Easy Tuna Cucumber Tart
This viral French social media sensation features two layers of zesty tuna salad and cucumber slices in a precooked and seasoned crust. It’s elegant, easy, and so fresh, perfect for summer brunch or lunch!
Move over croissants – there’s a new French favourite taking social media by storm! This gorgeous Tuna Cucumber Tart has been flooding French Instagram feeds and TikTok for-you-pages, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. This viral social media sensation features tuna salad made with fresh cheese, lemon zest and chives layered with thin cucumber slices in a sesame precooked crust, topped with everything bagel seasoning. It’s elegant, easy, and absolutely addictive, the perfect summer bite!
All About Fromage Frais: The Creamy French Cheese and Its Global Alternatives
Fromage frais (unfermented) or blanc (fermented) is a soft, creamy French fresh cheese with a smooth, spreadable texture and mild, slightly tangy flavour that’s perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. In France, you’ll find it in every supermarket, but finding authentic fromage frais elsewhere can be tricky. Fortunately, there are excellent substitutes that work beautifully in recipes: ricotta cheese mixed with a splash of cream creates a similar texture. Quark, popular in Germany and increasingly available in US and UK specialty stores, is probably the closest match. In the US, look for fromage frais at Whole Foods, specialty cheese shops, or French import stores.
Make your own Fromage Frais
No fromage frais at the store? Make your own in minutes! Simply heat 4 cups of whole milk to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and stir in 4-5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar. Watch the magic happen as the milk curdles and separates into curds and whey. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth for 15-30 minutes until most whey is drained, then add a pinch of salt and whisk the remaining curds until smooth and creamy.
Choosing Sustainable Tuna: Your Guide to Ocean-Friendly Cans
When selecting tuna for your recipes, look for cans labeled with certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or “dolphin-safe” to ensure responsible fishing practices. Opt for pole-and-line caught or trolling methods over purse seine nets, which cause less environmental damage. Albacore and skipjack tuna are generally more sustainable choices than bluefin, which is often overfished. By choosing certified sustainable tuna, you’re supporting healthy ocean ecosystems while still enjoying delicious, protein-packed meals.
Easy Tuna Cucumber Tart
Equipment
- pie mould 9 inches (23 cm)
Ingredients
- 250 g canned tuna in oil or brine
- 300 g fresh cheese aka. fromage blanc or Quark
- 1 English cucumber approx. 2 or 3 smaller ones, finely cut with a mandoline
- ½ white onion minced
- 1 handful chives
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
- salt and pepper
The Crust
- 1 shortcrust pastry sheet
- everything bagel seasoning or black sesame seeds *optional
- cooking spray
Instructions
The Crust
- Spray the outer edges of a pie mould with cooking oil, then press the shortcrust dough into the mould. Trim any excess dough, ensuring the sides are about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep.
- Brush or spray the dough lightly with oil, add the bagel seasoning, and poke holes with a fork to prevent the crust from deforming in the oven.
- Bake at 180°C (375°F) for 20 minutes or until light brown.
- Let it cool 5 minutes before filling.
The Tuna Filling
- In a bowl, combine the tuna, fresh cheese, onion, chives, finely grated lemon zest, juice from 1/4 lemon (about 1/2 teaspoon), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assembling
- In the prepared crust, spread half of the tuna mixture evenly across the bottom. Add a layer of thinly sliced cucumbers, then top with the remaining tuna mixture. Finish with a final layer of cucumber slices and garnish with lemon zest and black sesame seeds.
Video
Notes
- Tart tastes best after chilling for 30 minutes – flavours meld beautifully when cold.
- Store covered in fridge up to 2 days, though the cucumber may soften slightly.
Nutrition
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying a full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share your thoughts on it! Leave a comment or share a picture and tag me @littlenomadsrecipes on Instagram.
What an easy, delicious summer tart! It made a yummy lunch for my family!!!
Summer freshness at its best!
A really great summer tart for a party with fresh flavors. Really enjoyed the layer of cucumber!
Yes! Super nice to bring to a potluck or party!
This easy tuna cucumber tart is so good and filling, I enjoyed as my appetizer. My kids loved it.
My kids are big fan also, glad it worked for your family too.
This is a fabulous recipe for a summer party!
I love how light it is and that it has lots of protein, yet tastes really like a treat.
Yes, it’s a great summer dish! Super fresh!
This was the perfect addition to the brunch I just hosted. Everyone loved it!
Yes, great for brunch events! Glad it was a hit!