Alpha Gal Friendly Rosemary-Apple Tuna Cucumber Cups
These little cucumber cups are a genuinely clever way to get a fresh, satisfying bite without any of the mammal-derived ingredients that make so many snacks and appetizers off-limits for people managing alpha-gal syndrome. The tuna salad filling is bright and layered — crisp apple adds a subtle sweetness, celery brings crunch, and fresh rosemary gives the whole thing an herby, almost woodsy lift that feels anything but ordinary. The dressing comes together with extra-virgin olive oil, coconut aminos, and a squeeze of lemon juice, so there's real depth of flavor without reaching for anything that could trigger a reaction. Coconut aminos in particular is a smart swap here, delivering that savory, umami-forward note you'd normally get from soy sauce or Worcestershire — both of which can hide problematic additives. Hollowing out thick cucumber rounds into little edible vessels keeps everything light and naturally gluten-free, and the whole assembly comes together with minimal effort. Scatter some fresh parsley over the top before serving and you've got a platter that looks genuinely impressive at a gathering or works just as well as a quick lunch at home.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cups
- 2 large english cucumbers
For the tuna salad
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 medium apple, finely diced (about ¾ cup)
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim the ends from both cucumbers and cut each into rounds about 3/4-inch thick — you should get 18–20 rounds total. 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, whisk together the olive oil, coconut aminos, lemon juice, ground ginger, turmeric, and sea salt until combined.
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