Low-Carb Asian-inspired Tuna Cuke-wich (Cucumber Sandwich)

When lunchtime hits and you’re short on time but still want something healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor, this Asian Tuna Cuke-wich (aka “Cucumber Sammie” ) delivers. No bread, no weird ingredients, and definitely no boring salads.

This crunchy little stack of goodness features a creamy, savory tuna mix tucked between thick cucumber slices—think of it as a handheld salad with way more flavor. It’s light but filling, low-carb but deeply satisfying, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re eating low-carb, keto, gluten-free, or just want something that doesn’t come in a drive-thru bag, this lunch checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping and post-gym refueling.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Sandwich:

  • ✅ Low-carb, keto & paleo-friendly
  • ✅ Gluten-free (and grain-free)
  • ✅ High in protein to fuel you through the day
  • ✅ Crunchy, creamy & super satisfying
  • ✅ Meal-prep friendly — make a batch and enjoy all week
  • ✅ Versatile — enjoy it as cucumber sandwiches, in lettuce cups, or over salad greens

💪 Ingredient Benefits (Your Body Will Thank You):

Tuna – A high-quality, lean protein rich in omega-3s to support heart and brain health. It’s also a great source of vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins. I like the Safe Catch brand because they have the lowest mercury levels of any can/pouch tuna on the market.

Edamame – These green soybeans are protein-rich and full of fiber, iron, and antioxidants. They help keep you full longer, support digestion, and offer a satisfying bite. I always have a pack of frozen shelled edamame on hand.

Peanut Butter or Nut Butter – Adds creaminess and depth to the dressing, along with heart-healthy fats, plant-based protein, and a dose of vitamin E. Almond, cashew, or sunflower butter all work, depending on your dietary needs. I’ve been loving this peanut butter.

Cucumber – Crisp, hydrating, and naturally low in carbs and calories. Cucumbers provide texture, volume, and electrolytes, especially helpful after a sweaty workout.

Lime, Garlic, Ginger, Soy Sauce or Coconut Aminos, Sriracha, Sesame Oil – These bring bold flavor without loading on sugar or excess calories. Use coconut aminos to keep it paleo/gluten-free.

🕒 When to Eat It:

  • After a workout, when you want something fresh, fast, and protein-packed
  • For a quick and easy weekday lunch—no microwave or oven required
  • As a light dinner or party appetizer (just slice smaller)
  • Meal-prepped for the week (keep cucumber slices separate until serving)
  • Served as a salad or lettuce wrap if you’re skipping the sandwich format

This recipe proves that a delicious, energizing lunch doesn’t need bread—or take forever to prep. Save this idea for your next packed schedule or post-workout hunger attack. It hits the spot every time.

Asian Tuna Salad Cucumber Sandwich (Cuke-wich)
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

This keto, paleo, and gluten-free Asian Tuna Salad Cuke-wich (think bread-free sandwich) makes a crunchy, high-protein lunch perfect for quick meals or post-gym fuel. You can also serve as a salad or lettuce wrap.

Course: lunch, Salad, Sandwich, Snack
Keyword: asian, gluten free, keto, low carb, paleo, tuna
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 197 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 large cucumber
  • 3 oz pouch tuna fish drained and flaked
  • 2 oz shelled edamame thawed from frozen
  • 1 tablespoon toasted almond slivers
  • 1 tablespoon raisins
  • 1 green onion chopped
  • 3-4 baby carrots chopped or grated
  • 1 tbsp natural-style peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • Garnish: drizzle with extra Sriracha and top with micro greens if desired.
Instructions
  1. Slice cumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds, creating a “hollow” that you can stuff with the tuna salad later.

  2. In bowl, add tuna, edamame, almond slivers, raisins, green onion, and carrots, set aside.

  3. In small bowl, mix together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice and sriracha. Stir this sauce into tuna mixture until coated.

  4. Fill cucumber half with half of the tuna salad; repeat for the other cucumber half. Garnish with more sriracha and micro-greens, if desired.

Recipe Notes

197 calories, 8g fat, 12g net carb, 16.5g protein

Southwest Cottage Cheese Egg Salad: Protein-Packed!

