Nitrate & Nitrite Free Lemon-Dill Tuna Cucumber Cups
These bright, refreshing little bites are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before you even sit down. Cool cucumber rounds are hollowed into natural cups and loaded with a zesty tuna filling made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, celery, and chives — every ingredient is clean and straightforward, with nothing hidden in the mix. Coconut-based AIP mayo keeps the filling creamy without relying on conventional condiments that can sneak in unwanted additives, and a pinch of ground ginger adds just enough warmth to make the whole thing feel a little unexpected. For anyone navigating processed-meat-heavy party spreads, this is a genuinely satisfying alternative that doesn't feel like a compromise. The tuna filling comes together in a single bowl, and the cucumber cups require nothing more than a spoon or melon baller to shape — low effort, high reward. Serve them straight from the platter with lemon wedges alongside and a few fresh dill sprigs on top for a presentation that looks far more impressive than the prep time deserves.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tuna filling
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
- 3 tbsp coconut-based aip mayo
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp celery, finely diced
- 1 tbsp chives, finely sliced
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For the cups
- 2 large english cucumbers
For serving
- fresh dill sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the cucumbers crosswise into rounds about 3/4-inch thick — you should get 18–20 rounds per cucumber. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop a shallow well into the center of each round, leaving the bottom intact so the cup holds its filling.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, coconut-based AIP mayo, lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh dill, celery, chives, salt, and ground ginger. Stir until evenly combined and the tuna is broken into small, uniform flakes.
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