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Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats, school snacks recipes easy
Brittany Stage

Tuna Salad Cucumber Boats

Mini cucumbers halved and hollowed, then filled with a simple tuna salad made from canned albacore, mayonnaise, celery, and a squeeze of lemon. A protein-rich snack that is quick to prep and easy to pack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cans albacore tuna packed in water 5 oz each, drained very well
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise regular or light
  • 2 stalks celery finely diced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice about half a small lemon
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt adjust to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 8 whole mini cucumbers also called Persian cucumbers

Equipment

  • small mixing bowl
  • sharp paring knife
  • small spoon or melon baller
  • flat airtight container

Method
 

  1. Open the cans of tuna and drain them thoroughly. Press the tuna against the inside of a fine-mesh strainer or press it between two paper towels to get as much water out as possible. Excess moisture is the main reason cucumber boats turn soggy, so take an extra minute here.
  2. Place the drained tuna in a small mixing bowl and break up any large chunks with a fork. Add the mayonnaise, diced celery, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. Taste it and add a little more salt or lemon if it needs brightness.
  3. Rinse the mini cucumbers and pat them dry. Slice each one in half lengthwise so you have two long halves. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and a little of the flesh down the center, making a shallow channel. Do not scoop too deep or the boat will collapse.
  4. Spoon the tuna salad into each cucumber boat, filling the channel generously. Use the back of the spoon to press the filling in lightly so it stays put during packing or transport.
  5. Serve right away or transfer to a flat airtight container lined with a paper towel. Refrigerate until ready to eat. If you are packing these for school, place them in a single layer in the container so they do not stack and tip.

Notes

The tuna salad alone keeps for three days refrigerated. Assembled boats are best within two days. Drain the tuna very well to keep cucumbers from getting watery.