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If you love a classic tuna salad but want a fresh, light, and flavorful twist, my Tuna Salad Apple Sliders are about to change the game! They’re packed with protein, naturally sweet, and have just the right amount of crunch. Oh, and did I mention how ridiculously easy they are to make?
Table of Contents
Imagine crisp apple slices stacked with creamy, tangy tuna salad, crunchy walnuts, and delicious provolone cheese — all in one perfect bite.
These sliders aren’t just delicious, they’re a fun, fresh, unexpected twist on a classic. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy snack, or a light, nutritious meal, these sliders will be your new go-to.
❤️ Why You’ll Love Tuna Salad Apple Sliders
- High in protein — Supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full longer.
- Rich in Omega-3s — Promotes heart and brain health.
- Nutrient-dense — Ingredients like celery, onions, and leafy greens boost fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
- Versatile & nutritious — A well-rounded meal that can be easily customized.
Ingredients
Greek Yogurt — I always go for 2% Greek yogurt over non-fat or full-fat for the perfect balance of creaminess and protein.
Extra Yogurt Olive Oil — A mild EVOO adds richness to the dressing without overpowering the other flavors.
Dijon Mustard — Adds a subtle tang and depth, tying all the ingredients together.
Honey — A touch of natural sweetness balances out the savory elements.
Champagne Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar — Provides a bright, slightly acidic note to enhance the dressing.
Canned Tuna — The star of the dish! Choose a high-quality tuna for the best flavor and texture.
Celery — Brings freshness and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
🍇Grapes — I always choose grapes over cranberries. They add just the right amount of natural sweetness.
Walnuts — Heart-healthy and packed with omega 3s, they add crunch, protein, and richness.
Red Onion — Adds a sharp bite, but feel free to leave it out if onions don’t sit well with you.
🍎Apples — Crisp and slightly sweet, they complement the other ingredients beautifully.
Provolone — An unexpected but delicious addition! Its creamy texture pairs perfectly with the apples and tuna salad.
How to Make Tuna Salad Apple Sliders
Start by preparing the tuna salad. In a large bowl, add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, mustard, honey, salt and vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
Open both cans of tuna and drain the excess water. Add the tuna, celery, grapes, walnuts, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Mix well to combine.
Next, slice the apples into thin, even rounds, removing the core from each slice. These will serve as your vessel for your sliders.
Now, assemble the sliders. Top with provolone, watercress, and spoon a generous amount of tuna salad on to the apple slices. Enjoy!
Recipe Tip
- Brush the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
How To Choose The Right Tuna
Canned tuna comes in a few varieties, each with its own benefits. The two main types are light tuna and white (albacore) tuna.
Light tuna, usually from smaller fish, has a softer texture, a milder flavor, and lower mercury levels, making it a better choice for regular consumption. White tuna, from albacore, is firmer, paler in color, and higher in omega-3s, but it also contains higher mercury levels.
You’ll also find tuna packed in either water or oil. Water-packed tuna is the leaner option, retaining more protein with fewer calories and unhealthy fats. Oil-packed tuna has a richer taste but comes with extra fats that may not fit a low-calorie diet. For the healthiest option, opt for light tuna in water, preferably from sustainable, low-mercury sources, ensuring both nutritional benefits and environmental responsibility.
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Pin ItHow to Slice an Apple Slider
Slicing apples for sliders is quick and easy, and with the right technique, you’ll get perfectly even rounds that will easily hold your tuna salad.
- Choose the right apple: Pick a firm, crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady to ensure your slices hold their shape.
- Slice off the top and bottom: If you want perfectly even slices, trim a thin layer from the top and bottom of the apple for a flat base.
- Cut into rounds: Using a sharp knife, slice the apple horizontally into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the slices uniform.
- Remove the core: If your apple has seeds in the center, use a round piping tip to cut out the core.
Recipe Tip
- Pick the right apples — Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for the best bite.
- How to remove apple seeds — Use the back of a piping tip to remove the seeds from each slice.
Substitutions
- Tuna alternatives: Swap tuna for canned salmon, shredded chicken, or mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Greek yogurt alternative: Use mayo or a dairy-free yogurt for a different texture or flavor.
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How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover tuna salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Slice apples fresh when ready to serve!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tuna salad ahead of time?
Yes! The tuna salad can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best freshness.
What type of apple works best for this recipe?
Crisp and slightly sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady work best. If you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are a great option.
What can I use instead of apples for serving?
If you want a different base, try serving the tuna salad in lettuce cups, on cucumber slices, or in mini bell pepper halves.
Tuna Salad, Provolone & Apple Sliders
Ingredients
- 2 large crisp apples
- 1/4 cup low fat Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp champagne vinegar or 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2, 10 ounces canned albacore tuna packed in water
- 2 celery ribs diced
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes cut into 4ths
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 12 slices provolone, cut to fit the apple slides
- 1 cup watercress or micro greens
Instructions
- Slice apples into circles as shown and use the circular end of a piping tip to remove the seeds.
- To a large bowl add Greek yogurt, olive oil, mustard, honey, salt, and vinegar. Whisk till smooth.
- Open both cans of tuna then drain excess water.
- Add tuna, celery, grapes, walnuts and red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Mix well to combine.
- Top apple slides with provolone, watercress and tuna salad. Enjoy!!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
