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A hand holding a piece of cucumber topped with tuna salad for the best bites of tuna cucumber salad

Tuna Cucumber Salad

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.
Course Appetizer, lunch, main, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword cucumber salad, tuna cucumber salad, tuna cucumber salad recipe, tuna salad, tuna salad recipe
Servings 4 people
Calories 151 kcal
Author Mahy

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

  1. In a bowl, mix together the salad ingredients such as mayo, lemon juice, red onions, mustard, seasoning and herbs.
    The salad ingredients all added in a bowl and mixed together
  2. Add in the canned tuna to the bowl, after draining it from any water or oil.
    drained canned tuna in a plate and a hand holding it
  3. Prep the cucumbers. Slice cucumbers into thin half-moons, use a spoon to scoop up any seeds.
    a hand holding a spoon and scooping the flesh from the sliced cucumbers
  4. You'll have the cucumbers like a boat, and here's when you'll add the mixed tuna salad to fill in the boats.
  5. Slice the cucumber into bite size pieces with the tuna salad stuffed over it.
    A hand holding the cucumebrs deseeded and ready to mix in the tuna salad
  6. You can likewise, slice the cucumber and toss it all together but we prefer this presentation.
  7. Chill or serve right away!
    close up of the tuna cucumber salad cut up and served on a wooden board

Recipe Notes

 

 Tips for the Best Tuna Cucumber Salad

  1. 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.
  2. Don’t skip the herbs – Fresh parsley or dill brighten the flavor. Likewise, don't skip the lemon zest for a bright lemony taste!
  3. Let it sit – Letting the salad sit for 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to meld.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

 

Nutrition Facts
Tuna Cucumber Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 151 Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat 11g17%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 21mg7%
Sodium 225mg10%
Potassium 211mg6%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 106IU2%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 25mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.