Cool As a Cucumber Tuna Salad
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook to the Cucumber Tuna Salad
Fancy a light lunch? Ever get bored of the same old tuna salad sandwich ? Honestly, me too! That's why I'm sharing my cucumber tuna salad recipe .
It's a flavour bomb with fresh dill and zesty lemon!
The Lowdown on Cucumber Tuna Salad
Where does cucumber tuna salad come from? It's a modern twist on the classic tuna salad. It brings a light flavor and adds to your list of summer salad recipes .
This easy tuna salad is super simple to make. It takes only 15 minutes! This recipe makes 4 servings. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light meal.
Benefits of My Light Tuna Salad
This healthy tuna salad recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats. It’s a winner when you are looking for a healthy and tasty lunch.
Plus, the cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. My secret ingredient? A dollop of Greek yogurt for extra tang. This tuna salad with Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy and protein packed.
That makes this version special!
Let's move on to the ingredients, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this amazing cucumber tuna salad . I promise, it's easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday.
This tuna cucumber salad recipe is seriously straightforward.
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
Tuna: 12 ounces (340g) canned tuna in water, drained. Make sure it's well drained! We don't want a watery mess, do we? For the healthy tuna salad recipe , look for tuna packed in water, not oil.
Cucumber: 1 medium cucumber. Peel it, remove the seeds, and dice it into about 1 ½ cups . Trust me, peeling and deseeding makes a difference in texture.
Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) finely chopped. Red onion adds a lovely bite.
Mayonnaise: ¼ cup (60ml) . Go for full fat or light; your choice! It's your easy tuna salad , after all.
Greek Yogurt: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This is my secret weapon for a light tuna salad ! It adds tang and protein.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice. Fresh is best, always!
Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons (approximately 8g) chopped. Dill is essential for that fresh flavor. The dill tuna salad is just lovely.
Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon (3g) . Dijon adds a little zing.
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1g) .
Salt: Just a pinch, or to taste.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
This combo of lemon, dill, and Dijon is magic. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
No fresh dill? Use dried, but halve the amount. Seriously, dill is the soulmate of tuna salad variations . Think of this as a taste of summer salad recipes .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Mixing bowl. Obvious, right?
Cutting board and knife. For chopping those cukes.
Measuring cups and spoons. To get those measurements spot on.
Fork. For flaking the tuna.
Paper Towel
You probably already have all of this stuff. If you don't have measuring spoons, just use regular teaspoons and tablespoons. Honestly, it doesn't have to be perfect.
Cool as a Cucumber Tuna Salad: Sorted!
Alright, let's dive into making this incredible cucumber tuna salad recipe . It's fresher than a daisy and totally perfect for a quick lunch or even a fancy picnic if you’re feeling posh.
Honestly, it's a game changer. I swear!
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together
First things first: the mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means "everything in its place." Drain your tuna.
Then dice that cucumber like a pro. Chop the red onion. Get all your ingredients prepped. You know? This saves so much time later.
Trust me on this. A light tuna salad is waiting for you.
step-by-step: Let's Do This!
Here’s the simple lowdown.
- Drain your tuna WELL. We're talking squeezing the moisture out.
- Dice your cucumber. Then finely chop red onion. About ¼ cup (30g)
- Combine them. Pop cucumber, red onion, into a bowl with the tuna.
- Whip up the dressing. Mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, mustard.
- Dress it all! Pour the dressing and gently fold.
- Chill if you can. About 30 minutes is perfect.
Pro Tips: Secrets to Success
Here's where the magic happens. Want a healthy tuna salad recipe ? Use tuna salad with greek yogurt , like we did! It makes it lighter.
Also, remember to taste and adjust! More lemon? More dill? Go for it, your culinary destiny awaits. This is more than just an easy tuna salad .
It's an experience .
Don't overmix! You'll end up with mush. And who wants that? This makes for super easy tuna salad sandwich . I learned that the hard way once.
Let me tell you, it wasn't pretty. This will for sure be among you summer salad recipes , give it a go.
Also you can explore some tuna salad variations , perhaps adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. I once tried adding a bit of curry powder...let's just say it was interesting .
