Tuna Cucumber Boats are a quick, refreshing, and high-protein meal perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a protein-packed snack. With a creamy, flavourful tuna salad served in crisp cucumber halves, this recipe keeps things low in calories while delivering on taste and nutrition. Plus, it’s super easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients!
If you want another lunch recipe, why not try our Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie
Tuna Cucumber Boats
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and high-protein meal, these Tuna Cucumber Boats are perfect for you. The combination of crisp cucumber and creamy tuna salad makes every bite both satisfying and nutritious.
I love how simple and versatile this recipe is. It’s a great alternative to bread-based lunches and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. Whether you like a little extra crunch or a spicy kick, there are plenty of ways to customise it.
With 24g of protein and only 189 calories, this meal is perfect for a quick lunch. It’s easy to prep in advance, making it a convenient option for busy days while keeping things light and wholesome.
Why We Love this Recipe
- High in Protein: Each serving packs 24g of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.
- Light and Refreshing: The crisp cucumber base keeps this dish hydrating and low in calories.
- Quick and Easy: Takes 10 minutes to prepare with minimal ingredients, perfect for busy days.
What Are Cucumber Boats?
Cucumber boats are a simple and healthy alternative to traditional bread-based meals. They are made by slicing cucumbers lengthwise and scooping out the seeds to create a hollow ‘boat’ that can be filled with a variety of ingredients.
Not only are cucumber boats low in calories and carbs, but they also add a refreshing crunch to any meal. They work well with fillings like tuna salad, chicken, or hummus, making them a versatile option for snacks, lunches, or appetisers.
Because cucumbers are naturally hydrating and rich in vitamins, they provide a light yet satisfying base that pairs perfectly with both creamy and protein-packed fillings like our Tuna Cucumber Boats.
Tuna Cucumber Boats Nutrition
These Tuna Cucumber Boats offer a high-protein, low-fat, and low-calorie meal, making them an excellent choice for a light yet satisfying lunch or snack. The combination of lean tuna, creamy lighter-than-light mayo, and refreshing cucumber ensures each bite is both nutrient-dense and delicious. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 189
Protein: 24.3g
Carbs: 18.9g
Fat: 2.7g
Ingredients
- Cucumber: Acts as a refreshing, crisp base while keeping the dish light and low in calories.
- Tuna: A lean protein source that makes the filling satisfying and nutrient-dense.
- Lighter Than Light Mayo: Adds creaminess and binds the tuna salad together without excess calories.
- Mustard: Brings a tangy kick that enhances the overall flavour of the tuna salad.
- Red Onion: Provides a subtle crunch and a hint of sharpness to balance the creamy filling.
How to Make Tuna Cucumber Boats
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
To start, we slice the cucumber into thirds, then cut each third lengthwise to create six cucumber boats. Using a spoon, we carefully scoop out the seeds and flesh, making enough space for the tuna filling. Tip: Save the scooped-out cucumber—it adds extra freshness when mixed into the tuna salad!
Next, we prepare the tuna salad. In a mixing bowl, we combine the drained tuna, finely chopped red onion, lighter-than-light mayo, mustard, and the reserved cucumber flesh. Everything gets stirred together until smooth and well combined. If needed, we season with salt and pepper to taste.
Now, it’s time to fill the cucumber boats. We evenly spoon the tuna mixture into each hollowed-out cucumber, making sure to distribute the filling generously. If you love a bit of heat, this is the perfect time to drizzle some chilli mayo or Sriracha over the top!
Finally, we serve and enjoy. These Tuna Cucumber Boats are best eaten fresh, but you can always prep the tuna salad ahead of time and assemble when needed for maximum crunch.
Tips
- Pat the cucumber boats dry – After scooping out the seeds, use a paper towel to remove excess moisture and keep them crisp.
- Use firm cucumbers – Softer cucumbers may not hold the filling well and can become soggy.
- Scoop carefully – When hollowing out the cucumbers, be gentle to avoid breaking them.
- Chill for extra crunch – Softer cucumbers may not hold the filling well and can become soggy.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavours and balance the richness of the tuna.
- Spice It Up: Drizzle with chilli mayo or Sriracha for an extra kick and a bit of heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the lighter than light mayo for mashed avocado or a dairy-free mayo alternative for a creamy, dairy-free version.
- Crunchier Texture: Add diced celery or bell pepper to the tuna salad for extra crunch and freshness.
Storage
Tuna Cucumber Boats are best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers can become watery over time. However, you can store the tuna salad separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply prepare fresh cucumber boats and fill them with the chilled tuna mixture for the best texture and flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can meal prep the tuna salad and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to assemble the cucumber boats fresh to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming watery.
If you want a mayo-free version, try using mashed avocado, Greek yoghurt, or a dairy-free mayo alternative for a creamy, high-protein option.
Make sure to scoop out the seeds properly and pat the cucumber boats dry before adding the filling. If prepping ahead, store the tuna salad separately and fill the cucumbers just before eating.
More High Protein Lunch Ideas
Try this Tuna Cucumber Boats recipe and let us know what you think! Follow us on Instagram for more high protein, low calorie recipe ideas.
Tuna Cucumber Boats
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Knife
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 Large Cucumber
- 1 Red Onion (finely chopped)
- 4 tbsp Lighter than Light Mayo
- 2 tsp Mustard
- 2 cans Tuna (drained)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers
- Slice the cucumber into thirds, then cut each third lengthwise to create six cucumber boats.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh from the centre, making room for the filling.
- Make the Tuna Salad
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, finely chopped red onion, lighter than light mayo, mustard, and the scooped-out cucumber flesh.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Assemble the Boats
- Evenly distribute the tuna mixture among the cucumber boats, filling each one generously.
- Serve and Enjoy
Notes
Meal Prep Tip: The tuna salad recipe makes two servings. Store it separately in the fridge, and prepare the cucumber boats fresh when ready to eat for the best texture. Customisation: Season with salt and pepper to taste, and for extra heat, drizzle with chilli mayo or Sriracha before serving.
