Lactose Free Cucumber Boats with Tuna Salad
These cucumber boats are a fresh, satisfying meal that feels light without leaving you hungry — crisp cucumber shells loaded with a creamy, herb-flecked tuna salad that actually delivers on flavor. The secret to keeping this completely dairy-free is the coconut-based mayo, which gives the filling that rich, cohesive texture you'd expect from a classic tuna salad without a drop of cream or cheese. A splash of apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice brighten everything up, while turmeric and ginger add a subtle warmth that makes this feel a little more interesting than your average lunch. Finely diced celery brings a satisfying crunch, and the fresh parsley and chives keep every bite tasting clean and vibrant. The prep is straightforward — hollow out the cucumbers, mix the filling, and pile it in — so this comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. It works beautifully as a light lunch, a protein-packed snack, or an impressive appetizer when you're feeding a crowd that includes dairy-sensitive guests.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the boats
- 2 large english cucumbers
For the tuna salad
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna packed in water, drained
- 3 tbsp coconut-based mayo
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim the ends from each cucumber and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon or melon baller to scoop out the seeds and a shallow channel of flesh, leaving a sturdy 1/4-inch wall all around to form a stable boat. Pat the insides dry with a paper towel.
- 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, coconut-based mayo, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, turmeric, and ginger. Break up any large chunks of tuna with a fork and stir until the mixture is evenly coated and holds together.
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