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    Home » Non-Infused Recipe

    Quick & Easy Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

    Published: Jun 5, 2019 · Modified: Apr 25, 2021 by Emily Kyle · This post may contain affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These quick and easy low-carb tuna salad cucumber boats are made with wild-caught tuna fish and fresh cucumbers that make the perfect, crunchy gluten-free sandwich alternative.

    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

    Recipe options for the Paleo diet, Ketogenic diet, and more included.

    Table of Contents show
    1) Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats
    2) Naturally Low-Carb Cucumber Boats
    3) Nutrition Benefits of Cucumbers
    4) Tuna Salad Cucumber Boat Dietary Options
    5) Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

    Made with your choice of Greek yogurt or a dairy-free coconut milk yogurt alternative, this quick and easy dish is the perfect lightened up version of the classic tuna salad sandwich.

    This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in quality protein and good fats.

    It is a perfect snack for weight loss or those who are watching their blood sugar levels.

    Packed with nutrition, this tasty lunch will also serve you with a hearty dose of heart-healthy omega-3’s and protein along with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

    Naturally Low-Carb Cucumber Boats

    This tuna salad recipe features cucumbers instead of traditional bread or a wrap outside the sandwich, which reduces the number of carbs in this dish.

    These cucumber boats are also an excellent way to enjoy an additional serving of vegetables during your day.

    Depending on your age and gender, guidelines recommend that adults eat at least 1½ to 2 cups per day of fruit and 2 to 3 cups per day of vegetables as part of a healthy eating pattern.

    This recipe can easily supply a cup of vegetables while also providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber in a crispy, crunchy bite.

    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

    Nutrition Benefits of Cucumbers

    Cucumbers are a delicious, plant-based vegetable that has many health benefits that contribute to an overall, well-rounded diet.

    Cucumber calories are very low but that doesn’t mean they’re not packed with nutrients.

    Indeed, cucumbers are physically made up of more water than anything, but they are also very nutrient-dense, containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.

    Calories and Nutrients in a Cucumber

    According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Composition Databases, one whole cucumber with its peel, measuring approximately 8¼” long contains:

    • 45 calories
    • Nearly 11 grams of carbohydrates
    • Nearly 2 grams of plant-based protein
    • Only 0.33 grams of fat.
    • 1.5 grams of dietary fiber
    • 5 grams of naturally occurring, not added, sugar
    • 48 milligrams of calcium
    • 0.84 milligrams of iron
    • Negligible amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin D (1)

    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boat Dietary Options

    This time of year I have so many fresh, homegrown cucumbers from my garden that I feel like I have to get creative to use them all up.

    This is one of my favorite cucumber recipes because it is so light and refreshing and makes a perfect lunch, side dish, or snack that even my kid will enjoy.

    The beautiful part of this recipe is that you don’t really need to follow an exact recipe for it to be delicious.

    You can truly make your tuna salad recipe however you traditionally make it and still enjoy it in a cucumber boat for added health benefits.

    However, if you are looking for specifics by diet, you will find gluten-free, Paleo, and Keto friendly tuna salad cucumber boat options below:

    Gluten-Free Cucumber Boat Option

    Cucumbers are naturally gluten-free, meaning that you just need to be aware of the ingredients that you are using to make your tuna salad.

    If you can verify that all of the ingredients used to make your tuna salad are clean, and ensure there was no cross-contamination in the kitchen, your tuna salad cucumber boats should be safely gluten-free.

    Paleo Diet Cucumber Boat Option

    While most of the ingredients used in this recipe are natural, whole foods that are naturally Paleo friendly, store-bought mayo and the Greek yogurt are not.

    The Paleo diet eliminates dairy, grains, and most processed ingredients like soybean oil and modified potato starch, found in most traditional, store-bought mayonnaise.

    For the most part, the Paleo diet encourages homemade, whole food options, making any store-bought product off-limits, but there are varying degrees of how strict people choose to go Paleo.

    To make this recipe Paleo friendly, you have three delicious options.

    • Buy Paleo friendly mayonnaise online from Primal Kitchen
    • Make your own Paleo-friendly mayonnaise
    • Omit the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt altogether and substitute 1 whole peeled and pitted avocado. Combine all of the ingredients as you would normally, mashing with a fork until everything is well combined.

    Keto Cucumber Boat Option

    Cucumbers don’t have an exceptionally high amount of fiber and the amounts of carbs in cucumbers are relatively low, so the number of net carbs can be kept low with this snack.

    This recipe contains 7 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of dietary fiber, leaving a total of 5 net carbohydrates.

    Some Ketogenic diets limit net carbohydrates to as low as 20 per day, and again, this should only be attempted when working with a health professional.

    The fats in cucumber boats can be controlled based on the mayonnaise you use or if you decide to add olive oil.

    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats
    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boat Featured

    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

    Author: Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, HCP
    4.74 from 64 votes
    These quick and easy low-carb tuna salad cucumber boats made with wild-caught tuna fish and fresh cucumbers make the perfect, crunchy gluten-free sandwich alternative.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved Recipe!
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    CourseEntrées
    CuisineAmerican
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 120 kcal

    Equipment

    • Wild Caught Tuna

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 medium cucumbers washed and dried
    • 4 5 ounce cans wild albacore tuna in water drained
    • 4 stalks celery finely diced
    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
    • ½ cup white onion finely diced
    • 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon fresh dill finely chopped, optional

    Instructions
     

    • Slice the cucumbers down the middle lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the insides. Discard (or compost) the scooped seeds and set the remaining cucumber halves aside.
    • In a medium-sized bowl, add the tuna. Using a fork, gently mash the tuna until it is flaked.
    • Add the celery, Greek yogurt, onion, mustard, salt, black pepper, and fresh dill, if using. Mix well.
    • Scoop the tuna salad into each cucumber half just before serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2boatsCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 15gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 472mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
    Did you make this recipe or have a question?Join hundreds of members inside private Well With Cannabis Community for help, support, and to share your edible creations!
    Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats
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