High-Protein Tuna Salad Boats
This high-protein tuna salad boat recipe offers a quick, satisfying, and low-carb meal, featuring a creamy tuna mixture served in crisp endive leaves for a delightful crunch and refreshing taste.
For 3 servings
Thoroughly drain the canned tuna, pressing out as much excess water as possible. Transfer the drained tuna to a medium mixing bowl and flake it apart with a fork.
Finely chop the celery stalk and mince the red onion. Add them to the bowl with the flaked tuna.
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Pour the yogurt mixture over the tuna and chopped vegetables. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined and the tuna is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Carefully separate the leaves from the heads of endive. Rinse them under cold water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Arrange the crisp endive leaves on a serving platter.
Spoon approximately 1-2 tablespoons of the tuna salad into the wider end of each endive leaf, filling it like a boat.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately as a refreshing lunch or appetizer.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Drain Tuna Thoroughly: Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the canned tuna to prevent a watery salad and ensure a creamier texture.
- 2Chill for Flavor: While delicious immediately, chilling the tuna salad for at least 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 3Pat Endive Dry: Ensure endive leaves are completely dry after washing; this prevents the tuna salad from becoming soggy and maintains the leaves' crispness.
- 4Customize Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers, water chestnuts, or toasted slivered almonds to the tuna salad.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the tuna salad for a fiery twist.
Herbaceous DelightHerbaceous Delight
Incorporate other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon for different aromatic profiles and added freshness.
Veggie BoostVeggie Boost
Mix in finely diced cucumber, shredded carrots, or chopped avocado for added nutrients, texture, and healthy fats.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Tuna and Greek yogurt provide a significant amount of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function, which is beneficial for weight management and GLP-1 lifestyles.
Rich in Omega-3s
Tuna is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which support heart health, brain function, and help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Low-Carb & Fiber-Rich
Endive leaves offer a crisp, low-carb alternative to bread, while also providing dietary fiber for digestive health and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare the tuna salad up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the boats just before serving to keep the endive crisp.
