Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing & Light: Cool cucumbers balance the rich tuna spread.
- Quick Prep: Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Healthy: Low-calorie, high-protein snack.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and customize.
- Elegant Presentation: Perfect bite-sized appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ¾ English cucumber
- 6 oz can tuna, drained
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or 1.5 tablespoons olive oil as a substitute)
- 3–4 tablespoons cheddar cheese
- 2–3 tablespoons chopped green onion (optional)
- ¼ avocado, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onion (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Slice cucumbers into ⅔ to 1-inch thick pieces. Using a melon baller or teaspoon, scoop out a shallow indentation (~¼ inch deep) in the center of each slice to hold the filling.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cucumber cup with about 1 tablespoon of the tuna mixture.
- Top each with a piece of avocado and a shred or two of cheddar cheese for garnish.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 pieces
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter spread.
- Add finely diced celery or pickles for crunch.
- Sprinkle with paprika or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
- Swap cheddar for feta or cream cheese.
- For a spicy kick, mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Storage/Reheating
- Best served fresh.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Not recommended for reheating.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, English cucumbers work best due to their thin skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers can be used if peeled and seeded.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Prepare the tuna mixture ahead, but fill cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp.
Can I omit the cheese?
Yes, the recipe works well without cheese.
What can I use instead of avocado?
Cherry tomato halves or sliced olives make great toppings.
How to make it vegan?
Use chickpeas instead of tuna and vegan mayonnaise.
Can I add lemon juice?
Yes, a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor.
Can I make these bite-sized for parties?
Yes, cut cucumbers thinner for smaller bites.
How long do they keep?
Best eaten the same day for freshness.
Can I use canned salmon instead of tuna?
Yes, canned salmon is a great substitute.
Conclusion
Cucumber Tuna Bites are a fresh, tasty, and easy-to-make appetizer that combines crisp cucumbers with creamy tuna filling. Perfect for quick snacks or elegant entertaining, they offer a light and nutritious option sure to please any crowd.
Cucumber Tuna Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cucumber Tuna Bites are a fresh and healthy appetizer featuring crisp cucumber slices topped with a creamy tuna spread. Easy to prepare and perfect for parties or light snacks.
Ingredients
¾ English cucumber
6 oz can tuna, drained
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (or 1.5 tablespoons olive oil as a substitute)
3–4 tablespoons cheddar cheese
2–3 tablespoons chopped green onion (optional)
¼ avocado, cut into chunks
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, green onion (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Slice cucumbers into ⅔ to 1-inch thick pieces. Using a melon baller or teaspoon, scoop out a shallow indentation (~¼ inch deep) in the center of each slice to hold the filling.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each cucumber cup with about 1 tablespoon of the tuna mixture.
- Top each with a piece of avocado and a shred or two of cheddar cheese for garnish.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter spread.
Add finely diced celery or pickles for crunch.
Sprinkle with paprika or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Swap cheddar for feta or cream cheese.
For a spicy kick, mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
