Just in time for summer eating, these Stuffed Cucumber Appetizer Boats are perfect.
Filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon, just like a cucumber sandwich without the bread. If you love cucumber salad, this super easy and delicious recipe is a must-try.
Is the weather finally getting warm where you are? Perhaps you are one of the lucky people that have it year-round. I sure wish that was the case here, but unfortunately, it is not.
Now that summer is peaking around the corner, it’s time to think about backyard barbecues and summer entertaining. Lots of easy salads and appetizers will be my main focus for the next few months.
RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for these cucumber boats are at the bottom of this post.
Summer sun, cool drinks, and grilling, my favourite time of year. Salads and easy-to-eat appetizers top my list for summer eating.
Perfect tasty pairings for all those delicious grilled meats and fish. Burgers, steaks, rotisserie chicken, and don’t forget delicious pork and seafood. All they need are simple sides to make a wonderful meal. Just like these stuffed mini cucumbers.
Cucumbers and cream cheese are such a great pairing. Add some smoked salmon, and you just elevated basic to gourmet. Smoked salmon salad with cucumber noodles is a favourite around here.
Filling For Cucumber Boats
You can buy ready-made cream cheese in the store, but do you know how easy it is to make? All you need is:
- plain cream cheese (whipped or regular)
- smoked salmon (fresh or frozen)
- garnish (I like dill)
- seasoning (just a bit of pepper is great)
That is it, easy right? A few ingredients and you have yourself a cream cheese filling better than anything store-bought.
I used frozen salmon for this recipe. Defrost it in the frigde, and mix into the cream cheese. I find using my immersion blender works best. You can also use a han-held mixer, food processor or just a fork.
Not into smoked salmon, no problem. You can always use any canned fish:
- tuna
- salmon
- crab meat
- sardines
- mackerel
Stuffing The Cucumbers
I love mini cucumbers. The perfect vessel for these tasty appetizers. If however, if you cannot find them, English cucumbers will work.
You can either hollow them out, stuff them, and cut them into cucumber bites, OR you can pile the filling on top of slices.
I like to use a (affiliate)melon baller to scoop out the flesh of the cucumber to create the crevice for the filling. Alternatively, you can just a small spoon.
- Wash the cucumber and pat dry.
- Cut in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the flesh to create a nice groove.
- Stuff with the prepared filling, and garnish.
Add some crackers, cheese, pickled eggs, or whatever your little heart desires, and you have a fantastic party platter of food with little effort. Perfect for your summer entertaining needs.
Cucumber Nutrition
Not only are they delicious, did you know that cucumbers are super healthy?
- low in calories
- contain antioxidants
- digestive aid
- help with blood pressure
- keep you hydrated
- contain fibre
Choose crisp, firm cucumbers. Store in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to a week.
Looking for a few more summer recipes? Give these a try:
- Zucchini Gazpacho is a wonderful cold summer soup.
- Shrimp Cups are made with endive and sweet and spicy topping.
- Smoked Salmon Skewers are always a hit. Cook the potatoes on the grill.
- Cold Smoked Cheese contains warm brie that no one can resist.
- Grilled Balsamic Strawberries are perfect for weekend brunch, or an easy bbq dessert idea.
- Stuffed Mini Peppers make the perfect start to any backyard party.
- Grilled Shishito Peppers are always fun. See who gets the hot ones.
- Snap Pea Salad is crisp, refreshing and so easy to make. A great side dish for any meal.
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Cucumber Boat Appetizer
Ingredients
- 5 ounces smoked salmon (thawed)
- 8 mini cucumbers
- 8 ounces cream cheese (unflavoured)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (and more for garnish)
- ¼ teaspoons garlic flavoured black pepper
Instructions
- Roughly cut the thawed smoked salmon into pieces.
- Place in bowl and add the cream cheese.
- Using an immersion blender, blend until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the fresh chopped dill and garlic pepper.
- Stir to combine. Set aside in the fridge till ready to use.
- Wash cucumbers and pat dry.
- Cut in ½ lengthwise.
- Using a melon baller, scoop out a bit of flesh the length of the cucumber. This should resemble a groove…sort of like a canoe.
- Stuff each cucumber ½ with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh dill.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
What a beautiful way to serve smoked salmon in cucumber boats! Love this easy -and I’m sure, delicious – appetizer!
Homemade & Yummy
So easy and totally delicious. Hope you give it a try.
Pamela (BrooklynFarmGirl)
This flavor combination is just perfect! It also looks really pretty
Homemade & Yummy
Thanks, hope you give it a try.
Nicole Shillings
These look so elegant! My dad and boyfriend would LOVE these. I think I will be making them for Father’s Day!
Homemade & Yummy
Well they sure are easy….and perfect for entertaining.
Corina
I’m also excited about summer eating and being able to have bbqs and picnics soon. Unfortunately the weather is still not good here but this would be a perfect appetizer to enjoy outside when summer does finally make an appearance!
Homemade & Yummy
We lucked out and have had to HOT days…but the long weekend is coming and it will be cold and rainy ☹️
Gisella
Two of my favorite things: smoked salmon and cucumber! I can totally see this with a plate of chicken marsala. Yum!
Thanks for the recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
Yes it would be perfect.
Veena Azmanov
This looks so refreshing and appetizing Gloria.. I love such light dishes in summer. Especially because its’ so hot here. That smoked Salmon looks delicious – of course always perfect with dill…Yum.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes I love eating this way in the summer too.
Renee
I LOVE this combination of flavors!! Adding smoked salmon to my shopping list now!
Homemade & Yummy
Totally enjoy!!
Marie-Pierre Breton
What a nice idea! Fresh and unctuous bite! I’ll definitely give it a try next time I have a salmon leftover. Yum!
Homemade & Yummy
I love summer foods.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
Such a delicious appetiser and a classic combination. Great for a party too
Homemade & Yummy
Party perfect food for sure.
The Food Hunter
I’m so into smoked salmon right now…thanks for sharing this
Homemade & Yummy
You are so welcome…ENJOY!!
Suzy
I am totally a smoked salmon lover! This is a great idea!
Homemade & Yummy
Then this is for you….ENJOY!!
Rebecca
ohhhh this looks delish! Love how simple this recipe is
Homemade & Yummy
Simple and delicious…perfect for summer fun.
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
Cucumbers and Cream cheese! How have I not tried that yet??!!! And garlic flavored black pepper! How marvelous!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you give it a try.
Cricket Plunkett
I’m trying to eat low carb right now, this looks like a perfect lunch for me!
Homemade & Yummy
YES…this is perfect!!
Platter Talk
These are such light, tasty apps for the coming summer! I love the freshness and healthy taste, too.
Homemade & Yummy
Summer fun is all about EASY!!