High-Protein Tuna Boats
These High-Protein Tuna Boats offer a refreshing, no-cook meal or snack, using crisp cucumber halves as a low-carb vessel for a savory, tangy tuna salad. It's a perfect light option that's ready in minutes.
For 2 servings
Wash the English cucumber thoroughly. Slice it in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seeds from each half, creating a shallow 'boat' for the tuna salad. Pat the cucumber boats dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Finely chop the red onion and celery. Chop the fresh dill, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.
Open the can of tuna and drain it very well. You can press it against the lid or use a fine-mesh sieve to remove as much liquid as possible. This prevents a watery tuna salad.
In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, plain Greek yogurt, finely chopped red onion, finely diced celery, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the tuna mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Spoon the tuna salad mixture evenly into the prepared cucumber boats, mounding it slightly.
Garnish each tuna boat with a sprinkle of the reserved fresh dill or a dash of smoked paprika for color and extra flavor.
Serve immediately for the best crispness, or chill for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer it colder.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your tuna is very well drained to prevent a watery salad. Excess moisture can make the cucumber boats soggy.
- 2For extra crunch, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers (any color) or water chestnuts to the tuna salad mixture.
- 3If making ahead, keep the tuna salad separate from the cucumber boats and assemble just before serving to maintain the cucumber's crispness.
- 4Experiment with different herbs like chives or parsley for a subtle flavor variation.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute canned salmon or shredded cooked chicken for tuna to create salmon or chicken salad boats.
Flavor BoostFlavor Boost
Add a pinch of curry powder, a dash of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the tuna mixture for an extra kick.
Vegetable BaseVegetable Base
Instead of cucumber, use hollowed-out bell pepper halves, endive leaves, or large lettuce cups as the 'boat' for the tuna salad.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
Tuna and Greek yogurt are excellent sources of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and overall body function.
Hydrating & Low-Calorie
Cucumber is over 95% water, providing excellent hydration and a low-calorie, nutrient-dense base for this meal.
Rich in Omega-3s
Tuna provides beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare the tuna salad mixture up to 1 day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the cucumber boats just before serving to keep the cucumber crisp.
