Tuna In A Shell
A light, creamy tuna salad served in fresh cantaloupe halves, featuring tangy lemon and crunchy celery, perfect for a refreshing appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the drained tuna, cottage cheese, chopped celery, chopped onion, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spoon the mixture into halved cantaloupe pieces and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can substitute Greek yogurt for the cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you don’t have cantaloupe, serve the tuna mix in avocado halves or on whole grain crackers for a nutritious twist. This recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tuna mixture in cantaloupe halves for a refreshing summer dish. Pair it with a light green salad or some crunchy vegetable sticks for a complete meal. It also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside *Shrimp Ala Creole* or *Seafood De George* for a delightful seafood spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tuna mixture can be enjoyed cold directly from the fridge or can be used as a filling for sandwiches. If you prefer a warm dish, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna In A Shell contains roughly 147 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 619mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned tuna?
Yes, fresh tuna can be used, but it needs to be cooked first. Grill or sear the tuna until it's just cooked through, then flake it and mix it with the other ingredients. This will give your dish a fresher taste and a different texture.
What can I do if I don't have lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, substitute it with lime juice or vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, for a tangy flavor. This will keep the dish vibrant and fresh without compromising on taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make the tuna mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just prepare the cantaloupe shells right before serving to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).