle school orientation earlier this week, I was struck by how much changes between elementary school and middle school. So much responsibility shifts from the parent — me — to the child — him. It’s much more than just a matter of changing classes or remembering locker combinations. From class assignments to extracurricular activities, a lot more is expected of him.

He’s growing up.

How did the little boy who stood on chairs at the counter helping me cook become this man-child? I’m not sure anything can prepare you for parenting, or how the passage of time as a parent seems both so long and so brief all at once. Knowing that, I know that someday, sooner than I’d like, I’ll be among the parents sending my first-born off to college. I’m not ready for that.

In the meantime, I want to cherish my children’s time at home with me. That’s why I am happy to coach soccer, watch every school performance, attend every school event and volunteer whenever I can with them. Too soon, this time in our lives will pass.

In the meantime, we need quick dinner solutions for weeknights. Quick and easy dinners mean there’s more time for activities, walks along the waterfront and playing games after dinner.

That’s where dinners like this one — Bruschetta Tuna Patties with Fresh Avocado — come in handy. It might look complicated and fancy, but it’s really not. Truth: this is ready in a mere 20 minutes, and my kids love the combination of flavors.

Want to try it? You start by making the tuna mixture for the patties. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy peasy. Just stir it all together.

Once it’s all mixed up, you form the patties. This makes eight small patties. Once they’re formed, you fry them to a golden brown in a little olive oil.

Once the patties are golden brown on both sides, it’s time to finish the dish. Arrange avocado slices on a big plate. Top then with the tuna patties. Then, dollop your favorite bruschetta on top. I love a tomato-based one for this. Then serve it up family style.

This dish is on the lighter side, so you’ll want some sides with this. Start with a salad — any one would be good, but I love it with a simple tomato salad. Or perhaps a chopped salad or a loaded caesar salad? You could also serve it with rice, crudites, roasted veggies or bread, or some combination thereof. Just keep it fast.

And when making these tuna patties, be sure to use good tuna. It’s important.

My grandmother always favored Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore Tuna for her tunafish sandwiches. She was super specific about this brand and variety, and from a woman who typically shopped daily for dinner groceries to ensure freshness, that says something.

So why this tuna? She liked the quality of the tuna, with its firm texture, light color and fresh flavor. It’s a brand I grew up with, and trust. And though I don’t eat tunafish sandwiches myself, I love this tuna for other salads and sandwiches with tuna as well as cooked dishes like these tuna patties. Moreover, tuna is a great option for dinners. It has lean protein, healthy fat and important vitamins and minerals.

15 More Easy Weeknight Tuna Dinners

• Zesty Lemon Tuna Meatball Pasta | Sarah’s Cucina Bella
• Tuna, Avocado and Feta Salad with Lemon | Sarah’s Cucina Bella
• Dill Garlic Tuna Cakes | Sarah’s Cucina Bella
• Tuna and Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats | The Blond Cook
• Skinny Tuna Sushi Roll | Manu’s Menu
• Spaghetti with Tuna, Lemon and Dill | The View From Great Island
• Mexican Tuna Salad | Allergy Awesomeness
• Tuna-Stuffed Avocado with Bacon and Sriracha Mayonnaise | Belly Full
• Quick and Easy Penne Pasta with Red Bell Peppers, Garlic, Capers, Olives, Tomatoes and Tuna | Kalyn’s Kitchen
• Italian Style Tuna Salad | A Cedar Spoon
• Tuna Pita Pockets | Culinary Ginger
• Paleo Tuna Green Chile Zoodle Casserole | Cotter Crunch
• Tuna Tacos with Jicama Peach Salsa | Luci’s Morsels
• Spicy Tuna Sushi Bowls | Neighbor Food
• Baked Caprese Tuna Meatballs | Melanie Makes

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.