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These tuna cucumber boats are refreshing, filling, and savory. A perfect snack or appetizer to bring to the parties. They are gluten-free, high-protein with 21g of protein per boat, and low-carb.
I love simple snacks, but that won’t sacrifice convenience and health for flavor. That is why I love making these tuna cucumber boats.
These Tuna Cucumber Boats are going to be your go-to option when you are looking for a healthy but satisfying and savory snack.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. I’ve found that they are perfect for all types of occasions. You can use them as a quick lunch for work, a healthy snack for your child’s lunchbox, or an elegant appetizer for a dinner party.
You can really have them at any time and any place. And, if you are still not convinced, let the nutrition information do the talking. Each boat has 21 grams of protein and only 5 grams of net carbs.
So, not only can it aid in weight management, but it can also be a great snack or meal for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
This recipe is pretty simple. Here are some tricks to make sure these tuna boats are top-notch.
First, make sure your cucumbers are fresh and firm. They are going to offer the best texture and crunch.
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Pin ItThen, always drain the tuna thoroughly to prevent a soggy filling. And, when scooping some of the cucumber, make sure you don’t overdo it since it may affect the structural integrity of the boat.
And, if you feel like experimenting, you can always add some different herbs and spices. For example, I’ve found that fresh dill adds a fragrant touch, but paprika or chipotle powder adds a bit of smokiness.
Another advantage of this recipe is that it’s a great recipe for meal prepping. You can meal prep the tune mixture in bulk and store it in the fridge. So, when you are ready to have them, you only need to slice the cucumber and assemble them.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Cucumbers, washed and dried (4 medium) – These are going to be the base of the boat, and they are going to provide a crunchy texture. If you don’t like or have cucumbers, you can use zucchini.
Wild tuna, drained (4 5 oz cans) – I’ve also tried making them with canned salmon and cooked chicken breasts, and they work.
Celery, finely diced (4 stalks) – This adds a delicious crunch and freshness. You can also use diced bell peppers and shredded carrots.
Yellow onion, finely diced (1/2 large) – You can also use red or white onions. And, if you don’t feel like chopping, you can use onion flakes or powder.
Plain Greek yogurt (1 cup) – It adds a creamy and tangy flavor. You can also use light mayo or sour cream.
French mustard (2 tsp) – While I recommend you keep this ingredient since it adds some acidity, you can also use Dijon mustard of whole-grain mustard.
Salt (3/4 tsp)
Ground black pepper (1/4 tsp)
Fresh dill, finely chopped (1 tsp)
Green onion, sliced – You can also use chopped chives or thinly sliced radishes.
How to Make Tuna Cucumber Boats
Step 1. Grab a large bowl and add the drained tuna. Make sure you drain it well before you add it to prevent the boats from getting soggy. Mash it as finely as possible using a fork.
Step 2. Add the celery, onion, Greek yogurt, French mustard, salt, black pepper, and dill.
Step 3. Mix everything thoroughly.
Step 4. Slice the cucumbers in the middle lengthwise. Grab a spoon and scoop some of the insides of the cucumber. Don’t overdo it since it can lose the sturdiness of the boat.
Step 5. Scoop some of the tuna mixture and place it on the cucumbers. Use the chopped green onions to garnish before serving.
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Pin ItHow to Modify This Snack
If you’re feeling creative or making these multiple times, here are some ways to modify this recipe to add variety or adjust to different preferences.
Here are some of the ways in which you can modify this recipe.
- Spicy tuna: If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of sriracha.
- Vegan option: For those who prefer a plant-based option, you can substitute the tuna with chickpeas and use a vegan-friendly yogurt.
- Add vegetables: You can add different vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, olives, and cherry tomatoes.
Sides for Tuna Cucumber Boats
There are different ways to have these Tuna Cucumber Boats. You can have them as a snack, as a side, or as the main recipe.
If you decide to use them as a main dish, you can serve them with whole-grain crackers, a light soup, or a mix of green salad.
Storage and Leftovers
You are going to want to store the leftovers properly to keep them fresh and tasty. The best way to keep them this way is to keep the tuna in an airtight container and prepare the cucumbers just before serving them to maintain their crunch.
You can keep the tuna mixture in the fridge for up to three to four days.
Other Savory Appetizers and Snacks
Tuna Cucumber Boats
Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers washed and dried
- 4 5 oz cans wild tuna drained
- 4 stalks celery finely diced
- 1/2 large yellow onion finely diced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tsp French mustard choose gluten-free for gluten-free version
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh dill finely chopped
- Green onion sliced
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the tuna. Make sure you drain it first. Using a fork, mash it as finely as possible.
- Add in the celery, onion, Greek yogurt, French mustard, salt, black pepper and dill. Combine well.
- Slice the cucumbers in the middle lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop out some of the insides of the cucumber to make space for the tuna mixture.
- Scoop the tuna mixture onto the cucumbers. Garnish with chopped green onion.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.