These spicy cucumber tuna bites are an easy and quick appetizer that tastes great any time of the year. Made with a few simple ingredients, they are completely beginner-friendly and easy to whip up in just 15 minutes, including cleanup!
They are one of my go-to starters for parties but these also make a great snack as they are high in protein.
What You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 20 cucumber bites, so they are absolutely perfect for a party platter. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Half a large cucumber
- 1 can of tuna (in water, drained)
- Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Dried dill, chili flakes, salt, and pepper
The combination of Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt gives the tuna mix a creamy, tangy kick, while chili flakes bring just enough heat to balance the cool crunch of the cucumber.
How to Make Spicy Cucumber Tuna Bites
Start by slicing your cucumber into thin, bite-sized rounds, about 1/2-inches thick. This will be your base, so try to keep the slices flat so they hold the topping well. You also don’t want them to be too thin or they won’t be easy to eat.
Tip #1: Pat each cucumber slice dry with a paper towel so your base won’t get soggy or slippery.
Tip #2: If you’re prepping them in advance, keep the slices in water until you’re ready to use them and then pat them dry. This will help keep them from drying out.
In a bowl, mix the drained tuna with a spoonful of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, dried dill, some of the chilli flakes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning – if you want more flavor, add a little extra mustard or if it’s not rich enough, add a bit more yogurt.
Spoon a small dollop of the tuna mixture onto each cucumber slice. Top with a pinch of chili flakes for that extra spicy finish or leave a few plain if you’re serving guests who don’t like spicy food.
Serve your cucumber bites immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve. They hold up surprisingly well for a few hours in the fridge if prepped in advance.
Why You’ll Love These Bites
- Quick and beginner-friendly – no cooking required!
- Low carb, high protein, and super satisfying
- Easily customizable – you can swap the dill for chives or skip the spice for a more milder flavor.
- They’re perfect as an appetizer or a healthy snack.
- Fresh and light, but with bold flavor
Tips for Success
- Pat your cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before topping so your base doesn’t get soggy.
- Use tuna in water, not oil, for a lighter flavor and texture.
- Add chopped herbs or green onion if you want extra flavor.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings as these tend to go fast!
📌 Spicy Cucumber Tuna Bites (Recipe Card)
Ingredients (Makes ~20 pieces)
- ½ large cucumber, sliced into rounds
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna in water, drained
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and spoon
- Serving platter
Instructions
- Slice cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Pat dry and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix tuna, mustard, yogurt, dill, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of tuna mixture onto each cucumber slice.
- Garnish with a pinch of chili flakes.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
