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If you’re stuck in a lunch rut, these egg salad cucumber boats are here to save the day! They’re creamy, crunchy, packed with protein, and come together in just 10 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. Perfect for busy days, school lunches, or when the “what’s for lunch?” brain fog hits.
Table of Contents
- Egg Salad Cucumber Boats (High Protein + Low Carb)
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients you’ll need
- How to make cucumber boats with egg salad
- Watch me make this delicious recipe!
- Pro tips
- Serving suggestions
- Flavor variations
- How to meal prep it and store it
- Substitutions, optional variations & dietary adjustments
- Frequently asked questions
- More quick and easy lunch recipes you’ll love
- Egg Salad Cucumber Boats (Easy High Protein Lunch) Recipe
- Save this egg salad cucumeber boat recipe to Pinterest and make it later!
Egg Salad Cucumber Boats (High Protein + Low Carb)
Lunch is one of those meals that can either feel easy… or somehow become the hardest decision of the day! When I need something quick, filling, and packed with protein, these egg salad cucumber boats are an easy go-to option.
They’re everything I love about a classic egg salad, but served in crunchy English cucumber boats instead of bread for more veggie goodness!
The combination of creamy egg salad and crisp cucumber is so refreshing, especially during the warmer months. Plus, they come together in just a few minutes if you already have hard-boiled eggs on hand.
If you’re trying to get more protein in your day, looking for a low-carb lunch idea, or simply need a break from sandwiches, these egg salad cucumber boats are an easy recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Fast & no-cook – Use hard-boiled eggs, and you’re halfway there!
Light but filling – Greek yogurt adds protein and tang, while crisp cucumbers keep things fresh.
Meal-prep friendly – Make the egg salad ahead and fill boats right before eating.
Simple ingredients you’ll need
Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition information, and step-by-step instructions.
- Hard-boiled eggs – The star of the recipe! Chop them into small pieces for the best creamy texture in the egg salad.
- Greek yogurt – Adds creaminess, tang, and extra protein while keeping the egg salad lighter.
- Avocado oil mayonnaise – A little mayo adds richness and gives the egg salad that classic flavor.
- Yellow mustard – Provides a subtle tang and balances the richness of the eggs and mayo.
- Celery – Adds fresh crunch and texture to every bite.
- Green onion – Brings a mild onion flavor without overpowering the egg salad.
- Sea salt & black pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors. Adjust to your preference.
- English cucumbers – English cucumbers work best because they’re less watery, have thin skin, and create sturdy cucumber boats.
- Everything bagel seasoning – Adds savory flavor and crunch with a blend of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Feel free to sprinkle on as much as you’d like.
How to make cucumber boats with egg salad
Step 1: In a bowl, combine chopped eggs, Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, celery, and green onion. Season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until creamy but still chunky.
Step 2: Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a shallow “boat.”
Step 3: Spoon the egg mixture into each cucumber boat and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Watch me make this delicious recipe!
The full how to video can be watched below, or on my YouTube channel!
Pro tips
- Place eggs in an ice water bath after boiling for easier peeling.
- Pat the cucumber centers dry after scooping to prevent excess moisture.
- Chop the eggs into small pieces for the best texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor and keep the egg salad tasting fresh.
Serving suggestions
These egg salad cucumber boats are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
- Fresh fruit like berries, grapes, or apple slices
- Bell pepper strips and snap peas
- A handful of roasted chickpeas
- Cottage cheese for extra protein
- A side salad with lemon juice and olive oil
For a heartier meal, serve alongside crackers, pita chips, or a cup of soup!
Flavor variations
- Dill-pickle: Add 2 tbsp minced dill pickles + 1 tsp pickle juice.
- Spicy: Stir in 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Herby: Fold in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or chives.
- Avocado: Replace half the yogurt with mashed avocado for extra creaminess.
- Curried: Mix in 1/2-1 tsp curry powder and a squeeze of lemon.
How to meal prep it and store it
- Make ahead: Prepare the egg salad up to 5 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Keep cucumbers crisp: Store halved, scooped cucumbers separately (wrapped in a paper towel inside a container). Fill just before serving so they stay crunchy.
- Lunchbox tip: Pack the egg salad in a small lidded jar and the cucumber boats in a separate container, then assemble at lunchtime.
Substitutions, optional variations & dietary adjustments
Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this cucumber egg salad recipe.
If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!
Greek yogurt – Use more mayo, or try plain skyr or dairy-free yogurt.
Mayonnaise – Use all Greek yogurt, or sub avocado mayo.
Mustard – Swap yellow for Dijon or whole grain.
Celery – Use minced bell pepper or cucumber cores (patted dry) for crunch.
Green onion – Red onions or chives work too.
Cucumbers – Persian cucumbers make mini boats; regular slicing cucumbers work – just peel if waxed and scoop seeds well. Don’t want to make boats? Simply top slices of cucumber with the egg salad. Try this in bell peppers or zucchini boats too!
Seasoning – No bagel seasoning? Sprinkle sesame seeds, flaky salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make egg salad cucumber boats ahead of time?
Yes. For the best texture, store the egg salad and cucumber boats separately. Assemble just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
What cucumbers work best?
English cucumbers are ideal because they’re long, sturdy, and have fewer seeds. Persian cucumbers also work well for smaller individual boats.
Can I use only egg whites?
Absolutely. If you prefer a leaner option, replace some or all of the whole eggs with chopped hard-boiled egg whites. The texture will be slightly lighter but still delicious.
How long does egg salad last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the egg salad will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
More quick and easy lunch recipes you’ll love
- Mini cottage cheese pizzas
- Homemade PB&J uncrustables (higher fiber)
- Mediterranean chicken and hummus wrap
Egg Salad Cucumber Boats (Easy High Protein Lunch)
Ingredients
- 6 hard boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tbsp greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, minced
- 2 tbsp green onion, minced
- sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 english cucumbers
- everything bagel seasoning, for garish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine chopped eggs, Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, celery, and green onion. Season with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until creamy but still chunky.
- Slice cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a shallow “boat.”
- Spoon the egg mixture into each cucumber boat and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Save this egg salad cucumeber boat recipe to Pinterest and make it later!
If you try this healthy high protein recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!
XO
Heather
