Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups: A Fresh and Crisp Low-Carb Snack.

When the afternoon slump hits, or you need a light lunch that won’t leave you feeling weighed down, the standard sandwich can feel a bit repetitive. These Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups are a refreshing departure from the norm. By replacing bread with thin, crisp ribbons of cucumber, you transform a classic chicken salad into a hydrating, vibrant snack that feels much more like a treat than a routine meal.

I originally started making these during a particularly humid summer when the idea of turning on the toaster felt like too much work. I discovered that the snap of a cold cucumber is the perfect partner for a creamy, savory chicken filling. It’s a recipe that relies on the contrast between the watery crunch of the vegetable and the hearty, protein-packed center. Whether you’re looking for a clever appetizer for a weekend gathering or a quick way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, these roll-ups are a reliable, visually striking option that takes minutes to assemble.

Ingredients

The Chicken Salad Filling

• 2 Cups Cooked Chicken Breast: Finely shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
• 1/4 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt: Provides a tangy, high-protein base.
• 2 Tablespoons Kewpie Mayo: For richness and a hint of sweetness.
• 1/2 Cup Celery: Very finely diced for a consistent crunch.
• 2 Tablespoons Red Onion: Minced. Soak them in cold water for five minutes first to remove the harsh “bite.”
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill: Finely chopped.
• 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard: To add a bit of sharp depth.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper.

The Wrap and Crunch

• 2 Large English Cucumbers: These are preferred because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.¹
• 1/4 Cup Toasted Sliced Almonds or Toasted Sesame Seeds: For a woody, nutty finish.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Just a dusting for color and a hint of woodsmoke flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumber Ribbons

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a Y-peeler or a mandoline, slice the cucumber lengthwise into long, thin ribbons. Stop once you reach the watery seeds in the center, flip the cucumber, and repeat on the other side. Place the ribbons on a double layer of paper towels and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture is the most important step to prevent the roll-ups from sliding apart.

2. Mix the Chicken Salad

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, mayo, celery, minced red onion, dill, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Taste and add your salt and pepper. The mixture should be thick and creamy—if it feels too loose, it will leak out of the roll-ups, so keep the yogurt and mayo measurements precise.

3. Assemble the Roll-Ups

Lay two cucumber ribbons on a clean cutting board, overlapping them slightly side-by-side to create a wider “sheet.” Place a generous tablespoon of the chicken salad at one end of the ribbons.

4. Roll and Secure

Carefully roll the cucumber over the filling, keeping it as tight as possible. If the ribbons are sufficiently dry, they should stick to themselves. If they feel a bit springy, you can use a toothpick to secure the seam.

5. Add the Final Garnish

Stand the roll-ups upright or lay them seam-side down on a platter. Sprinkle the toasted almonds or sesame seeds over the exposed chicken salad at the top. Finish with a light dusting of smoked paprika for a pop of color.

Flavor & Texture Notes

The primary sensation here is crispness. The cold English cucumber provides an immediate burst of hydration, followed by the savory, herb-forward richness of the chicken salad. Because we use Greek yogurt and Dijon, the filling has a bright acidity that keeps the dish feeling light.

The finely diced celery and toasted almonds offer layers of mechanical crunch that contrast beautifully with the tender shredded chicken. It’s a clean, honest flavor profile that doesn’t hide behind heavy oils or sugars.

Tips & Variations

• The Buffalo Twist: Stir a tablespoon of buffalo hot sauce into the chicken mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy version.
• Curry Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of yellow curry powder and a few golden raisins to the mix for a sweet and savory Mediterranean vibe.
• Everything Bagel Style: Skip the almonds and sprinkle “Everything Bagel” seasoning over the roll-ups for a garlicky, salty punch.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for mashed chickpeas. The texture remains remarkably similar and pairs just as well with the cucumber.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Serve Fresh: Cucumber roll-ups are at their best within an hour of assembly. Over time, the cucumber will release water, which can make the filling a bit runny.
• Prep in Advance: You can make the chicken salad up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also slice the cucumber ribbons and keep them in a container between dry paper towels for up to 24 hours.
• Assembly: Assemble the actual rolls just before you plan to eat for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These look beautiful on a slate board or a white ceramic platter. Serve them alongside a few lemon wedges for an extra spritz of acidity. They pair exceptionally well with a glass of iced green tea or a crisp sparkling water. If you’re serving these at a party, they are the perfect “one-handed” snack that allows guests to mingle without needing a fork and knife.

FAQ

Why are my cucumber rolls soggy?

Cucumbers are over 90% water. If you don’t pat the ribbons dry with paper towels, the salt in the chicken salad will draw even more water out, leading to a puddle on your plate. Drying them thoroughly is the secret to success.

Can I use a regular garden cucumber?

You can, but garden cucumbers have much thicker skins and larger seeds. You’ll need to peel the skin off entirely, and you’ll find you get fewer usable ribbons before hitting the seedy core. English (hothouse) cucumbers are much easier to work with.

What if I don’t have a peeler or mandoline?

You can slice the cucumber into thick rounds and simply top each round with a dollop of chicken salad. It won’t be a “roll-up,” but it will have the exact same flavor profile and crunch.

Conclusion

Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups are a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. By focusing on fresh herbs and the natural snap of quality produce, you create a snack that is as satisfying as it is nourishing. They are fun to make, beautiful to look at, and offer a light alternative to traditional heavy lunches. Give them a try the next time you want a meal that leaves you feeling bright and energized.