Did you all enjoy the holiday weekend? I sure did. I got in some running, kayaking, wine tasting, fireworks – it was really just perfect. Now it’s time to get back to the weekday grind, but I welcome getting back to my routine.
I have a number of weekday habits, especially when it comes to food. One thing that makes sticking to a healthy diet easier for me is eating the same thing each day of the week. Some people may get bored of this, but it makes it easy for me to meal plan and stick to good eats. I map out my meals for the week on Sundays, and then I’m set for seven days (or at least the 5 weekdays). Each week, I’ll pick new meals and snacks, always aiming to give my day a good balance of protein, carbs, fats and nutrients.
When it comes to getting in protein, I try to get in a good mix from vegetarian sources, poultry and especially fish. I am a fish fiend. I really don’t think there’s a type of fish I don’t like. Whenever someone asks me the question, “If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?” My answer is almost always, “Sushi!” (What, no one ever asked you that question? psh). Moral of the story is, I try to get in a good amount of fish every week when I’m meal planning. Lately, that’s come in the form of tuna. So when I got the opportunity to enter Bumble Bee® Tuna’s Benefits of Seafood Competition, I was pretty excited!
I received free samples from Bumble Bee Seafoods that are mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Bumble Bee Seafoods and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.
Why tuna you ask? The most obvious reason is because it’s delicious, but here are a few more reasons courtesy of Bumble Bee®:
- The June 2014 draft seafood advice from the FDA and EPA encourages everyone to eat at least 8 to 12 ounces (2 to 3 servings) of seafood per week.1
- A researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health stated that “seafood is likely the single most important food one can consume for good health”.2
- Canned seafood is a convenient, affordable, nutritious and delicious way to make sure you and your family are eating enough seafood.
So, how can you enjoy tuna? You could make yourself a yummy tuna salad, stir fry it up with some veggies, add it to your lunch time salads or whip yourself up a tuna melt. Better yet, whip yourself up a healthier tuna melt, like this Zucchini Boat Tuna Melt!
I used Bumble Bee® Prime Fillet® Solid White Albacore in Water for this recipe. I love this stuff. It comes in a golden can so I feel super fancy, but beyond the classy can, Bumble Bee® Prime Fillet® Solid White Albacore in Water is filled with goodness. Check out these stats.
- An Excellent Source of Protein
- High in Selenium and Niacin
- A good source of Vitamins B6 and B10
- Free from Saturated Fat
As for the rest of the recipe, instead of mayo, I mashed in a bit of avocado to make the tuna nice and creamy, and added in some Old Bay seasoning and Sriracha salt for an extra seafood kick!
I swapped out the bread for some nutritious zucchini, got fancy with sun dried tomatoes and topped it off with some ooey gooey mozzarella cheese for a deluxe, healthy version of this classic dish.
So what are you waiting for, hope on the seafood train (or should I say boat?) and get yourself some tuna!
Get in all the benefits of seafood w/this delicious Zucchini Boat Tuna Melt! @BumbleBeeFoods
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- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 can tuna in water, drained (I used Bumble Bee® Prime Fillet® Solid White Albacore in Water)
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- dash of Sriracha salt (can sub regular salt)
- 6 small sun dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cut zucchini in half length-wise. Using a melon baller or small spoon, scoop out the middle, leaving a 1/4-1/2 inch wall for the "boat."
- In a small bowl, mash together tuna and avocado. Stir in Old Bay Seasoning and salt.
- Spoon tuna mixture into zucchini and top with tomatoes and cheese.
- Place zucchini halves on a foil lined baking sheet and place in toaster oven at 425 degrees for 5 minutes, until cheese is bubbly. For a crispier topping, broil for another minute or so afterwards.
- Remove from toaster, let cool and enjoy!
And this is why we’re dating.
Let’s Chat:
Are you a seafood lover?
What’s your favorite way to eat tuna?
1. http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/ucm393070.htm
2. Discussing the Harvard School of Public Health. “Fish Intake, Contaminants, and Human Health: Evaluating Risks and the Benefits.” Available at: http://archive.sph.harvard.edu/press-releases/2006-releases/press10172006.html
