Save These elegant roll ups transform simple ingredients into impressive finger food. Thin cucumber ribbons wrap around a creamy chicken salad blended with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, and crisp vegetables. The cool crunch of cucumber perfectly balances the rich, tangy filling.
Preparation takes just 20 minutes with no cooking required—simply slice, mix, and roll. The result is about 16 refreshing bites that work beautifully as appetizers, light lunch, or healthy snacks.
Low carb and gluten-free, these roll ups accommodate various dietary needs while delivering impressive presentation. The contrast between cool cucumber and creamy seasoned chicken creates restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
The heat wave last July had me refusing to turn on the oven, but I still needed something substantial for a lunch with girlfriends. These cucumber roll ups were born from desperation and turned into the most requested appetizer I've ever made. There's something incredibly satisfying about food that looks elegant but requires absolutely no cooking.
My sister-in-law actually asked for the recipe before she'd even finished her third one. Now every time we have a summer gathering, someone asks if I'm bringing 'those cucumber things.' They've become my go-to when I want to look like I put in way more effort than I actually did.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves so much time
- Mayonnaise: Real mayo makes the filling rich and cohesive
- Greek yogurt: This lightens everything up while adding a lovely tang
- Dijon mustard: Just enough to wake up all the other flavors
- Fresh celery: Essential for that satisfying crunch in every bite
- Red onion: Finely minced, it adds just the right amount of sharpness
- Fresh dill: Dried herbs simply cannot replicate that bright, grassy flavor
- English cucumbers: Their thinner skin and smaller seeds make them perfect for rolling
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- Combine everything except the cucumbers in a bowl, tasting as you go and adjusting the seasonings until it sings
- Prep the ribbons:
- Use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin ribbons from the cucumbers, working carefully so they don't tear
- Fill and roll:
- Spoon a small amount of filling onto one end of each ribbon, then roll gently but firmly to create tidy bundles
- Arrange and serve:
- Place them seam side down on your prettiest platter and watch them vanish
Save Last summer my neighbor's daughter who claims to hate everything helped me make a batch. She ended up eating three straight off the platter and asked if we could make them for her birthday party. Kids can be surprising when food is fun to eat.
Make-Ahead Magic
I've learned through trial and error that these are best assembled within an hour of serving. The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These shine brightest as part of a spread with other cold appetizers. I like to arrange them alongside deviled eggs and fresh fruit for brunch, or pair them with a simple green salad for a light lunch.
Perfecting Your Technique
The mandoline creates perfectly even ribbons, but I've used a regular vegetable peeler plenty of times with great results. Work slowly and steadily, and don't worry if some ribbons break—you can layer two pieces together or save the imperfect ones for the cook's snack.
- Chill your serving platter for 15 minutes to keep everything crisp longer
- Extra dill fronds on top make these look professionally catered
- Leftover filling makes an incredible sandwich for the next day's lunch
Save These little roll ups have become my signature summer dish, the one everyone expects and nobody ever gets tired of eating.
Recipe FAQs
- → How far ahead can I make these roll ups?
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For best texture, prepare within 2 hours of serving. The chicken salad can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. However, assemble the roll ups closer to serving time to prevent the cucumber from becoming soggy or wilted.
- → Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
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English cucumbers work best because their thin skin and smaller seeds create smoother ribbons. Regular cucumbers have thicker skin that may require peeling, and larger seeds can affect the rolling process. If using regular cucumbers, peel completely and remove the seed center before slicing.
- → What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
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Replace Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise for a richer taste, or use sour cream for similar tanginess. For a lighter version, mashed avocado works well and adds creaminess while keeping the dish dairy-free.
- → How do I get even cucumber ribbons?
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A mandoline slicer creates the most uniform ribbons, but a sharp vegetable peeler works well too. Apply consistent pressure and slice lengthwise from one end to the other. If ribbons tear, simply use shorter pieces and overlap them when rolling.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
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Yes, use dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the Greek yogurt, replacing it with additional mayo or mashed avocado for creaminess. Always check labels on pre-made ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
- → What other vegetables work well in the filling?
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Finely diced bell peppers, shredded radish, or chopped water chestnuts add excellent crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon can replace or complement the dill. Grated apple or finely chopped grapes offer sweet contrast to the savory filling.
