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Fresh Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

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These Fresh Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats are a quick, high-protein snack featuring creamy tuna salad nestled in crisp cucumber halves. Perfect for meal prep, parties, or a light lunch, they’re gluten-free, low-carb, and easily customizable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3–4 Persian cucumbers; washed and ends trimmed)
  • 1 can (5 oz) fresh-packed tuna or high-quality canned tuna (drained and flaked)
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (nonfat or whole milk)
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime juice)
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion (or green onion)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped celery
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/4 teaspoon salt)
  • 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, quartered (optional)
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice each cucumber lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon or melon baller to create boat shapes, leaving about 1/4 inch thickness around the edges. Pat insides dry with a paper towel if watery.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, add drained and flaked tuna. Stir in Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until just combined.
  3. Mix in diced onion, chopped celery, and parsley or dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon or Dijon for extra zing if desired.
  4. Fold in optional add-ins: capers, cherry tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or everything bagel seasoning. Mix gently to keep salad fluffy.
  5. Spoon or pipe tuna salad into cucumber boats, filling evenly. Press gently so salad stays put but doesn’t spill over. For bite-size snacks, cut boats into smaller pieces.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs, seasoning, or tomato quarters. Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate covered until ready to serve.

Notes

For best crunch, fill cucumber boats just before serving. Tuna salad can be made ahead and stored separately. Use dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado for dietary needs. Slice a thin sliver off the bottom of boats to steady them if needed. Don’t overmix tuna salad for a light texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna salad, cucumber boats, high protein snack, gluten-free, low carb, healthy snack, meal prep, easy recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fresh-tuna-salad-cucumber-boats-easy-high-protein-snack-recipe/