Looking for a quick, healthy, and satisfying salad that’s bursting with flavor? This Tuna Cucumber Salad is the perfect answer. Made with crisp cucumbers, protein-rich tuna, lemon zest and more! This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is low-carb, gluten-free, and ready in just 10 minutes.
Whether you’re meal prepping, following a clean eating plan, or simply need a last-minute lunch, this tuna salad with cucumber is a game changer. It’s fresh, hydrating, and super quick, easy to serve in bite size pieces.
Similar to our Feta Cucumber Salad, we love a cucumber bite size salad that’s so refreshing! If you’re a cucumber fan, try our Creamy Cucumber Salad, Easy Cucumber Salad & Asian Cucumber Salad.
And let’s not forget TUNA! Our one and only must make Tuna Salad Recipe with Olive Oil Dressing will blow you away!
If you’re a fresh tuna fan, like we are, then you need to check out those:
Ahi Tuna Recipes
Seared Ahi Tuna
Tuna Tataki
Tuna Crudo
Ahi Tuna Salad
Tuna Ceviche
Poke Bowl
Tuna Carpaccio
Steak Tartare
For today’s tuna and cucumber salad, we’re using canned tuna however. It’s still delicious, easy to find and more convenient!
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Cucumber Salad
- Quick and Easy. This tuna cucumber salad is ready in under 10 minutes with no cooking required.
- Healthy and Light with low carbs, high in protein, and full of hydration from cucumbers.
- This recipe is super versatile. You can have it in bite size, as a salad plate or stuff it into pita or lettuce wraps.
- You can also swap herbs, onions, garlic and any aromatics to fit your taste.
- Super tasty with an overflow of Mediterranean flavors. So many fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon give this salad a sunny Mediterranean twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly. The perfect make ahead salad and lunch that you can store for a refreshing grab-and-go option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Canned tuna – Solid white tuna in water or olive oil. Make sure to drain the tuna.
- Cucumbers – Persian or English cucumbers work best (crunchy and seedless)
- Red onion – Thinly sliced for mild sharpness
- Fresh herbs – Parsley and fresh dill or mint for a burst of flavor
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for brightness. You can also use lemon zest.
- Mustard– we love Dijon mustard.
- Seasoning – salt and black pepper to taste, chilli flakes ( or sriracha) and some garlic powder.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy part of the tuna salad. You can use greek yogurt or sour cream here.
- Optional – For extra protein, add in hard-boiled eggs.
How to Make Tuna Cucumber Salad
- In a bowl, mix together the salad ingredients such as mayo, lemon juice, red onions, mustard, seasoning and herbs.
- Add in the canned tuna to the bowl, after draining it from any water or oil.
- Prep the cucumbers. Slice cucumbers into thin half-moons, use a spoon to scoop up any seeds.
- You’ll have the cucumbers like a boat, and here’s when you’ll add the mixed tuna salad to fill in the boats.
- Slice the cucumber into bite size pieces with the tuna salad stuffed over it.
- You can likewise, slice the cucumber and toss it all together but we prefer this presentation.
- Chill or serve right away!
Tips for the Best Tuna Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Use high-quality tuna – Tuna in olive oil adds richness and depth. Make sure to drain your tuna before using so that you don’t end up with a soggy salad.
- Don’t skip the herbs – Fresh parsley or dill brighten the flavor. Likewise, don’t skip the lemon zest for a bright lemony taste!
- Let it sit – Letting the salad sit for 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to meld.
- Add-ins – Try adding capers, chickpeas, or avocado for variations. Also add in cherry tomatoes or hard boiled eggs, chicken or salmon for extra protein.
- Meal prep tip – Keep dressing separate if prepping in advance to maintain crunch.
Can I make tuna cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for up to 2 days in the fridge. For best texture, keep cucumbers and dressing separate until ready to serve.
What to Put in a tuna cucumber salad?
The sky’s the limit! Add in your favorite herbs, lemon zest, red onions, olives, cherry tomatoes, chicken or salmon or boiled eggs. Or make it as simple as onions, mayo and dill.
What kind of tuna should I use?
Use canned tuna in water or olive oil. Solid white albacore or light tuna both work. If you want a richer taste, go for tuna in olive oil.
Is this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This salad is naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto or paleo diets.
Can I use other herbs?
Yes! Dill, parsley, mint, or chives are all excellent. Mediterranean herbs bring out the salad’s fresh profile.
What’s the best way to serve Tuna Cucumber Salad?
Serve it cold as a salad, stuffed into pita, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers for a light snack. Serve it as bite sizes as you can see below for the best lunch and snack!
Easy Mediterranean Seafood Recipes
Clam Pasta
Salmon Carpaccio
Black Cod Recipe
Shrimp Pasta
Lobster Risotto
How to Cook Mussels
Sardine Pasta
Grilled Octopus
Sardines
Tuna Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber
- 1/4 cup Mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 red onion/shallot diced
- 2 tablespoons minced dill use parsley/cilantro if you don’t like dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- chilli flakes optional
- 1 can tuna packed in water
Instructions
-
In a bowl, mix together the salad ingredients such as mayo, lemon juice, red onions, mustard, seasoning and herbs.
-
Add in the canned tuna to the bowl, after draining it from any water or oil.
-
Prep the cucumbers. Slice cucumbers into thin half-moons, use a spoon to scoop up any seeds.
-
You'll have the cucumbers like a boat, and here's when you'll add the mixed tuna salad to fill in the boats.
-
Slice the cucumber into bite size pieces with the tuna salad stuffed over it.
-
You can likewise, slice the cucumber and toss it all together but we prefer this presentation.
-
Chill or serve right away!
Recipe Notes
Tips for the Best Tuna Cucumber Salad
- Use high-quality tuna – Tuna in olive oil adds richness and depth. Make sure to drain your tuna before using so that you don't end up with a soggy salad.
- Don’t skip the herbs – Fresh parsley or dill brighten the flavor. Likewise, don't skip the lemon zest for a bright lemony taste!
- Let it sit – Letting the salad sit for 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to meld.
- Add-ins – Try adding capers, chickpeas, or avocado for variations. Also add in cherry tomatoes or hard boiled eggs, chicken or salmon for extra protein.
- Meal prep tip – Keep dressing separate if prepping in advance to maintain crunch.
Can I make tuna cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for up to 2 days in the fridge. For best texture, keep cucumbers and dressing separate until ready to serve.
What to Put in a tuna cucumber salad?
The sky's the limit! Add in your favorite herbs, lemon zest, red onions, olives, cherry tomatoes, chicken or salmon or boiled eggs. Or make it as simple as onions, mayo and dill.
What kind of tuna should I use?
Use canned tuna in water or olive oil. Solid white albacore or light tuna both work. If you want a richer taste, go for tuna in olive oil.
Is this recipe low-carb and keto-friendly?
Absolutely! This salad is naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto or paleo diets.
Can I use other herbs?
Yes! Dill, parsley, mint, or chives are all excellent. Mediterranean herbs bring out the salad's fresh profile.
What’s the best way to serve Tuna Cucumber Salad?
Serve it cold as a salad, stuffed into pita, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers for a light snack. Serve it as bite sizes as you can see below for the best lunch and snack!
Oh my goodness, this is so quick, easy, and delicious. Yummy!
This is such a great way to enjoy tuna salad! I love the cool cucumber with it. Yummy.