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+ servings
A hand holding a freshly made cucumber tuna boat filled with creamy tuna salad with red onion and chives, ready to eat.
Callie Brooks

Cucumber Tuna Boat Recipe

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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

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

Nutrition

Serving: 2boatsCalories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 12gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 360mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g

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.

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