Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's both quick and Instagram-worthy? Look no further than these vibrant Tuna Salad Bell Pepper Boats! Imagine a protein-packed lunch that's not just nutritious, but also bursts with color and flavor. These easy-to-make boats transform a classic tuna salad into a stunning dish that will make your taste buds dance and your health-conscious friends jealous. Perfect for busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add a fresh twist to their midday meal.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 bell peppers, halved and seeded
Instructions
- Drain the tuna cans completely, ensuring no excess liquid remains. Transfer the tuna to a medium mixing bowl.
- Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the tuna. Mix thoroughly using a fork, breaking up the tuna chunks into smaller, even pieces.
- Finely chop the red onion into small, uniform pieces. Add to the tuna mixture.
- Season the tuna salad with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preference. Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes, creating boat-like vessels.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each bell pepper half with the prepared tuna salad, mounding slightly in the center.
- For best presentation, arrange the tuna-filled pepper boats on a serving platter. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp bell peppers in different colors for a more visually appealing presentation.
- Drain tuna thoroughly to prevent a watery salad - use a fine-mesh strainer or press with a fork.
- For extra crunch, consider adding diced celery or chopped pickles to your tuna mixture.
- Chill the tuna salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise if desired.
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like dill or chives on top before serving.
- If meal prepping, store tuna salad and pepper boats separately to maintain pepper crispness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 16g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
