Quick and Easy Tuna Salad Boats
These refreshing tuna salad boats are made with crisp lettuce leaves filled with a creamy, zesty tuna salad. They’re easy to prepare, keto-friendly, and perfect for a healthy meal that doesn’t require bread.
Time:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Tuna Salad:
1 can (5–7 oz) tuna, drained (preferably in olive oil or water)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo (or half of each)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp chopped pickles or relish (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Pinch of paprika or chili flakes (optional)
For the Boats:
6–8 romaine or butter lettuce leaves (or endive for bite-sized)
Optional toppings: chopped chives, capers, cherry tomatoes, or avocado slices
Instructions:
1. Make the Tuna Salad:
In a bowl, mix together tuna, yogurt or mayo, mustard, lemon juice, celery, onion, and pickles.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or chili flakes if desired.
2. Assemble the Boats:
Spoon tuna salad into each lettuce leaf.
Garnish with herbs, tomato slices, or avocado if using.
3. Serve:
Arrange on a plate and serve immediately — no utensils needed!
Notes & Tips:
Use Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich twist.
Want more crunch? Add diced bell pepper or cucumber.
Make it Mediterranean: add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prep the tuna salad in advance (up to 3 days), but assemble the lettuce boats just before serving to keep them crisp.
Q: What kind of tuna works best?
A: Tuna in olive oil adds rich flavor, but water-packed is a lighter option.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Yes — add a dash of hot sauce, diced jalapenos, or harissa to the tuna mix.
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 230
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 4g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g