Description
This High-Protein Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups recipe offers a light, refreshing, and nutritious meal perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Combining protein-rich tuna with creamy Greek yogurt and crisp vegetables, these lettuce cups are flavorful, low in calories, and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes. They make a delicious gluten-free, low-fat option that’s perfect for anyone seeking a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tuna Salad
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
- 2 tablespoons nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- ¼ small red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce Cups and Toppings
- 1 small head butter lettuce or romaine, leaves separated, washed and dried
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional)
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons shredded carrots (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Tuna Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, finely diced celery, red onion, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Season Salad: Season the tuna salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasonings to your preference to enhance the flavors.
- Arrange Lettuce Cups: Lay out the lettuce leaves on a serving plate, arranging them to form individual cups that will hold the tuna salad.
- Fill Cups: Spoon the prepared tuna salad evenly into each lettuce cup, ensuring each cup gets a generous amount.
- Add Toppings: Top each lettuce cup with optional avocado slices, cherry tomato halves, and shredded carrots if desired, adding both color and extra nutrients.
- Serve: Serve immediately so that the lettuce remains crisp and fresh for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- To increase spiciness, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the tuna mixture.
- These lettuce cups can be prepared ahead, but add avocado and tomatoes right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Use romaine lettuce for a sturdier cup if butter lettuce leaves are too delicate.
- Try adding chopped pickles or capers for an extra tangy flavor dimension.
