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Cucumber roll ups are mini bites of heaven! Made with cool cucumber ribbons, creamy avocado mash, and savory turkey deli slices, they’re not only super tasty but also healthy, low carb, and gluten-free. Perfect for a quick healthy snack, a party appetizer, or even a light lunch.
Inspired by Japanese Naruto rolls, these cucumber avocado rolls are fun and easy to make. Get the kids involved in creating these refreshing bites and enjoy a simple, delicious dish that everyone will love!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
These Cucumber Roll Ups are inspired by Japanese Naruto rolls, which are sushi wrapped in cucumber instead of rice. Let’s check out what we need to make these refreshing and tasty bites!
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- Avocado mash (a simple guacamole) with medium-ripe avocado, shallot, lime juice, coarse sea salt, ground blac, pepper, parsley or cilantro.
- Deli turkey slices: adds a savory and satisfying protein element.
- Can also use chicken, ham, or even roast beef.
- English cucumbers: great for making roll ups because of their long shape and fewer seeds.
- Toasted black sesame seeds (optional): Adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch for garnish.
Tools
- Y Peeler: Essential for creating long, thin cucumber ribbons.
- Paper Towels: Helps to pat dry the cucumber strips, preventing soggy rolls.
Other possible add-ons
A cucumber roll usually contains a creamy spread along with either a protein or vegetables. It’s important not to overload the rolls. When selecting your add-ins, keep the items thin, flat, and pliable so they are easier to roll.
Besides the ingredients listed in my recipe, sandwich cheese and smoked salmon are also great choices. Many people also like to use cream cheese instead of the avocado mash.
I use one strip of cucumber per roll. You can also use two strips (slightly overlapping them) to make a larger, sturdier roll.
What type of cucumber to use? English cucumbers are great for roll-ups because they have fewer seeds and delicate skin (no need to peel), and they create long strips.
How to slice cucumber for roll ups
Making these cucumber avocado rolls are easy and fun, perfect for getting the kids involved too! Let’s get started with these simple steps.
- To make the avocado mash: Remove the pit and scoop out the avocado. Combine avocado, shallot, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mash into a simple guacamole. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and chill in the fridge.
- Deli slices: Stack and slice them into 0.5-inch strips. Set aside.
- To slice the cucumber: Trim ends, rinse, and dry.
- Line paper towels on a cutting board: This helps absorb extra moisture.
- Use a Y peeler to make long strips. Peel the cucumber lengthwise to create long, thin strips.
- Pat the strips dry to prevent sogginess. You may need to do this a few more times as you make the rolls.
- To make rolled cucumber:
- Line a cucumber strip with deli slices in a single layer, leaving the top inch empty.
- Place ½ tbsp of avocado mash at the bottom.
- Carefully roll the strip away from you. Place on a serving plate. Repeat until all strips are used.
- Garnish: Garnish with reserved chopped shallot and parsley. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using.
TIP: The guac can be made a few hours in advance and kept chilled in the fridge. Keep it on the thicker side so it doesn’t fall out as easily.
What to serve it with
These cucumber pinwheels are a versatile appetizer that pairs well with a variety of other dishes. Here are some great ideas to complete your meal:
- Mini bites: Serve these rolls alongside Corn ribs air fryer for a crunchy and fun addition. Pair them with Air fryer zucchini fries for a healthy and crispy side, and add Bang bang salmon bites for a bit of spicy and savory flavor.
- Protein pairings: Complement the rolls with Vietnamese grilled chicken drumsticks for a hearty protein option. Enjoy them with Shrimp summer rolls for a refreshing and light combination, and serve with Taiwanese popcorn chicken for a flavorful and crispy treat.
- Dessert and Drink: Finish your meal with Coconut sticky rice with mango for a sweet and tropical dessert. Refresh your palate with a Watermelon peach mocktail or Strawberry lemonade vodka, a perfect drink to accompany your rolls.
ChihYu’s expert tips
- Choose the Right Avocado: Use a medium-ripe avocado for the mash. If it’s too mushy, the guac will be watery; if it’s too hard, it won’t mash well.
