Recipe of the Week: High-Protein Tuna Salad Stuffed Bell Peppers

This week's recipe is a fresh, no-cook option that is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch. This isn't your average tuna salad! We're skipping the bread and using crisp bell peppers as a low-carb, high-vitamin vehicle. This recipe is packed with protein, healthy fats, and crunchy vegetables, making it an ideal meal prep option for a busy week.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, packed in water, drained well

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened) or a blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery

• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2-3 large bell peppers (any color), sliced in half with seeds and membranes removed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tuna Salad: In a medium bowl, flake the drained tuna with a fork. Add the Greek yogurt, chopped celery, red onion, and fresh dill.

2. Add Flavor: Squeeze in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. For a creamier texture, you can add a little more Greek yogurt or a spoonful of mayonnaise.

3. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and clean out the seeds. You can also dice the peppers into smaller pieces if you prefer a chopped salad.

4. Assemble: Spoon the tuna salad mixture evenly into the bell pepper halves.

5. Serve & Store: Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for a future meal. This recipe works great for meal prep; simply store the tuna salad in an airtight container and slice the peppers right before serving to maintain their crispness. The tuna salad will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Why this recipe is perfect for meal prep:

• Protein Powerhouse: Tuna is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, keeping you full and focused.

• Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: By using bell peppers instead of bread, this meal is naturally low in carbohydrates and gluten-free.

• No Cooking Required: A super-fast and easy meal to throw together when you're short on time.

• Versatile: Feel free to add other mix-ins to the tuna salad, such as chopped pickles, capers, or a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also use canned salmon or shredded chicken for a delicious variation.

Serving Size: 1 stuffed bell pepper half (with approx. 1/2 cup tuna salad)

Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving):

Calories: ~ 180-220 kcal (varies slightly based on bell pepper size, exact tuna/yogurt blend)

Protein: ~ 25-30g

Fat: ~ 5-8g

Carbohydrates: ~ 8-12g (mostly from the bell pepper and a small amount from yogurt)

Fiber: ~ 2-3g

Sugars: ~ 4-6g

Please note these are estimates. Exact nutritional values can vary based on specific brands of ingredients (e.g., tuna packed in oil vs. water, fat content of Greek yogurt) and the size of your bell peppers.