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Cold Finger Food Appetizers

Creamy tuna spread appetizer with dill served on cucumber rounds and crackers.

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This creamy, zesty tuna spread is the ultimate make-ahead appetizer. It transforms simple pantry staples into elegant cold finger food, perfect for stress-free entertaining. Serve with crackers, cucumber rounds, or endive leaves for a crowd-pleasing bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white tuna in water, drained well
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • For serving: Crackers, cucumber rounds, endive leaves, or mini toasts

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
  3. Stir in the chopped red onion, fresh dill, fresh parsley, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  4. Flake the well-drained tuna with a fork in a separate bowl, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Taste and add salt as needed.
  5. Transfer the spread to a serving bowl, cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to allow flavors to meld and the spread to firm up.
  6. Serve chilled with your choice of crackers, cucumber rounds, endive leaves, or mini toasts.

Notes

Ensure tuna is very well-drained to prevent a watery spread. Softening the cream cheese is essential for a smooth texture. The spread can be made up to 4 days ahead. For a dairy-free version, use a plain vegan cream cheese.

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