Low-Carb Tuna Melt Zucchini Boats

Tuna Melt Zucchini Boats are a quick and easy low-carb version of a sandwich classic. Made with canned tuna, green pepper, celery and parsley, they are topped with melted cheddar cheese and perfect for a no-fuss lunch, snack or dinner.

If you’re fond of tuna fish sandwiches but don’t want the bread, you will love these low-carb zucchini boats. I love coming up with new ways to utilize the abundant zucchini crop that comes every summer and stuffed zucchini is our family’s favorite way to enjoy summer squash.

While I usually stuff it with ground meat and marinara sauce, such as in my quick Low-Carb Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats, or taco meat and black beans for “taco” zucchini, this version is faster and less time consuming to make.

Just whip up tuna salad with canned tuna, chopped up crunchy veggies, creamy mayo and tangy Dijon mustard, and top with some grated cheese, stuff the zucchini boats, bake for a couple minutes and your healthy dinner is on the table in no time!

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Canned Tuna: pick good quality canned tuna in water. I like this pole and line caught wild tuna from Wild Planet.

Mayo: use homemade or store bought avocado oil mayo for best results.

Celery: to give the salad its classic flavor and crunch.

Green Bell Pepper: for even more crunch! You can also use red or yellow bell pepper, if you prefer.

Red Onion: white or yellow onion will also work, though I like red best in salads.

Dijon Mustard: to add some tang and spiciness to the tuna salad.

Parsley: to add some freshness and vitamin C.

Grated Cheese: I use cheddar cheese for a classic tuna melt look but feel free to add any cheese good for melting that you like. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Havarti or your favorite blend will work just as well.

HOW TO MAKE LOW-CARB TUNA MELT ZUCCHINI BOATS

Step 1: Pre-bake the zucchini. Cut the squash lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh and seeds. I find that a melon baller works best for this job. Your boats should be ¼- 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2: Make tuna salad. While the zucchini are cooking in the oven, chop up all the veggies and parsley, place them in a bowl, add canned drained tuna, mayo, Dijon mustard and mix together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Stuff the zucchini. Scoop the tuna salad into the zucchini boats, top with grated cheese and bake or broil for a couple minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

CAN I ADD DIFFERENT VEGGIES TO TUNA SALAD?

Yes, absolutely. Make your tuna salad however you like, especially if you don’t have the ingredients in the recipe. As long as you have canned tuna, you are good to go!

Other veggies and herbs that will work in tuna salad:

• Red, orange or yellow bell pepper
• Poblano or cubanello pepper
• Jalapeno pepper for a spicy kick
• Finely diced carrot
• Scallions or green onions
• White or sweet onion
• Pickles
• Fresh herbs: dill, chives, tarragon or cilantro.

CAN I MAKE TUNA SALAD WITHOUT MAYO?

Yes. For a lighter version of tuna salad, use equal part Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you skip the mayo, you can squeeze in some lemon juice to add a bit of tang to the flavor. You can also mix 1 tablespoon of mayo and 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt, if you don’t want as much mayo.

HOW TO SERVE TUNA MELT ZUCCHINI BOATS

Serve these low-carb tuna melts hot, at room temperature or cold. I like them either way! You can eat these on their own or with a side salad. If you serve the zucchini boats cold or at room temp, they can be cut into smaller pieces and enjoyed as finger food. Think mini finger sandwiches with no carbs!

STORAGE & MEAL PREP TIPS

For meal prep, bake the boats, let cool slightly, place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To serve, eat cold or reheat in the microwave for a minute or 2 until heated through.

WHAT TO DO WITH SCOOPED OUT ZUCCHINI FLESH

For this recipe, you will be removing some zucchini flesh and seeds to make the boats or “shells” but don’t discard it! My favorite way to use up extra zucchini goodness is to place the scooped out flesh in a zip lock bag, close it, flatten the zucchini with my hand and freeze flat (that way it won’t freeze in one clump). Then I add it frozen to smoothies for a neutral tasting veggie boost. You can also add it to soups or pasta sauce.

If you made these Tuna Melt Zucchini Boats or if you have any questions about this recipe, please leave me a comment below. I would love to hear from you!

No time to make these now? Pin the recipe for later (click on any image to pin)!

OTHER TASTY LOW-CARB MEALS

• Egg Roll in a Bowl
• Spaghetti Squash with Bacon, Goat Cheese and Spinach Skillet
• Low-carb Avocado Egg Salad
• Caprese Chicken Sheet Pan

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