Dessert

Cucumber Tuna Bites Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery December 12, 2025December 12, 2025

Introduction

Cucumber Tuna Bites are a refreshing and light appetizer perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. Combining crisp cucumber rounds with a creamy tuna filling, they offer a delightful balance of texture and flavor.

The image shows round cucumber slices, each thick and bright green with a smooth texture on the outside and a lighter green inside. On top of each cucumber slice is a generous scoop of creamy tuna salad mixed with small chunks of red onion and celery, giving it a textured look with white, purple, and green tones. Each scoop is dusted lightly with red paprika and garnished with a small sprig of fresh green dill. The cucumber bites are placed closely together on a white marbled surface, with a few scattered bits of paprika and dill around them for added detail. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 small celery stalk, finely chopped
1 tablespoon red onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh dill or parsley (optional for garnish)
1 large cucumber, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the cucumber thoroughly under cold water and slice it into ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and keep the bites from getting soggy.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add the finely chopped celery and red onion, then mix gently until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Arrange the cucumber slices flat on a serving platter. Spoon a dollop of the tuna mixture onto each cucumber round, spreading it gently to cover the surface without spilling over the edges.
Step 4: Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for color and extra flavor. Optionally, add a sprinkle of paprika or a thin slice of olive for decoration. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to keep crisp.

Tips & Variations

Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even cucumber rounds and a polished presentation.
Mix the tuna gently to keep the filling creamy but still chunky—over-mixing can make it mushy.
For a neater look, pipe the tuna mixture onto cucumber slices using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner cut off.
Avoid preparing too far ahead to prevent the cucumber from releasing water and making the bites soggy.

Storage

Store the assembled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour. For best texture, avoid making them too far in advance to prevent the cucumber slices from becoming soggy. If stored, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to take the chill off.

How to Serve

The image shows several thick cucumber slices arranged neatly on a white rectangular plate with a white marbled texture underneath. Each cucumber slice is hollowed out slightly in the center and filled with a creamy mixture that has visible small chunks of green celery and red onion. The creamy filling is topped with a sprinkle of paprika or red spice powder and a small sprig of fresh green dill. The focus is on the front cucumber slice, with the other slices blurred softly in the background, creating a fresh and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of fish instead of tuna?

Yes, you can substitute canned salmon or crab for tuna to create different flavor variations while keeping the same texture.

How can I keep the cucumber slices from getting soggy?

Pat the cucumber slices dry before assembling and serve the bites as soon as possible. Refrigerate only for a short time and avoid making them too far in advance.