When life gets hectic and you’re wondering what to eat for lunch, it’s tempting to reach (or drive-thru) for something quick and not-so-healthy. But instead try my Southwest Cottage Cheese Egg Salad, a delicious, nutritious option that’s just as fast. This busy-day lunch idea is simple, economical, low-carb, and packed with protein to keep you fueled up to going. Macros: 270 cal, 15g fat, 5g net carb, 23g protein

 The simple, wholesome ingredients include chopped eggs mixed with pico de gallo, cottage cheese, fresh lime juice (try this lime squeezer), and avocado. This combination makes for a satisfying, flavorful meal that you can enjoy in so many ways! Pile it into a low-carb wrap for a convenient handheld lunch or spread it on a slice of whole-grain bread. But, it’s not just for sandwich and wrap fillings — try tossing it over a fresh salad, stuffing it into a scooped-out tomato or cucumber, or even serving it as an appetizer with crackers.

One of the best parts of this egg salad variation is the use of low-fat cottage cheese instead of mayonnaise. Blending the cottage cheese until smooth gives you a creamy texture without the extra fat, while boosting the protein content. This swap makes the dish not only lighter but also more satisfying, perfect for those looking to stay full throughout the day.

This southwest egg salad is a true lifesaver when you’re on the go or need a quick meal idea. You may have tried other eggs salad recipes that have been mediocre – but this one is a winner! Give it a try, you’ll be amazed at how simple and flavorful healthy eating can be! In the video, I’m eating in one of my favorite ways – a low-carb tortilla wrap! BTW, love to store my boiled eggs in a cute ceramic egg holder so I don’t get them confused in the fridge with raw eggs!

Southwestern Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Spice up lunch with these flavorful Southwest Cottage Cheese Egg Salad. Thanks to cottage cheese, it offers more protein with less fat than a traditional recipe. With a zesty lime kick and great nutrition, this quick meal – use in a tortilla wrap, fix up a sandwich, pile on a salad, or stuff into a scooped-out tomato or cucumber.

Course: entree salad, lunch
Cuisine: Southwestern
Keyword: avocado, cottage cheese, egg
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 270 kcal
Ingredients
  • 4 large hard-boiled eggs peeled and roughly chopped
  • 4 ounces Pico de Gallo
  • 2/3 cup cottage cheese* *blended if you prefer a more creamy texture
  • ½ medium avocado chopped
  • 2 tsp lime juice
Instructions
  1. In medium bowl, mix together chopped eggs, cottage cheese, chopped avocado, pico de gallo and lime juice.

  2. Serve in wrap, sandwiched between bread, on a green salad or stuffed into a tomato — so many options!

Recipe Notes

Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

Low-Carb Turkey Club Lettuce Wrap with Ranch

Welcome to the club! Membership entitles you to lunch without bread, but before you accuse me of cruel hazing, you need to give my Low-Carb Turkey Club Lettuce Wrap with Ranch a chance. What this meal lacks in toasty bread and omg-creativity  (basically it’s a salad that meets sandwich fillings), it makes up for in low-carb yumminess and take on-the-go convenience. Low Carb Turkey Club Lettuce Wrap

Read on to get the recipe, nutrition info, and easy way to roll lettuce wraps up. Continue reading

Turmeric Quinoa Egg Salad Spread

When I make hard-boiled eggs, I always do a dozen at a time. Between breakfast-on-the-go and lunchboxes, we usually polish off the stash in a couple days. But, when the family starts to bore of basic boiled eggs or I’ve made way too many (like a post-Easter surplus), I use them as the protein base for quick and easy recipes – like my Turmeric Quinoa Egg Salad Spread.Turmeric Quinoa Egg Salad Spread

Read on to get this healthy-boosting recipe that uses leftover hard-boiled eggs: Continue reading

Beef and Blue Cheese Monte Cristo with Cherries

Sunday is National Monte Cristo Day (9/17), proving once again that we Americans love to celebrate all things food. The yummy dish reminds me of a collision between French toast and a lunch box ham sandwich – the traditional version, a favorite during my childhood, is made with ham and cheese book-ended between white bread, dipped in an egg mixture and then pan fried or even deep fried (gasp) with raspberry preserves and powdered sugar to garnish! Crazy yum!

Beef Blue Cheese Cherry Monte Cristo

Of course, I’m anything but traditional so today I’m sharing my even more brazen version of this classic sammie – a Beef Blue Cheese Monte Cristo with Cherries! Read on to get all the juicy details and recipe. Continue reading