If you’ve never had cucumber boats before, they’re basically cucumbers sliced in half and hollowed out, then filled with toppings. It’s an easy snack that doesn’t need any cooking, and it only takes a few minutes to put together. You can pick them up and eat them with your hands, kind of like celery sticks, but there’s room to fit way more filling inside.
They’re great when you need something quick or when you’re bored of eating the same old snacks. The fillings are simple, nothing fancy — mostly stuff already in your fridge. Plus, they keep you full between meals without feeling heavy.
Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats
Serves 2 // Per Serving: 112 calories, 9.2g fat, 4.2g total carbs, 2.5g net carbs, 2.4g protein
Scoop out the center of halved cucumbers so the filling stays put, then pat them dry to keep everything from sliding around. Start with a layer of cream cheese — it grips the cucumber and gives the avocado something to hold onto. Spread mashed avocado over the cream cheese, then sprinkle with salt-free everything bagel seasoning so you can control the salt level. If your cream cheese isn’t very salty, a pinch of flakey sea salt on top adds just enough. These are best eaten within a few hours.
Get the written recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning Cucumber Boats
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Serves 2 // Per Serving: 261 calories, 19g fat, 4g total carbs, 3g net carbs, 19g protein
This works well for a quick lunch or dinner because canned chicken and pre-cooked bacon cut down prep time. Briefly chilling the chicken salad gives it better texture before assembling. Scooping the cucumber seeds makes room for the filling and prevents extra moisture. You’re making homemade ranch seasoning with dried spices, not ranch dressing, which keeps it lighter. The cucumbers and salad store best separately, letting you prep ahead without losing crunch. There’s enough protein from chicken, bacon, and cheese to keep you full without sides.
Get the written recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats
Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
Serves 2 // Per Serving: 150 calories, 11.4g fat, 7.6g total carbs, 5.9g net carbs, 4.8g protein
These work if you’re short on time and want something easy that’s actually filling. The cucumber boats come together in about ten minutes and don’t need cooking besides the bacon. Softened cream cheese and mashed avocado keep the toppings from falling off. Bacon adds protein and a salty crunch, tomatoes add some freshness, and everything bagel seasoning ties it all together. Assemble these close to when you’re eating so the cucumbers don’t get soggy. Good for lunch, quick snacks, or casual appetizers.
Get the written recipe: Bacon Tomato Avocado Cucumber Boats
Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats with Cream Cheese
Serves 2 // Per Serving: 129 calories, 8.3g fat, 3.2g total carbs, 2.5g net carbs, 9.1g protein
This is a good snack or small lunch when you don’t have time or energy to cook something hot. It uses canned tuna, so it’s quick and easy to prep. The cucumbers are crisp and refreshing, especially combined with cream cheese and spicy tuna. Coconut aminos (or soy sauce) and hot sauce give it some heat and flavor without a complicated sauce. Assemble right before eating, or the cucumber texture will likely soften. This snack fills you up without being heavy, and it only takes about 10 minutes total.
Get the written recipe: Spicy Tuna Cucumber Boats with Cream Cheese
Tajin Cucumber Boats with Lime Juice
Serves 2 // Per Serving: 109 calories, 8.9g fat, 4.3g total carbs, 2.8g net carbs, 2.4g protein
These cucumber boats are good if you want something with more spice and tang. Tajin has chili powder and lime in it, so you get a bit of heat and tartness without extra prep. After scooping out the seeds, blot the cucumbers dry, add a little cream cheese and avocado to hold everything together, then sprinkle on Tajin and everything bagel seasoning. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top right before you eat. Definitely eat these soon after making them so they stay crunchy.
Get the written recipe: Tajin Cucumber Boats with Lime Juice
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