How to Make the Perfect Cucumber Tuna Salad Boats
American · Easy · 12 min · 2 servings
Crisp cucumber halves are hollowed out and filled with creamy herb-seasoned tuna salad for an elegant and incredibly low-carb diabetic friendly lunch or snack. This no-cook recipe requires no special equipment and delivers satisfying protein and healthy fats with virtually no impact on blood sugar levels.
Why this recipe works
This Cucumber Tuna Salad Boats recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 12 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 240 calories with 28g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 whole English cucumbers halved lengthwise
- 2 cans tuna in water 5 oz each drained
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cucumber Boats
Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, creating a trough for the filling. Pat the insides dry with a paper towel so the filling does not become watery.
Step 2: Make the Tuna Salad
In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, diced celery, and fresh dill. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Fill the Boats
Spoon the tuna salad mixture generously into each cucumber boat, mounding it up slightly. Divide the filling equally between the four cucumber halves. Press down lightly with the back of the spoon to pack it in.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Arrange the filled cucumber boats on a plate. Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs and a few cracked black pepper flakes. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- plain Greek yogurt → avocado mashed for a dairy-free creamy binder with healthy fats
- fresh dill → fresh chives or parsley for a different herby flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not patting the cucumber dry which makes the tuna filling watery and causes it to slide out
- Using tuna packed in oil without draining properly which makes the filling overly greasy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 240 calories, 28g protein, 7g carbs, 11g fat, 2g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →