Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A hand holding a freshly made cucumber tuna boat filled with creamy tuna salad with red onion and chives, ready to eat.

Cucumber Tuna Boat Recipe


  • Author: Callie Brooks
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor, these cucumber tuna boats are a light, protein-rich snack or lunch that comes together in minutes with pantry staples.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Tuna Filling

1 (4 oz / 100g) can of tuna, drained well

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 small red onion, finely diced

Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cucumber Base & Toppings

1 large English cucumber

1 medium spring onion or fresh chives, thinly sliced for garnish


Instructions

1. Get Everything Ready: Drain the tuna thoroughly to ensure your salad isn’t watery. Finely dice the red onion and slice the spring onion or chives. Set them aside.

2. Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced red onion, mayonnaise, and mustard. Stir until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Cucumbers: Peel the cucumber if desired and slice it in half across the middle, then slice each piece lengthwise to create four equal sections. Use a small spoon to gently scoop out the seeds from the center, creating boat shapes.

4. Assemble the Boats: Spoon the tuna mixture evenly into each cucumber boat. Top with sliced spring onion or chives for a burst of freshness.

5. Serve Fresh: These boats are best eaten right after assembly for maximum crunch.

Notes

Variations: This recipe is for the classic version. See the post above for delicious variations including Dill Pickle, Creamy Avocado (Paleo/Whole30), Spicy Sriracha, and Zesty Asian-Inspired!

Drain Well: Squeezing the tuna to remove as much liquid as possible is key to preventing a watery salad.

Meal Prep: For best results, store the prepared tuna salad and the hollowed-out cucumbers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving to ensure the cucumbers stay crisp.

Best Cucumbers: English cucumbers are highly recommended for their thin skin, minimal seeds, and crisp texture.

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the exact ingredients and brands used.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 boats
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg