Tuna Salad Boats
Crisp lettuce or veggie “boats” filled with zesty tuna salad for a clean, low-carb, and satisfying bite – no bread needed!
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
No cooking required
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Tuna Salad:
1 can (5 oz / 140g) tuna in water or olive oil, drained
2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or light mayo)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tbsp finely chopped red onion or shallot
1 tbsp chopped celery or cucumber
1 tbsp chopped pickles or capers
1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes or Aleppo pepper for warmth
For the Boats:
4–6 romaine lettuce leaves, Belgian endive, or halved baby cucumbers
Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, avocado, boiled egg slices, microgreens
Instructions
Make the Tuna Salad
In a bowl, mix tuna, yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, onion, celery, and herbs.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.
Prep the Boats
Wash and dry lettuce leaves (or slice baby cucumbers lengthwise and scoop out a bit to form boats).
Arrange on a platter or plate.
Fill and Garnish
Spoon tuna salad into each boat.
Top with extras like sliced radish, cherry tomato halves, or microgreens.
Serve Immediately
Enjoy as a light lunch, snack, or appetizer!
Tips & Variations
Add crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds.
Make it Mediterranean: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta.
Keto option: Use avocado halves instead of lettuce for a richer version.
Vegan option: Swap tuna with mashed chickpeas and follow same recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I meal prep these?
A: Yes—store tuna salad separately in the fridge (up to 3 days) and fill boats just before serving to keep crisp.
Q: Can I use canned salmon instead?
A: Absolutely! It works perfectly in place of tuna.
Q: What’s the best lettuce for boats?
A: Romaine hearts, little gem lettuce, Belgian endive, or butter lettuce work best for their sturdy texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~180
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 3g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Low carb, high protein, gluten-free