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Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups

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When you're craving something light but filling, this is the perfect meal! I bet you have a can of tuna hanging out somewhere in your pantry right now. Grab it and mix it with a couple delicious condiments from your fridge and serve on lettuce. Done and done! Boston lettuce works great but any ol' romaine lettuce will do! You can also simply top a bed of greens with this delicious tuna mix. The secret ingredient? FETA! The answer to everything tasting salty and delicious. Did I mention this recipe only takes 10 minutes from start to finish? YUP, it's a winner! Let me know if you give it a try!

Tuna salad lettuce cups are a fresh, protein-packed twist on classic tuna salad that’s perfect for light lunches, quick dinners, or healthy meal prep. By swapping bread for crisp lettuce leaves, these tuna lettuce wraps stay low-carb, gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying. Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, this easy tuna salad recipe comes together in minutes and is endlessly customizable to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups

These tuna salad lettuce cups are refreshing, filling, and ideal for busy days when you want something nutritious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. They’re high in protein, loaded with texture, and perfect for warm weather meals. Plus, serving tuna salad in lettuce cups adds a satisfying crunch while keeping things light and fresh.

A Fresh, Healthy Take on Tuna Salad

Tuna salad lettuce cups are a simple, nutritious alternative to traditional sandwiches. Crisp, creamy, and full of protein, they’re perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or anytime you’re craving something fresh and satisfying.

Serving Ideas & Variations

These tuna salad lettuce cups pair well with fresh fruit, roasted vegetables, or a simple soup for a complete meal. Add chopped pickles, capers, olives, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. For meal prep, store the tuna salad separately and assemble lettuce cups just before serving.

How To Make Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups

The Ingredients

Canned Tuna

Tuna is the star of this recipe, providing lean protein and a mild flavor that pairs well with creamy and crunchy ingredients. Use tuna packed in water for a lighter option or oil-packed for richer flavor.
Substitutes: Canned salmon, canned chicken, chickpeas (mashed slightly), white beans, or plant-based tuna alternatives.

Red Onion

Red onion adds sharpness and a subtle sweetness that balances the creamy dressing. Finely dicing keeps the flavor from overpowering the salad.
Substitutes: Shallots, white onion, yellow onion, or green onions for a milder bite.

Celery

Celery brings essential crunch and a fresh, clean flavor that’s classic in tuna salad.
Substitutes: Diced cucumber, fennel, radishes, bell pepper, or chopped apple for a hint of sweetness.

Green Onion

Green onions add mild onion flavor and freshness without being too strong.
Substitutes: Chives, finely diced red onion, shallots, or omit if unavailable.

Mayo or Greek Yogurt

Mayo creates a rich, creamy tuna salad, while Greek yogurt lightens things up and adds protein with a slight tang.
Substitutes: Half mayo and half yogurt, sour cream, dairy-free mayo, avocado mash, or hummus.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard adds depth and a gentle tang that enhances the overall flavor.
Substitutes: Yellow mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey mustard (slightly sweeter), or a splash of lemon juice.

Salt & Pepper

Salt and pepper balance and enhance all the ingredients. Adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of the tuna and feta.
Substitutes: Garlic salt, seasoned salt, or lemon pepper seasoning.

Hot Sauce (Optional)

A drizzle of hot sauce adds a subtle kick and extra flavor without overpowering the salad.
Substitutes: Sriracha, chili crisp, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or omit entirely.

Feta Cheese

Feta adds a creamy, salty bite that elevates this tuna salad and gives it a Mediterranean feel.
Substitutes: Goat cheese, shredded cheddar, parmesan, queso fresco, or omit for a dairy-free option.

Lettuce (Boston Lettuce)

Boston lettuce is ideal for lettuce cups thanks to its soft, sturdy leaves that hold fillings well.
Substitutes: Butter lettuce, iceberg lettuce, romaine hearts, gem lettuce, endive leaves, or collard greens (lightly blanched).

What You Need

The Steps

  • Drain tuna and add to a medium size bowl
  • Dice veggies and add to tuna
  • Add mayo, Dijon and spices; mix well
  • Wash and dry lettuce and place on a plate
  • Using a large cookie scoop, scoop the mixture onto a piece of lettuce
  • Repeat until all the tuna mixture has used
  • Top lettuce cup with crumbled feta cheese
  • Option to make tuna mixture ahead of time; store in the fridge for up to 4 days

Recipe Tips

 

Tuna Salad Lettuce Cups

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 can tuna
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • ¼ cup diced celery
  • ¼ cup diced green onion
  • ¼ cup mayo or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • Drizzle of hot sauce optional
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 head lettuce Boston lettuce is best for lettuce cups

Instructions

  • Drain tuna and add to a medium size bowl
  • Dice veggies and add to tuna
  • Add mayo, Dijon and spices; mix well
  • Wash and dry lettuce and place on a plate
  • Using a large cookie scoop, scoop the mixture onto a piece of lettuce
  • Repeat until all the tuna mixture has used
  • Top lettuce cup with crumbled feta cheese
  • Option to make tuna mixture ahead of time; store in the fridge for up to 4 days

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Meet Ivanka

Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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