Asian Tuna Salad in Cucumber Boats

Asian Tuna Salad in Cucumber Boats ~ An Asian twist and an updated taste for the classic tuna salad, served in hollowed cucumbers. Happy New Year everyone! How are you doing with all your health goals for 2015?

I am happy with the progress I am making.  I recently shared with you some of my goals or resolutions.
One of which was to get back to following my gastric bypass dietary protocol. For those that may be new here, I am to eat a diet consisting of lean protein and veggies, and I am to limit my carbs.  Now before you start pointing out I have a hearty carb section on blog, I am only human.

It’s a New Year, New You (or me). As part of getting back on track, I needed to find a way to enjoy the foods I love but in healthier ways. I love my grandma’s tuna salad.  

Man, I can close my eyes and just taste it. Growing up, I hated seafood of any kind other than a fish stick slathered in ketchup or my grandma’s tuna sandwich made with Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore in Water. Don’t get her started about using anything other than this specific brand and type.  Gratefully my palate has matured and I now enjoy many different sea meats.

Since my surgery, tuna has been one of my go-to meal options.  Available in can or pouch, each Bumble Bee® product is an easy and delicious way to add a variety of nutrients to your diet, including lean protein, healthy fat, and important vitamins and minerals.Saving Grandma’s tuna salad for one of those special splurge days, I wanted to continue to enjoy Bumble Bee® Tuna in a leaner way and with a fresh twist on the classic salad sandwich.  And to stick with my dietary protocol, I had to ditch the bread and the mayo.

But I did it. And now Grandma’s classic tuna salad sandwich has a bona fide rival. Using asian flavors that I love so much, I amped up this Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore in Water with rice vinegar, sesame oil and Sriracha.  For additional crunch, I added fresh vegetables.

I enjoyed my tuna boat for lunch, however, it can be sliced into pieces and be served as a delicious appetizer for any party or gathering. However you chose to enjoy this dish, you know you are eating something highly nutritious, and utterly satisfying. I didn’t even miss the mayo! Now that I have a new favorite way to eat my Bumble Bee®, what’s your favorite way to enjoy Bumble Bee®?

Asian Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: Asian

Servings: 6

Author: Michelle De La Cerda

Asian Tuna Salad in Cucumber Boats ~ An Asian twist and an updated taste for the classic tuna salad, served in hollowed cucumbers

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Ingredients

• 1-28 oz . can Bumble Bee® Solid White Albacore in Water
• 1/4 cup purple cabbage; chopped
• 2 tbsp . carrots; finely chopped
• 2 large green onions; diced
• 2 tbsp . red bell pepper; finely chopped
• 2 tbsp . cilantro; chopped
• 3 cucumbers

Dressing

• 2 garlic cloves; minced/grated
• 2 1/2 tbsp . sesame oil
• 4 1/2 tbsp . rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tsp . sugar
• 1 tsp . Sriracha
• 2 1/2 tsp . ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp . salt; +/- to taste
• 1/8 tsp . black pepper; +/- to taste
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• 1 green onion; diced for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Open and drain tuna, allow it to continue to drain for at least an hour, removing as much of the water as possible.
2. While the tuna drains, prep all the vegetables.
3. Once the tuna has sufficiently drained, toss the tuna with carrots, onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and cabbage by fork, breaking up any large chunks of tuna. Set aside once well combined.
4. In a small bowl, whisk all the dressing ingredients together except the salt and pepper.
5. Taste the dressing and add the salt and pepper according to taste.
6. Pour dressing over tuna and vegetables, toss well by fork.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to combine.
8. Before serving, slice the cucumbers in half, lengthwise.
9. Using a teaspoon, scoop out the center, removing all the seeds and soft flesh.
10. Fill each half of cucumber with 1/3 cup of Asian tuna salad.
11. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Thank you for sharing!