Turkey Free Cucumber Boats with Tuna Salad
These crisp cucumber boats are a fresh, satisfying way to enjoy a classic tuna salad without any poultry in sight — no deli meat, no turkey, just clean, bright flavors from start to finish. Hollowed-out English cucumbers make the perfect edible vessel, sturdy enough to hold a generous mound of filling while keeping every bite cool and crunchy. The tuna salad itself gets a subtle warmth from ground turmeric and ginger, a little brightness from apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice, and a creamy bind from coconut-based mayo that keeps the whole thing dairy-free as a bonus. Finely diced celery and a generous handful of fresh parsley and chives round out the texture and flavor, making this feel far more elevated than your average scoop-and-serve situation. It comes together in one mixing bowl with no cooking required, which means minimal cleanup and maximum reward. Serve it as a light lunch, a party appetizer, or a meal-prep staple — these boats are just as impressive on a platter as they are eaten straight off the cutting board.
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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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