A light crunch and vibrant mix of flavors come together in my kitchen as I slice into a fresh cucumber. These Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups transform simple ingredients into a delightful lunch that’s both healthy and filling. Whether you’re looking to shake off the fast-food habit or prepare a quick, gluten-free meal for the family, these roll ups are the perfect solution. They pack a protein punch with shredded chicken and creamy avocado, offering a satisfying bite without the heavy carbs. Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices, making them as unique as your culinary style. Curious about how to create this refreshing twist on classic chicken salad? Let’s dive in and get rolling!

Why Are These Roll Ups So Special?

Refreshing, Crisp Texture: The juicy cucumbers create a refreshing crunch with each bite, perfectly balancing the creamy chicken salad filling.

Customizable Ingredients: With a variety of add-ins and substitutions—like swapping out chicken for shredded turkey or jazzing it up with flavored cream cheese—you can make these roll ups your own.

Health-Conscious Delight: These roll ups are not only low-carb but also gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for health-focused lunch options.

Quick and Easy Prep: Mornings can be hectic, but these roll ups come together swiftly, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in no time.

Perfect for Meal Prep: Make the chicken salad ahead of time and assemble right before serving. They’re great for packed lunches, alongside staples like my Tzatziki Chicken Salad for a balanced week of meals!

Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad
• Cooked Shredded Chicken – This is your main protein source, so using rotisserie chicken can save you time.
• Red Onion – Adds a sharp flavor; soaking it in water can help mellow it for those who find it too strong.
• Fresh Cilantro – Enhances the salad’s brightness; if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great substitute.
• Avocado – This provides creaminess and healthy fats; make sure to use ripe avocado to get the best texture.
• Cottage Cheese – It gives creaminess to the dressing; be sure to drain any excess moisture before mixing.
• Mayonnaise – Adds richness; for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt.
• Onion Powder – Offers depth to the flavor; if you want a fresh taste, consider using fresh onions instead.
• Lime Juice – Brightens the dish’s overall flavor; always opt for fresh limes for the best zing.

For the Roll Ups
• English Cucumbers – These lend crispness; if unavailable, substitute with Persian cucumbers adjusting as needed.
• Cream Cheese – Acts as a smooth spread on your cucumber; whipped cream cheese works best for easy spreading.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning – A fantastic finishing touch that adds flavor; feel free to get creative with your own mix!
• Chipotle Hot Sauce – It brings a layer of heat; skip this if you prefer a milder flavor.

These Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups are just the start of a culinary adventure! Customize each element, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this refreshing dish in your life. Enjoy!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Salad Mixture
Start by shredding 1 lb of cooked chicken, ensuring it’s finely shredded for easy blending. Next, finely dice a small red onion and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and diced ripe avocado. This mixture will form the flavorful filling for your Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups.

Step 2: Make Dressing
In a blender, combine 1 cup of cottage cheese, ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, the juice of one lime, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend on medium speed until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Pour this dressing over your chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. This creamy blend adds richness to the chicken salad filling and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 3: Slice Cucumbers
Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice 2 large English cucumbers into 1/8 inch thick slices, making sure to achieve consistent thickness for uniform rolls. Once sliced, lay the cucumber slices on a paper towel and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for the structure of your Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups, preventing any sogginess.

Step 4: Assemble Roll Ups
Take a cucumber slice and spread a thin layer of whipped cream cheese over one side. Then, add about 2 tablespoons of the chicken salad mixture onto the cream cheese side of each slice. Feel free to add extra diced onion and avocado if you desire more flavor. The cream cheese acts as an adhesive, helping everything stay together as you roll.

Step 5: Roll and Serve
Carefully roll each cucumber slice tightly, starting from one end to the other until you have a compact roll. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the roll ups into bite-sized pieces. Arrange your Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups on a platter and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. If you like a bit of heat, drizzle with chipotle hot sauce before serving.

Storage Tips for Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Fridge: Store assembled roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to enjoy them within 24 hours for optimal freshness and crunch.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken salad filling up to 2 days in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just assemble the roll ups on the day you plan to serve them to maintain the cucumbers’ crispness.

Freezer: While freezing is not recommended for assembled roll ups, you can freeze the chicken salad mixture for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using it.

Reheating: Since these are best served cold, there’s no need to reheat. Simply prepare and enjoy chilled for a refreshing light lunch.

