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.
Be sure to CLICK THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON located in the TOP MENU.
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.
Giangi Townsend
Good thing! I have all the ingredients in my kitchen. This stuffed cucumber taste is a winner! We’ll surely prepare this as our party appetizer. Thanks!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, these would make great appetizers.
Julie
These came out so good! My family are huge cucumber fans and this was a fun way to enjoy them. The smoked salmon on top was extra special!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Cucumber appetizers are great for summer parties.
Mikayla
Such a great healthy and refreshing recipe. We sliced them into bite size pieces and everyone ate them up right away!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
The perfect summer appetizer for BBQ parties.
Genevieve
This looks like the perfect appetizer for summer! It’s been so hot here in Northern California and I’m growing fresh cucumbers in the garden and now I know what to use them for. Look delicious!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
The perfect recipe for your garden fresh cucumbers.
Swathi
The smoked salmon cucumber appetizer is the perfect treat. My family enjoyed it.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
It is a party favourite with my guests.
Juyali
These were absolutely delicious! I had smoked trout, and the result was outstanding. I always enjoy veggie appetizers with a savory flavor. We all devoured these. 🙂
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Smoked trout is a great alternative to smoked salmon. So glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Angela Campos
I love this recipe! It was so easy to make and the cucumber salmon boats were delicious!! I can’t wait to make them for my next party.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
These are party perfect for sure. ENJOY!
Ashley
This is such a great appetizer! We love lox and cream cheese–the added crunch of the cucumber was so great! And I love having a no carb option.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
An easy to make appetizer that is so delicious too. You could almost make a meal on these.
Nicole
We love these, when we have people over! They are so easy but feel fancy! They make a great lunch, too!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Easy and fancy is a win for sure. Perfect for impressing guests.
Cathleen
My kind of appetizer!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, I am definitely going to be making it next weekend 🙂
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Enjoy, these are easy and delicious.
Hayley Dhanecha
The combination of velvety cream cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and crisp cucumber creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each bite is a burst of freshness and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or special occasion.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
There stuffed cucumbers are party perfect.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
Okay, these legit were a meal for me! They were SO GOOD and incredibly easy to make! Putting these on repeat!
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
I agree, I could eat these for a meal too. ENJOY!
Carrie Robinson
I absolutely LOVE smoked salmon. 🙂 I just love how easy this is to make. Perfect appetizer for New Year’s entertaining.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
We love these stuffed cucumbers with smoked salmon all year long.
Krysten
I have a ton of cucumbers and was running out of ways to eat them! So glad I found this recipe. Smoked salmon is my absolute favorite. This is such a delicious pairing, perfect for snacking.
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
Snacking, parties and if you are like me…I can have these for a meal. ENJOY!
Kathryn
This is my kind of snack! I’m so glad I found this recipe. These are all of my favorite snack ingredients so I have to make this! Thanks so much Gloria 🙂
Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy
You are welcome, these are perfect for snacking.