Budget-Friendly Cucumber Tuna Salad Boats

A fresh, protein-packed twist on classic tuna salad

If you’re looking for an easy lunch that feels fresh and satisfying, these tuna cucumber boats are a great option. They take just a few simple ingredients and come together in about 10 minutes, making them an easy choice for busy weekdays when you want something quick without relying on fast food.

Canned tuna is a more affordable source of protein, while Greek yogurt adds even more protein along with calcium and a creamy texture. The cucumber provides hydration and a refreshing crunch, and celery, onion, and tomatoes add color, flavor, and a little extra fiber and produce to the meal.

I love recipes like this because they’re easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Add avocado for some healthy fats, swap the tomatoes for bell pepper, or serve the tuna salad with whole-grain crackers or a piece of toast if you want a more substantial meal. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and actually tastes good!

Yield: 4 servings

Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 medium cucumbers, washed and dried ($1.50)

• 2 (5-oz) cans tuna in water, drained ($2.00)

• 1 stalk celery, diced ($0.20)

• 1/3 c plain Greek yogurt ($0.40)

• ¼ c onion, diced ($0.15)

• 1 tsp yellow mustard ($0.03)

• ½ tsp salt ($0.01)

• ¼ tsp black pepper ($0.02)

• 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped ($0.10)

• 1/4 c cherry tomatoes, sliced in half ($0.25)

Total cost: ~$1.17 per serving

Directions:

1. Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise.

   

2. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the seeds and some of the center, creating a shallow space for the tuna salad. We compost the seeds for our garden!

   

3. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, diced celery, Greek yogurt, onion, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

   

4. Spoon the tuna mixture evenly into each cucumber half.

   

5. Top with quartered cherry tomatoes and fresh dill. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!