Stuffed Cucumber Appetizer boats are just what you need for summer parties.
Filled with cream cheese and smoked salmon, just like a cucumber sandwich without the bread. However, this bagel sandwich is perfect for lunch, brunch or dinner.
Refreshing cucumber boats are so easy to make. Packed with flavour, gluten-free and low-carb too. Stuffed cucumbers are sure to be a hit at any party.
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.
Summer sun, cool drinks, and grilling, my favourite time of year. Salads and easy-to-eat appetizers top my list for summer eating. This super easy and delicious recipe is a must-try if you love cucumber salad.
Perfect tasty pairings for all those delicious grilled meats and fish. Burgers, steaks, rotisserie chicken, and don’t forget delicious pork and seafood.
Cucumbers and cream cheese are such a great pairing. Add some smoked salmon, and you just elevate basic to gourmet. Smoked salmon salad with cucumber noodles is a favourite around here.
Cucumber Appetizer Filling
You can buy ready-made cream cheese in the store, but do you know how easy it is to make? You will need:
- 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. Actual smoked salmon, no artificial flavours here.
I used frozen salmon for this recipe. Defrost it in the fridge, and mix into the cream cheese. I find using my immersion blender works best. You can also use a hand-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 Cucumber Boats
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, but 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.
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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.
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 teaspoon 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.
Natalie
Wow, this sounds so delicious. So fresh! Perfect for summer. I love smoked salmon, but I never tried combining it with fresh cucumber. Can’t wait to make this.
Homemade & Yummy
It really is so easy…and party perfect.
Linda @ Food Huntress
Great combination of ingredients and yes I am a smoked salmon lover! I’ll be making this recipe!
Homemade & Yummy
Enjoy…hope you love it.
Kathy McDaniel
We lived in California for 20 years. It was grilling season all the time! We moved south and now I appreciate “grilling season” This dish is spectacular!! I must make for me!!! Pinned!
Homemade & Yummy
I wish it was grilling season all year long….are you sorry you moved??
Lynne Curry
We are a long way from summer, but I am so looking forward to light and easy recipes like this. Smoked salmon and cucumber with a fresh cheese is so refreshing and satisfying without filling you on on a hot day.
Homemade & Yummy
Yup…it would make the perfect lunch on a hot day.
Nicole
Such lovely fresh flavours – I could eat several of these! I love the combination of crunchy cucumber and smooth cheese/salmon. I don’t think I can wait for the rain to stop before I try them.
Homemade & Yummy
These are perfect indoors or out.
Christine - Jar Of Lemons
This is such a great idea! Perfect for having friends over. Can’t wait to try this! Saving for later!
Homemade & Yummy
Hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as we do.
Noel Lizotte
I love making a meal of salads, appetizers and cheese plates. This recipe will be a perfect addition to that mix.
Homemade & Yummy
I am with you on that one…I could eat all that as the meal too.
Sarah James @ Tales From The Kitchen Shed
I love the summer season too, I’m at my Kitchen Shed in France at the moment and we eat outdoors whenever we can. Your smoked salmon and cucumber appetizer will be perfect to try once the stormy weather has past.
Homemade & Yummy
How nice…France would be amazing. Enjoy your time and hope you like this tasty little app.
Danielle Cushing
I’ve got a very similar recipe on my blog — it’s just such a great combo of fresh + salty flavors!
Homemade & Yummy
Easy to make and easy to eat. Perfect for all the summer fun.
Adriana Lopez Martn
Wow this is lovely. Great use of the cucumber as the vessel for the snack. Great combination of flavors too. I bet this is a hit among guests.
Homemade & Yummy
This sure flies off the try….and so easy to replace with new ones.
Melissa
We LOVE smoked salmon!! We only really do it with some crostini and cream cheese though so this is a really nice fresh update for us. I think my hubby will demand I make these immediately when I share the recipe with him.
Homemade & Yummy
Perfect for carb watchers.
Mackenzie @ Food Above Gold
This really does sound perfect for a backyard cookout! I’m like you, We have at our local farmer’s market that sells smoked salmon, and I’ve been looking for a good excuse to use it! Maybe this will be my signature cookout food this year!
Homemade & Yummy
I would love to get fresh smoked salmon, it would be incredible in this for sure.
Eileen
What a great idea to put the filling into a cucumber instead of on a cracker. My husband likes to smoke salmon on the grill. Keeping this recipe for next time he lights up the smoker.
Homemade & Yummy
Yes that would be incredible in this recipe for sure.
Alicia Taylor
This looks yummy! I’ve never thought to combine smoked salmon and cucumbers, but my husband loves both. I’ll be making this at Father’s Day, I think.
Homemade & Yummy
It’s great, especially for carb watchers, not mention it is totally delicious.
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
I’m definitely a big fan of appetizers. Sometimes I’d rather have them instead of the actual meal. And cream cheese and cucumbers are such an awesome combo. Love the addition of fresh dill.
Homemade & Yummy
Being Ukrainian, dill is one of my favourite herbs. Yes I agree, I can eat a bunch of apps instead of a meal too.