Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Last summer my sister showed up with a garden haul of English cucumbers and challenged me to use them before they wilted. We ended up spiralizing them into everything, but these chicken salad roll ups were the only recipe I wrote down immediately after eating three straight off the platter.

I made these for a book club meeting and watched three different people ask for the recipe before even finishing their first roll up. The dill and lemon brighten everything up so you dont feel heavy afterward, unlike the mayo heavy versions Ive suffered through at potlucks.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, but poaching your own lets you control the seasoning
• English cucumbers: Their thinner skin and fewer seeds make them perfect for rolling into ribbons that hold their shape
• Fresh dill and parsley: Dont skip these herbs theyre what elevates this from basic chicken salad to something guests will remember
• Dijon mustard: Just enough to cut through the richness and add that subtle depth everyone notices but cant quite place
• Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference in brightness compared to bottled

Instructions

Make the chicken salad base:

Combine your cooked chicken with finely diced celery and red onion, then fold in the mayonnaise until everything is coated but not swimming in dressing

Season to perfection:

Whisk in the Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, lemon juice, salt and pepper, then taste and adjust the seasonings before moving forward

Create cucumber ribbons:

Use a vegetable peeler to slice lengthwise strips, discarding that first mostly skin slice and aiming for ribbons that bend without breaking

Prep the ribbons:

Pat each strip dry with paper towels, because excess moisture will make these fall apart before anyone gets a bite

Assemble the roll ups:

Lay a ribbon flat, spread about a tablespoon of chicken salad along one end, add a spinach leaf if youre feeling fancy, then roll gently and place seam down

Chill before serving:

Let them rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes so the flavors meld and everything holds together when people start grabbing them

Save

My niece who claims to hate anything with visible onions ate four of these without noticing the red onion until I pointed it out later. Sometimes the best dishes are the ones that convert skeptics without them realizing whats happening.

Make Ahead Strategy

You can prepare the chicken salad up to two days in advance, which actually helps the flavors develop beautifully. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and wait to slice and roll the cucumbers until shortly before serving to maintain that fresh crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These work beautifully as passed appetizers at cocktail hour or arranged on a platter for light lunch fare. I like to serve them alongside a crisp white wine or sparkling water with plenty of lemon, which echoes the fresh notes in the filling.

Customization Options

Sometimes I swap in Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise when I want something lighter, and honestly most people cant tell the difference. The texture stays creamy while cutting back on richness.

• Toast some chopped walnuts or sliced almonds and fold them in for unexpected crunch
• Try fresh basil or tarragon instead of dill when you want to change the flavor profile completely
• Add a small piece of smoked salmon inside each roll for an elegant twist that feels restaurant quality

Save

These little roll ups have become my go to for moments when I want to serve something impressive but secretly spent almost no time making them.

Recipe Questions

→ How do I slice cucumbers into ribbons?

Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice lengthwise from one end to the other. Discard the first slice which is mostly skin, then continue slicing to create wide, flexible ribbons. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture so they hold the filling better.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it refrigerated. However, assemble the roll ups within 2-3 hours of serving for the best texture. The cucumbers may release moisture over time, so assemble closer to serving time.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent lighter alternative with extra protein and tang. You could also use mashed avocado or a combination of yogurt and mayonnaise. The Greek yogurt version works particularly well with the fresh dill and lemon.

→ How many roll ups does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 16 roll ups, which typically serves 4 people as an appetizer or light snack. Each roll up contains about 1 tablespoon of filling. You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings.

→ What other vegetables work in the chicken salad?

Finely diced bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Grated carrots work well too. For extra texture, try chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds. Some people like adding small grape halves or apple pieces for sweetness.

→ Are these suitable for low-carb or gluten-free diets?

Yes, these roll ups are naturally gluten-free and low-carb since they use cucumbers instead of bread or crackers. They're also keto-friendly if you use full-fat mayonnaise. Always check your mayonnaise and mustard labels to ensure they're gluten-free.