Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups
A fresh, light, and creamy tuna salad with bright notes of lemon and dill, served in crisp butter lettuce cups. A perfect low-carb, high-protein lunch that's ready in minutes and kidney-friendly.
For 4 servings
Prepare the salad ingredients.
In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add the finely diced celery, red onion, and drained capers to the bowl.
TIPDraining the tuna very well is key to preventing a watery salad.Combine the salad.
- Add the mayonnaise, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice to the bowl.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
TIPTaste and adjust seasoning if needed. You might prefer a little more lemon juice for tanginess.Assemble the lettuce cups.
Carefully separate the butter lettuce leaves. Spoon the tuna salad mixture evenly into the 8 lettuce leaves. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of plain yogurt, but be mindful of phosphorus content if following a strict kidney-friendly diet.
- 2Make sure your lettuce leaves are completely dry before filling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 3The tuna salad can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the lettuce cups just before serving.
- 4If you don't have butter lettuce, romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves also work well as cups.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt and stir in one chopped hard-boiled egg for an extra protein boost.
spicySpicy
Add half a finely minced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad mixture for a spicy kick.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the capers and red onion, and add a tablespoon of sweet pickle relish for a milder, sweeter flavor that kids often enjoy.
veganVegan
Substitute the tuna with one can of mashed chickpeas and use your favorite vegan mayonnaise to make this dish plant-based.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Tuna is packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Tuna provides beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Low-Carbohydrate and Gluten-Free
By using lettuce instead of bread, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this tuna salad is very healthy. It's high in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the tuna. Serving it in lettuce cups makes it a low-carb meal. The main source of calories and fat is the mayonnaise, so portion control is key.
