Canned Tuna Salad Cups

Highlighted under: Simple & Tasty Meals

Enjoy a quick and nutritious meal with these delightful Canned Tuna Salad Cups, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Lena

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-31T18:50:30.408Z

Canned Tuna Salad Cups are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy meal on the go. Packed with protein and flavor, these cups are quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick preparation time, ready in just 10 minutes
  • High in protein and low in calories
  • Versatile - customize with your favorite veggies and seasonings

A Healthy Choice

Canned tuna is a fantastic source of protein, making it an ideal ingredient for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor. With each serving offering a substantial amount of protein, this dish helps keep you full and satisfied. Plus, it is low in calories, which makes it a great option for weight management. By incorporating fresh vegetables, you can also boost the nutritional profile, adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your meal.

The combination of tuna with crunchy vegetables like celery and red onion not only enhances the flavor but also provides a satisfying texture. This balance makes the Canned Tuna Salad Cups a delightful option for a light lunch or a quick dinner that doesn't compromise on health.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best aspects of Canned Tuna Salad Cups is their versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to incorporate your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand. Consider adding diced bell peppers, pickles, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the flavor. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to suit your taste preferences.

Additionally, you can switch up the base by using different lettuces or even whole grain wraps if you prefer a more substantial meal. This adaptability makes it a great choice for meal prep, as you can create several variations at once, ensuring you have nutritious options ready throughout the week.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Canned Tuna Salad Cups are not just limited to lunch or dinner; they are also perfect for parties, picnics, and gatherings. Their bite-sized nature makes them a convenient appetizer that guests will love. You can prepare the tuna salad in advance and then assemble the cups just before serving, ensuring they remain fresh and crunchy.

Moreover, these salad cups are a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you need to whip up something quick for unexpected guests. Their ease of preparation and delightful presentation will impress your family and friends alike, making them a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Canned Tuna Salad Cups

Ingredients

  • 1 can (5 oz) of tuna, drained
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large lettuce leaves (for cups)
  • Optional: sliced cherry tomatoes or cucumber for garnish

Feel free to add any additional ingredients that you love!

Instructions

Instructions for Canned Tuna Salad Cups

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, diced celery, and diced red onion. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Cups

Take a large lettuce leaf and spoon the tuna salad mixture onto the center. You can add sliced cherry tomatoes or cucumber on top for extra flavor and presentation.

Serve

Enjoy your Canned Tuna Salad Cups immediately or refrigerate for later. They make a great snack or light meal!

These cups can be made ahead of time for meal prep!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftover Canned Tuna Salad, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain freshness and flavor for up to two days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the ingredients may separate during storage.

For the lettuce leaves, it is recommended to assemble the cups just before serving to prevent wilting. If you have leftover tuna salad, consider serving it with whole grain crackers or as a sandwich filling for a quick meal later.

Nutritional Benefits of Tuna

Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body. These healthy fats are also beneficial for brain function, making tuna a smart choice for those looking to enhance their cognitive performance.

In addition to being a great source of protein, tuna is also low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option. Regularly incorporating tuna into your diet can contribute to overall health and wellness, making dishes like Canned Tuna Salad Cups not only delicious but also a smart nutritional choice.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tuna salad and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just assemble the cups before serving.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or avocado can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free mayonnaise and avoid any gluten-containing ingredients in your garnishes.

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with canned salmon or chicken as a substitute for tuna.

Canned Tuna Salad Cups

Enjoy a quick and nutritious meal with these delightful Canned Tuna Salad Cups, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration0 minutes
Overall Time10 minutes

Created by: Lena

Recipe Type: Simple & Tasty Meals

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1 can (5 oz) of tuna, drained
  2. 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  3. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  4. 1/4 cup diced celery
  5. 1/4 cup diced red onion
  6. Salt and pepper to taste
  7. 4 large lettuce leaves (for cups)
  8. Optional: sliced cherry tomatoes or cucumber for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, diced celery, and diced red onion. Stir until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 02

Take a large lettuce leaf and spoon the tuna salad mixture onto the center. You can add sliced cherry tomatoes or cucumber on top for extra flavor and presentation.

Step 03

Enjoy your Canned Tuna Salad Cups immediately or refrigerate for later. They make a great snack or light meal!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 200 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 22g