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 ยฝ 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 ยฝ with about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh dill.
Leslie
I am totally obsessed with this recipe! There is nothing better than a fresh cucumber appetizer!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Cucumbers are so delicious and these are super easy to make.
Jamie
This is a newfound appetizer recipe to make. It is so easy and delicious!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, so easy and totally delicious. ENJOY!
Mikayla
What a refreshing treat. I made them for myself for lunch. Mixing it up with fresh strawberries, some pine nuts and some other things will be what I try next.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
That sounds like a delicious combination of flavours.
veenaazmanov
This looks creamy and delicious and I love this unique concept of cucumber boats. Perfect for a party platter.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Party food should be easy and fun.
Savita
These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizers with Cream Cheese are a true delight! The crisp freshness of cucumber paired with the silky creaminess of the cheese creates the perfect canvas for the rich, smoky flavor of the salmon.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These are so easy to whip up and always a hit at parties.
Tania
Never made Stuffed Cucumber Appetizer Boats and figured why not. Came out fantastic! Whole family loved it! Thank you!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
This is such a great recipe, especially for summer eating on the patio.
DEbbie
These cucumber boats are simple yet amazing ! I love the combination of all the flavors . I added a little extra dill, it really gave such a refreshing flavor.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You can never go wrong with dill and cucumber. Glad you enjoyed the recipe.
FOODHEAL
Wow! I love all this green color. Dill makes any fish taste good. I love the presentation, these boats can make anyone love eating fish. You’ve done a perfect job here.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Thanks so much. I really love when recipes are fun and easy to make.
Melanie
You had me at smoked salmon! This looks so delicious and fresh, the perfect appetizer for a Sunday brunch! Yum!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Smoked salmon is perfect for Sunday brunch. ENJOY!
Amanda
We loved these cucumber boats! The smoked salmon and cream cheese added such a decadent texture, but they were still super refreshing. Perfect for a meal on the patio!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Yes a meal on the patio….just what I am craving. I really need the weather to warm up here faster. Enjoy your summer.
Tamara
I live in south Texas near the Gulf (eternal summer), and this salmon and cucumber appetizers sounds SOOOO appealing! They’d be a perfect starter for a backyard BBQ.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
YES these cucumber boats are the perfect bbq party appetizer. ENJOY!
Farrukh Aziz
Wow! This is the best way to use salmon, and a fun way to get kids to eat cucumbers! I love the idea of doing this, and I definitely need to try it out!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I am totally impressed when readers tell me kids will eat smoked salmon. That is awesome. ENJOY!
Kate
This looks like the perfect starter. It is light and easy to make. Who can resist the combination of cucumber, cream cheese and salmon? Many thanks for the inspiration. It will be on our menu for mother’s day.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Well, Happy Mother’s Day….and I hope you and your guests enjoy these delicious cucumber boats.
Natalie
This is just perfect for Summer! Sounds delicious and refreshing. And it’s so easy to prepare. Oh, I’m making this for sure. Thanks, Gloria.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome….enjoy these cucumber boats and summer!!
Sharon
I love eating appetizers for dinner and this one is delicious and can easily eat like a meal.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, appetizers for dinner are delicious.