Welcome! I am a self-trained chef with two decades of diabetic friendly cooking to my name. This blog has over 300 proven recipes and zero advertising. For me it's about helping fellow diabetics eat well... Period. Blessed be... and happy cooking!

Friday, May 23, 2025

Tuna Cakes with Lemon & Garlic

Full credit for this zesty dish goes to the Del Monte company.

These better-for-you tuna cakes made with water-packed tuna, peas and Greek yogurt are baked, not fried. They get lots of fresh flavor from lemon zest, garlic and dill. Serve over a mixed greens salad that's dressed with a bright and simple lemon-Dijon vinaigrette.

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium lemon
  • 1/2 cup plain 2% or nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 4 tbsp chopped fresh dill - divided
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard - divided
  • 1 tsp garlic - minced
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz.) Del Monte® Sweet Peas - well drained
  • 2 cans (5 oz. each) chunk tuna in water - drained and coarsely flaked ( I prefer solid white Albacore)
  • 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bag (5 oz) spring mix lettuce

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. Finely grate lemon zest into a large bowl (set aside zested lemon to make the vinaigrette). Stir in yogurt, 2 tbsp dill, 1 tsp mustard, garlic, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Add drained peas, drained tuna and Panko; gently stir together to combine.

Drop 8 equal portions (1/3 cup each) onto the baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Gently press and shape each portion to be 3-inches wide and about 3/4" thick. Spray generously with cooking spray.

Bake about 15 minutes, until golden brown on the bottom. Carefully flip cakes with a spatula and bake about 10 minutes more, until the second side is golden brown. Meanwhile, squeeze 1 to 2 lemon wedges into a large bowl until you have 2 tsp. juice. Add olive oil and 1 tsp mustard. Season with salt and pepper and whisk to combine.

When tuna cakes are ready, add lettuce and remaining 2 tbsp dill to bowl with lemon dressing; toss to coat. Serve tuna cakes with salad and remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Chef's Note: If you want a more elaborate dressing, have a look at my own

Luscious Lemon Vinaigrette.

Blessed be... and happy cooking!