Name: Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (5 oz) can tuna (drained); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess); 2 tablespoons dried cranberries; 1 tablespoon finely chopped celery; 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 large crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji); Lemon juice (to prevent browning); Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a snack or light lunch that’s genuinely refreshing, vibrant, and packed with flavor, look no further than Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices. This clever twist on classic tuna salad pairs the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries and crisp apple slices with creamy tuna salad for the perfect bite. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and every bit as pretty as it is delicious—a combination I’ve come to love for both quick meals and easy entertaining.

Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices lies in its handful of simple ingredients. Each one brings something special, whether it’s a pop of color, a new texture, or a punch of flavor that makes this dish shine.

Tuna (canned, drained): Opt for high-quality tuna packed in water for a lighter taste and tender flakes.
Mayonnaise: This creamy staple binds everything together and lends that classic tuna salad richness.
Plain Greek yogurt (optional): Swapping in Greek yogurt for some mayo adds extra creaminess and a subtle tang—plus a bit of protein.
Dried cranberries: These little bursts of sweetness pair perfectly with savory tuna and juicy apples.
Celery (finely chopped): Adds that essential crunch and a mild, refreshing taste.
Red onion (finely chopped): Brings zing and a pop of color—just enough without overpowering.
Dijon mustard: A teaspoon lifts the whole salad with bright, sharp notes.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for a balanced finish.
Large crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji): The apple is your flavor-packed “cracker”—choose the crunchiest you can find.
Lemon juice: Just a touch prevents the apple slices from turning brown and perks up the flavor.
Fresh parsley or chives (optional): For a light, herby garnish that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices

Step 1: Mix the Salad

In a medium bowl, add the drained tuna, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt if you’re using it, dried cranberries, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s creamy, with every ingredient evenly combined. You’re aiming for a salad that holds together but is still beautifully scoopable—trust your instincts and adjust the mayo or yogurt to get your preferred texture.

Step 2: Slice the Apple

Wash your apple thoroughly, then slice it horizontally into rounds, about a quarter-inch thick. To make the presentation extra special, use a small knife (or an apple corer, if you have one) to neatly remove the seeds or the core from each apple ring. This gives you sturdy little “platforms” for the tuna salad that look irresistible on a platter.

Step 3: Prevent Browning

To keep those crisp apple slices looking their best, lightly brush each one with lemon juice or sprinkle it gently over both sides. Lemon not only stops browning but adds a subtle brightness that ties the flavors together.

Step 4: Top with Tuna Salad

Scoop about a tablespoon of your freshly mixed Cranberry Tuna Salad onto each apple slice. Use the back of your spoon to gently spread or mound it—don’t be shy, but leave a bit of the apple visible around the edges for that nice visual contrast and a sweet first bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you love a finishing flourish (and who doesn’t?), sprinkle the tops with freshly chopped parsley or chives. This last touch adds color and a fresh, herby aroma that you’ll notice right away.

How to Serve Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices

Garnishes

The finishing touches can be as simple or creative as you like! Besides parsley or chives, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch. Little edible flowers look gorgeous if you’re feeling fancy—these apple bites love a pop of color on top.

Side Dishes

This snack is satisfying on its own, but if you’re serving Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices as part of a meal, consider a big green salad, a cup of soup, or a platter with crunchy veggies and hummus. Fresh grapes, carrot sticks, or even a wedge of good sharp cheese round out a lunch plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your apple bites in concentric circles on a big platter for a party, or tuck a few onto a bento box for an envy-worthy lunch. For cocktail hour, use toothpicks to make them easy to grab. You can even swap the apple slices out for pear for a fall-themed twist, or use mini lettuce leaves for a lower-carb variation on Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Cranberry Tuna Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days. For best results, store the apple slices separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp and bright.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish. Tuna salad tends to lose its creamy texture after freezing, and apples become watery and limp. The flavors are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the tuna salad ahead and keep it chilled until you’re ready to slice your apples and serve.

Reheating

Since Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices is a chilled, no-cook delight, there’s no need to reheat. In fact, serving them cold is part of their charm! Just let the salad sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes if it’s been in the fridge for a while—this brings out all the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Greek yogurt and use your favorite dairy-free mayo. The result is still delightfully creamy and flavorful, perfect for anyone skipping dairy.

What kind of apple works best for this recipe?

A sweet, crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji is perfect for holding up under the tuna salad and balancing out the savory-sweet flavors. Avoid mealy or overly tart apples for the best experience.

Can I prepare Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Mix together the tuna salad a day ahead, keep it chilled, and slice your apples right before serving. To keep the apples from browning, toss them in lemon juice and cover tightly with plastic wrap until you’re ready to assemble.

How can I adjust the flavors if I don’t like red onion?

If raw red onion isn’t your favorite, try using a bit of finely chopped green onion or even a small amount of minced shallot. You’ll get a milder, fresher onion flavor that still adds the right punch.

Are there any nut-free or paleo variations for this dish?

Definitely! To keep it nut-free, simply skip any nut-based toppings or garnishes. For paleo diets, use avocado or almond oil mayo, and double-check that your dried cranberries are unsweetened or sweetened with fruit juice.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices enough. Each bite is an irresistible mix of creamy, sweet, and crunchy that feels special but is super easy to make. Give this colorful snack a try—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8–10 apple bites 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a delightful blend of flavors with this Cranberry Tuna Salad on Apple Slices recipe. Perfect for a light lunch or snack, these gluten-free bites offer a satisfying crunch and creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Tuna Salad:

1 (5 oz) can tuna (drained)
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

Apple Slices:

1 large crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Tuna Salad: In a medium bowl, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, cranberries, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Apple Slices: Slice the apple into thin rounds, remove seeds, and brush with lemon juice. Spoon tuna mixture onto apple slices and garnish with herbs.