Spicy Tuna & Water Chestnut Bites
Elevate your snack game with these vibrant Spicy Tuna & Water Chestnut Bites, a quick and satisfying high-protein option featuring flaky tuna, creamy Greek yogurt, and the irresistible crunch of water chestnuts, all with a spicy kick.
For 2 servings
Thoroughly drain the canned tuna, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Transfer the drained tuna to a medium-sized mixing bowl and use a fork to flake it apart until it's evenly separated.
Finely dice the water chestnuts into small, uniform pieces. Chop the fresh chives. Add both the diced water chestnuts and chopped chives to the bowl with the flaked tuna.
Add the plain Greek yogurt, sriracha sauce, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha and adjust later if you prefer more heat.
Gently fold all the ingredients together with a spoon or spatula until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the tuna mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sriracha, salt, or pepper if desired.
Wash and slice the English cucumber into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Alternatively, separate crisp lettuce leaves if using for cups.
Arrange the cucumber slices or lettuce cups on a serving platter. Using a small spoon or cookie scoop, place a dollop of the spicy tuna mixture onto each cucumber slice or into each lettuce cup. Serve immediately for best crunch and freshness.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For maximum crunch, ensure your water chestnuts are very finely diced. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel after dicing if they seem overly wet.
- 2If you don't have Greek yogurt, a good quality mayonnaise or a blend of mayo and sour cream can be used, though it will change the nutritional profile and flavor.
- 3To make this recipe ahead, prepare the tuna mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Slice the cucumber or prepare lettuce cups just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- 4Experiment with different hot sauces! Gochujang for a Korean twist, or a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra flavor and heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Mediterranean Twist
Add finely chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pinch of dried oregano. Serve with whole-wheat pita chips.
Asian SesameAsian Sesame
Replace sriracha with a mix of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Avocado CreamAvocado Cream
Mash 1/4 of a ripe avocado into the mixture for extra creaminess and healthy fats, reducing the Greek yogurt slightly if preferred.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Tuna and Greek yogurt are excellent sources of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function, helping you feel full longer.
Low in Carbohydrates
Served on cucumber slices or lettuce cups, this snack is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for keto or low-carb dietary approaches.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Tuna provides beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use cooked and flaked fresh tuna. Ensure it's fully cooked and cooled before flaking and mixing into the recipe. This will provide a different, often richer, flavor profile.