Wrapping it Up: Enjoy!
There you have it! The perfect cucumber tuna salad . Whether you call it a cucumber salad , or you fancy it up with extra dill in a dill tuna salad , now you can make it like a boss.
Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or even on crackers. You’ve earned it, mate!
Recipe Notes for the Best Cucumber Tuna Salad
Right then, let's talk about making this cucumber tuna salad recipe perfect . Honestly, it's already pretty darn good, but a few tweaks can elevate it to another level.
This ain't just your standard easy tuna salad , this is special .
Serving Suggestions That'll Wow
Think beyond the bog-standard tuna salad sandwich. For a proper tuna salad sandwich , try using a toasted croissant. It adds a buttery richness that complements the light tuna salad.
Serve it with a side of crunchy crisps (Walkers are always a win). Or, get fancy with some crudités carrot and celery sticks, maybe even some radishes.
For plating, a simple salad bowl works wonders. I like to arrange the cucumber tuna salad on a bed of mixed greens.
A little drizzle of extra lemon juice brings out the flavors. If you're feeling posh, garnish with a sprig of dill.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
Refrigeration is key here. Store any leftover healthy tuna salad recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll keep for about 2-3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Freezing isn’t really recommended. The mayonnaise and Greek yogurt can separate when thawed, leaving you with a watery mess. Nobody wants that.
Reheating this is a no-no. Best served chilled or at room temperature. Let's keep it a summer salad recipes and light!.
Tuna Salad Variations to Suit Your Taste
Want to mix things up? Ditch the mayonnaise for a tuna salad with greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier light tuna salad .
It will keep the healthy tuna salad aspect, and it’s my go-to for a guilt free lunch.
Fancy something spicy? A pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of Sriracha adds a lovely kick. For tuna salad variations , try adding some diced avocado for extra creaminess.
You could also throw in some chopped celery for added crunch.
If you don't have any dill, feel free to try another herb like chives or parsley.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This dill tuna salad is a decent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The cucumber adds hydration and a bit of fibre. It is also a good source of vitamin K
Each serving clocks in at around 220 calories. It's packed with 25g of protein and 12g of fat. Remember, these are just estimates.
Honestly, this tuna cucumber salad recipe is a winner. It's quick, easy, and incredibly tasty. Give it a go, and let me know what you think!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cucumber tuna salad ahead of time? I'm proper knackered after work!
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors meld together beautifully if you give it at least 30 minutes in the fridge almost like a good cuppa needs to brew. You can easily prepare this cucumber tuna salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Give it a good stir before serving as some liquid might separate.
My cucumber tuna salad always seems a bit watery. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded watery salad! The culprit is likely the cucumber. After you dice it, try placing the diced cucumber on a paper towel and gently squeeze out any excess moisture. Also, make sure you drain your tuna really, really well. It's a game changer!
I'm on a diet. Are there any healthier substitutions I can make in this cucumber tuna salad recipe?
You bet! You can use light mayonnaise or even substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and tang. Another option is to skip the mayo altogether and use a lemon dill vinaigrette instead.
Also, keep an eye on the sodium content of your canned tuna and opt for a low-sodium version if possible. Every little helps!
I'm not a massive fan of dill. What else can I use in my cucumber tuna salad?
No worries, dill isn't everyone's cup of tea. Fresh parsley or chives make excellent substitutes and offer a similar herby freshness. You could even try a little bit of fresh mint for a really unique and refreshing twist. Just remember that mint is quite strong, so go easy on it!
How long does cucumber tuna salad last in the fridge? I don't want to get a dodgy tummy!
Safety first! Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cucumber tuna salad should be good for up to 3 days. After that, the quality starts to decline and there's a greater risk of spoilage. Best to err on the side of caution when in doubt, chuck it out!
Can I add other veggies to my cucumber tuna salad? I'm trying to get my five-a-day!
Absolutely! Adding more veggies is a fantastic idea. Diced celery adds a nice crunch, and bell peppers provide a touch of sweetness. You could also try adding some chopped cherry tomatoes or even some blanched green beans. Consider adding avocado for a creamy texture.
Cool As A Cucumber Tuna Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 220 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 0g |