Make Ahead Options

These Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weekdays! You can prepare the chicken salad filling up to 3 days in advance; simply mix your shredded chicken, soaked onion, cilantro, avocado, and dressing, and refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container. Keep the cucumber slices dry and unassembled until you’re ready to roll them up; this prevents them from becoming soggy. When it’s time to enjoy your light and refreshing lunch, simply spread the cream cheese, layer the chicken salad, and roll them tightly. You’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort, just as fresh and tasty as if you made it that day!

What to Serve with Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups?

These delightful, refreshing bites invite you to create a beautiful and satisfying meal that dances on your palate.

Mixed Greens Salad: The lightness of a fresh garden salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette complements the roll ups perfectly, providing a crisp contrast.
Tomato Basil Soup: A warm, aromatic bowl of tomato soup is a wonderful pairing, enhancing the freshness of the roll ups with comforting flavors.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers adds a nutritious touch, creating a vibrant and colorful plate.
Fruit Skewers: Sweet and juicy fruit skewers provide a delightful contrast, balancing the savory chicken salad and offering a refreshing endnote to your meal.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A chilled glass of sparkling water with a twist of lemon is a light and refreshing beverage that perfectly offsets the richness of the roll ups.
Hummus & Veggies Platter: A rainbow of fresh veggies served with hummus makes for a crunchy side, inviting dipping and mingling of tastes with the cool cucumber rolls.
Caprese Salad: A classic Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella adds a burst of flavor and creaminess that harmonizes beautifully with the roll ups.

Let your imagination run wild with these pairings, and soon you’ll have a full meal that tantalizes every taste bud!

Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Variations

Feel free to make these delicious roll ups your own by experimenting with tasty twists that will pique your curiosity!

Turkey Swap: Use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a flavorful twist that’s just as satisfying.
Veggie Boost: Add grated carrots, diced bell peppers, or celery into the chicken salad for extra crunch and nutrition.
Flavored Cream Cheese: Try using herb or vegetable cream cheese for a fun variation that complements the filling beautifully.
Zesty Kick: Incorporate a dash of lemon zest into the chicken salad for a bright burst of citrus flavor.
Spicy Add-In: Throw in jalapeños or diced serrano peppers if you’re looking to amp up the heat in your roll ups.
Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
Gluten-Free Ok: For a gluten-free option, ensure that the cream cheese and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Fresh Herbs: Switch up the herbs! Use fresh dill or chives in place of cilantro for a unique spin that offers a fresh taste.

No matter how you choose to customize, these flavors will shine, whether you enjoy them next to a bowl of my Cinnamon Roll Ups for breakfast or at lunch with some Hearty Bokchoy Chicken Soup. Happy cooking!

Expert Tips for Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Ingredient Drying: Properly pat down cucumbers and chicken. Excess moisture can cause sogginess, ruining the crunch of your roll ups.
Consistent Slices: Aim for uniform cucumber slices—about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even rolling and makes for a prettier presentation of your Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups.
Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate the chicken salad mixture for 30 minutes prior to assembling. This helps meld the flavors and makes it easier to roll.
Assemble Just Before Serving: For the freshest result, roll the cucumbers just before serving. If prepping in advance, store the filling and cucumber separately to maintain texture.
Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to replace the everything bagel seasoning with your favorite blend. This allows you to personalize your Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups while adding exciting flavors.

Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cucumbers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for English cucumbers that are firm and have a smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any that have dark spots all over, which can indicate overripeness. If English cucumbers aren’t available, Persian cucumbers are a great substitute—just ensure they’re also firm and fresh.

How should I store the chicken salad cucumber roll ups?
Very important! Store the assembled roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume them within 24 hours for the best taste and crunch. To keep them fresh, layer paper towels between the roll ups; this helps absorb moisture and prevents sogginess.

Can I prepare these roll ups in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the chicken salad filling up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cucumbers and assemble the roll ups for the freshest texture. If you’ve made too much filling, it can also be used in lettuce wraps or with crackers.

How do I freeze the chicken salad mixture?
I often make extra and freeze it! To freeze, place the chicken salad mixture in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before assembling the roll ups.

What if I have allergies to some of the ingredients?
Very good to consider! If you’re allergic to dairy, try substituting cottage cheese and cream cheese with silken tofu or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. For nut allergies, ensure to check your mayonnaise and any dressings, as some may contain nut derivatives. Always read labels before using any substitutes!