Sail Away Cucumber Salad Boats
A delightful and fun dish reminiscent of the classic recipe from Ann Page’s 1961 cookbook. These Sail Away Cucumber Salad Boats are not only a colorful addition to your picnic or cookout but also a nutritious and tasty option that kids adore. Each cucumber boat can be customized with either savory tuna or chicken salad, topped off with a sprinkle of cheese, paprika, and crunchy chow mein noodles for added texture. Don't forget to make a cute sail using a toothpick and paper, personalized with your child's name, making it a fantastic and interactive lunch or snack that brings joy to any gathering.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
large cucumbers
4 (cut in half lengthwise and seeds scooped out)
salt
to taste (for sprinkling)
vinegar
to taste (for drizzling)
grated cheese
to garnish (optional for topping)
paprika
to garnish (optional for topping)
chow mein noodles
to garnish (optional for topping)
tuna salad or chicken salad
4 cups (prepared as preferred)
Instructions
1
Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers. Cut each cucumber in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and flesh using a spoon to create a hollow boat.
2
Sprinkle a light coating of salt and drizzle vinegar on the cut sides of the cucumbers to enhance their flavor. You can mix the scooped-out pulp into your filling if desired.
3
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the salad of your choice by combining either tuna or chicken with your favorite ingredients. You may use mayonnaise, diced vegetables, or herbs for additional flavor.
4
Fill each cucumber boat generously with the prepared salad mixture, piling it high for an appealing presentation.
5
Garnish the filled boats with a sprinkle of grated cheese, a dash of paprika, and a handful of crunchy chow mein noodles for extra crunch.
6
Create a tiny sail using a toothpick and a bit of paper, writing each child's name on it. Place the sail in the center of each cucumber boat for a whimsical touch.
7
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for a short time if you need to prepare them in advance.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
10g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sail Away Cucumber Salad Boats?
They are a fun and nutritious dish consisting of hollowed-out cucumbers filled with tuna or chicken salad, garnished with cheese and chow mein noodles.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is reminiscent of a classic dish found in Ann Page’s 1961 cookbook.
How many cucumbers do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 large cucumbers.
How do I prepare the cucumbers to look like boats?
Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh to create a hollow center.
What seasonings are applied directly to the cucumber?
The cut sides of the cucumbers are sprinkled with salt and drizzled with vinegar.
Can I use the scooped-out cucumber pulp?
Yes, the pulp can be mixed into your salad filling if desired.
What are the primary filling options?
You can use either tuna salad or chicken salad as the filling.
How much filling is required?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of prepared tuna or chicken salad.
What garnishes are used for the cucumber boats?
The boats are topped with grated cheese, a dash of paprika, and crunchy chow mein noodles.
How do I make the sails?
Create a tiny sail using a toothpick and a piece of paper, then place it in the center of the salad filling.
Can I personalize this dish for kids?
Yes, you can write each child's name on the paper sail to make the meal interactive and fun.
Are these suitable for picnics?
Yes, they are described as a colorful and delightful addition to picnics and cookouts.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 150 calories.
What is the protein content of the cucumber boats?
There are 10g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 8.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 1.25g of fiber.
Should I serve the boats immediately?
Serving immediately provides the freshest taste, though they can be refrigerated for a short time.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can mix in diced vegetables or herbs to the tuna or chicken salad for extra flavor.
Is the cheese topping mandatory?
No, the grated cheese is an optional garnish.
Why are chow mein noodles included?
They are added to provide a crunchy texture to the dish.
Are these cucumber boats healthy?
Yes, they are described as a nutritious option that kids adore.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe does not specify a type, but a light vinegar to taste is recommended for drizzling.
How should the filling be presented?
The salad mixture should be piled high in the cucumber boat for an appealing look.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
The recipe consists of 7 main ingredients.
What is the main prep step before cutting the cucumbers?
You should start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers.
What makes this recipe 'interactive'?
The use of personalized sails with children's names makes the meal interactive.
Is there any added sugar?
The provided nutritional data indicates that the sugar content is null.
Is the paprika for flavor or decoration?
It is used as a garnish to add both a dash of color and flavor.
Can I use smaller cucumbers?
The recipe specifically calls for large cucumbers to ensure there is enough room for the filling.