Tuna Salad Cucumber Bites
These refreshing Tuna Salad Cucumber Bites offer a perfect blend of crisp, cool cucumber and a savory, protein-packed tuna salad, making them an ideal low-carb snack or appetizer.
For 4 servings
Thoroughly drain the canned tuna, pressing out as much liquid as possible. Transfer the drained tuna to a medium mixing bowl and flake it apart with a fork.
Finely dice the red onion and celery. The smaller the dice, the better it integrates into the salad.
Add the plain Greek yogurt, finely diced red onion, finely diced celery, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh dill (if using), kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the flaked tuna. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined and the tuna salad is creamy but still has some texture.
Wash the English cucumbers and pat them completely dry. Using a sharp knife, slice each cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds. For a more decorative edge, you can use a crinkle cutter.
Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving platter. Using a small spoon or a cookie scoop, place a generous dollop of the tuna salad onto the center of each cucumber slice.
Lightly sprinkle each tuna salad bite with smoked paprika for color and a hint of smoky flavor. Serve immediately for the best crispness, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Drain Tuna Thoroughly**: Excess moisture from the tuna can make the salad watery. Press it well in a fine-mesh sieve or between paper towels.
- 2**Pat Cucumbers Dry**: Ensure cucumber slices are completely dry before topping to prevent the bites from becoming soggy too quickly.
- 3**Chill for Best Flavor**: While delicious immediately, chilling the tuna salad for 15-30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- 4**Customize Your Crunch**: For extra crunch, add finely chopped water chestnuts or toasted slivered almonds to the tuna salad mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeño to the tuna salad for a spicy kick.
IngredientIngredient
Experiment with other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or a mix of all three instead of or in addition to dill for varied aromatic notes.
IngredientIngredient
Substitute canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken for tuna to create similar low-carb bites with a different protein base.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Protein Source
Tuna is a lean protein powerhouse, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function, making these bites a satisfying snack.
Hydrating and Low-Carb
Cucumbers are over 95% water, providing excellent hydration, while their low carbohydrate content makes this dish perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
Omega-3 Rich
Canned tuna, especially light tuna, provides beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) which support heart health and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
You can prepare the tuna salad up to 1 day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, for the crispiest bites, assemble them no more than 30 minutes before serving, as cucumbers can release water over time.
