Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Looking for a fresh take on lunch that won’t leave you feeling weighed down during busy afternoons? We’ve all been there – staring into the fridge at noon, trying to find something that’s both satisfying and light enough to avoid that post-lunch slump. And if you’re packing lunches for work or school, the challenge gets even trickier.

That’s why these chicken salad cucumber roll ups have become my new favorite midday solution. They’re cool and crispy, easy to prep ahead of time, and work perfectly for both quick home lunches and packed lunch boxes. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your day without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor.

What Kind of Cucumber Should I Use?

English cucumbers are definitely the way to go for these roll-ups, and there’s a good reason why. Unlike regular garden cucumbers, English cucumbers (sometimes called hothouse cucumbers) have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and are longer in length – which makes them perfect for creating those beautiful rolls. They’re also less watery than regular cucumbers, so your roll-ups won’t get soggy as quickly. If you can’t find English cucumbers, Persian cucumbers can work in a pinch, though you’ll need more of them since they’re smaller. Just make sure to look for cucumbers that are straight rather than curved, as they’ll be much easier to slice into even strips for rolling.

Options for Substitutions

This fresh and creamy recipe can be customized with several easy swaps:

• Cooked chicken: You can use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey as alternatives. For a vegetarian version, try using mashed chickpeas instead.
• Cottage cheese: Greek yogurt makes a great substitute here – it’ll give you the same protein boost and creamy texture. You could also use ricotta cheese.
• Mayo: Not a mayo fan? Try using more cottage cheese or Greek yogurt instead. Mashed avocado can also work as a creamy substitute.
• English cucumber: Regular cucumbers will work, but you might need to remove more seeds. Lettuce leaves can work too, though they won’t give you that same crunch.
• Whipped cream cheese: Regular cream cheese works fine – just let it soften at room temperature. You could also use hummus for a dairy-free option.
• Everything bagel seasoning: You can make your own with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Or simply use your favorite herb seasoning blend.
• Chipotle hot sauce: Any hot sauce you like will work here. For a milder kick, try sriracha or even a sprinkle of paprika.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making cucumber roll-ups is dealing with excess moisture, which can make your rolls fall apart – be sure to pat the shredded chicken completely dry with paper towels and remove the cucumber seeds with a spoon before slicing.

Getting the right thickness for cucumber slices is crucial – too thick and they won’t roll properly, too thin and they’ll break, so aim for about 1/8 inch thick slices using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.

To prevent your filling from becoming watery, drain the cottage cheese for 30 minutes in a fine-mesh strainer before mixing it with other ingredients, and mash your avocado just before adding it to prevent oxidation and browning.

For the best presentation and stability, chill your chicken salad mixture for at least 30 minutes before assembling the roll-ups, which helps the filling hold its shape and makes rolling much easier.

What to Serve With Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups?

These fresh and light cucumber roll ups make a perfect lunch or appetizer, and there are lots of tasty ways to round out the meal. A simple bowl of mixed berries or fresh fruit adds a sweet contrast to the savory chicken salad. Since these roll ups are on the lighter side, you might want to add some crunch with a handful of kettle chips or some crispy vegetable sticks like carrots and celery. For a more filling meal, try serving them alongside a cup of tomato soup or a small green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette – the fresh flavors work really well together.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These cucumber roll ups are best enjoyed within 24 hours of making them. If you need to store them for a few hours before serving, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cucumber might release some water over time, so I recommend placing them on paper towels to keep them crisp.

Prep Ahead: Want to save time? You can make the chicken salad filling up to 2 days ahead and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just slice your cucumbers and assemble the roll ups. This way, your cucumber stays fresh and crispy!

Pack: Taking these to work or a picnic? Pack the chicken salad separately from the cucumber strips and assemble them just before eating. This prevents the rolls from getting soggy and keeps everything fresh. Don’t forget to pack your hot sauce and everything bagel seasoning on the side!

Preparation Time	20-30 minutes
Cooking Time	0-10 minutes
Total Time	20-40 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 800-900
• Protein: 60-70 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 g

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 red onion
• 2 cups water
• Handful of fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado
• 5 tbsp cottage cheese
• 3 tbsp mayo
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• Juice of 3 limes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Large english cucumber
• 2 tbsp whipped cream cheese
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Chipotle hot sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Onion

Begin with 1 lb of cooked, shredded chicken, obtained from either 4 cooked chicken breasts or a rotisserie chicken.

Use two forks to shred it or thinly dice it.

Next, finely dice 1/2 a red onion.

Soak the diced onion in 2 cups of water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor, then drain it thoroughly.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Components

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and drained red onion.

Chop a handful of fresh cilantro and cube 1 avocado.

Add these to the bowl with the chicken and onion, gently tossing them together to mix.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Create the dressing by blending together 5 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 3 tablespoons of mayo, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, the juice of 3 limes, a handful of cilantro, and a generous couple pinches of salt and pepper.

Blend until smooth, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to coat evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cucumber Wrap

Thinly slice a large English cucumber using a peeler.

Lay the slices on parchment paper, ensuring they slightly overlap by about 1/3.

Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 5: Assemble the Cucumber Roll

Spread 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese over the dried cucumber slices.

At the bottom of the cucumber slices, add 4 ounces of the chicken mixture, leaving space on all sides.

Top with additional onion and avocado slices as desired.

Step 6: Roll and Serve

Carefully roll up the cucumber slices, starting from the bottom and folding over the toppings.

Continue to roll tightly, applying gentle pressure to pack it.

Slice the completed cucumber roll with a sharp knife.

Top with everything bagel seasoning and a drizzle of chipotle hot sauce for added flavor.

Serve as an appetizer or a light, refreshing meal.