- Use a Y Peeler: A Y-shaped vegetable peeler is ideal for making long, even cucumber strips. This tool helps you create perfect ribbons for rolling.
- Pat Dry the Cucumber Strips: Pat the cucumber strips dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent the rolls from becoming soggy.
- Keep Guac Thick: Make sure your guacamole is on the thicker side so it doesn’t ooze out of the rolls.
- Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overload the cucumber strip with too much filling. Keeping it light ensures the rolls stay intact.
- Serve Immediately: These rolls are best served right after making to keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh.
- Alternative Wraps: If you want sturdier rolls, slightly overlap two cucumber strips before filling and rolling.
FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the avocado mash a few hours in advance and chill it. The rolls can also be made a few hours ahead; just store them in the fridge and cover loosely with saran wrap.
A mandoline slicer can work as an alternative, just be careful with the thickness of the cucumber strips.
Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken, ham, or even roast beef – whatever you prefer.
Make sure to pat the cucumber strips dry and avoid overfilling them. Serve the rolls immediately for the best results.
More cucumber recipes you might like
If you enjoyed making these cucumber wrap rolls, here are some other refreshing cucumber dishes you might love. These recipes are perfect for adding more delicious and healthy options to your menu.
- Korean cucumber salad: A tangy and spicy salad with crisp cucumbers, perfect as a refreshing side dish.
- Cucumber kimchi: A quick and easy version of kimchi with a crunchy texture and bold flavors.
- Asian pickled cucumbers: Sweet and sour pickled cucumbers that make a great snack or accompaniment to any meal.
Cucumber roll ups recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 large avocado select medium-ripe (not too mushy, not too hard)
- 1 oz. shallot finely chopped, reserve some for garnish
- 1 whole lime juice or to taste
- ½ tsp Coarse sea salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp Ground black pepper or to taste
- 0.35 oz parsley or cilantro finely chopped (about 2 tbsp), reserve a few leaves for garnish
- 10 oz. deli turkey slices I use cracked black pepper or smoked flavor
- 1 whole English cucumber
- Sprinkle toasted black sesame seeds optional
Tools:
- A Y peeler Y-shaped vegetable peeler
- Paper towel
Instructions
- To make the avocado mash: Remove the pit and scoop out the avocado. In a bowl, combine the avocado, shallot, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mash into a simple guacamole. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Keep the guac not too watery and not too salty, as the deli slices will add saltiness to the rolls later. Once mashed, cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge.
- Deli slices: Stack a few deli slices and slice them into strips, about 0.5 inches in width. Set aside on a small plate.
To prepare the cucumber:
- Trim away the tip ends, rinse the cucumber, and pat it dry. Line paper towels over a large cutting board and use a Y peeler to make long cucumber strips, lengthwise. Repeat the process until you have about 22 to 24 strips.
- Take a clean paper towel and gently pat the cucumber strips dry. This is important, and you may need to do it a few more times as you make the rolls.
To make cucumber rolls:
- Take a cucumber strip and line it with deli slices in a single layer, leaving the top portion (about 1 inch) empty so the roll can adhere nicely when closed.
- Take about ½ tbsp of the avocado mash and place it at the bottom portion of the cucumber strip. Carefully and gently roll the strip away from you. Place the roll on a serving plate. Repeat the process until all the strips are used.
- Garnish: To serve, garnish with the reserved chopped shallot and parsley, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using.
Notes
- It’s important to pat dry the cucumber slices before rolling, or the filling will turn extra mushy.
- Don’t overload the cucumber strip, or the fillings will fall out.
- I use one strip of cucumber per roll. You can also use two strips (slightly overlapping them) to make a larger, sturdier roll.
- When to serve it: It’s best to make the rolls and serve them right away, as the cucumber will continue to produce more moisture.
- Make-ahead: The guac (avocado mash) can be made a few hours in advance and kept chilled in the fridge. If you must make the whole roll-ups in advance, they can be prepared a few hours ahead. Store them in the fridge and loosely cover with plastic wrap.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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