These elegant roll ups feature tender shredded chicken blended with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard, complemented by crunchy celery and red onion. Fresh dill and lemon juice brighten the creamy filling, which gets enveloped in thin ribbons of crisp English cucumber. The result is a refreshing appetizer that balances cool, crunchy vegetables with rich, savory chicken salad.
Perfect for entertaining or meal prep, these come together in just 20 minutes with no cooking required. Each roll delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors while keeping carbs low and protein high.
Summer potlucks used to stress me out until I started bringing these cucumber roll ups. They are the first thing to disappear, and people always ask for the recipe before they even finish their first bite.
I first made these on a whim when my garden produced more cucumbers than I could handle. My sister-in-law actually ate six of them before admitting she had been picking at the platter while we talked.
Ingredients
- Shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves so much time
- Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt combo: The yogurt lightens things up while keeping that creamy comfort
- Fresh dill: Do not skip this, it makes the whole recipe taste bright and garden-fresh
- English cucumbers: Their thinner skin and fewer seeds make them perfect for rolling
Instructions
- Mix the filling:
- Combine all your chicken salad ingredients in a bowl until everything is well blended and creamy
- Slice the ribbons:
- Use a vegetable peeler to create long, thin cucumber ribbons, working carefully so they do not tear
- Fill and roll:
- Spread a tablespoon of filling along the short end of each ribbon, then roll gently but firmly
- Arrange and serve:
- Place all roll ups seam-side down on your serving platter and keep them chilled until ready
These have become my go-to whenever I need something that feels special but does not require turning on the oven during hot weather.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the chicken salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container. Keep the cucumber slicing and rolling for within a couple hours of serving to maintain that perfect crunch.
Getting the Right Consistency
The filling should be creamy but not loose, otherwise it will squeeze out when you take a bite. If your chicken salad feels too thick, add just one teaspoon of yogurt at a time until it spreads easily.
Presentation Ideas
I like to serve these on a wooden board or white platter so the green cucumbers really pop. A few carrot matchsticks poking out the ends add such a pretty accent.
- Use the widest part of the cucumber for your best rolls
- These pair beautifully with chilled white wine or sparkling water
- Make double the recipe because they disappear fast
Hope these become a regular part of your gathering table, they certainly have earned a permanent spot in mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these roll ups ahead of time?
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Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the roll ups no more than 2 hours before serving for the best texture, as the cucumbers may release water and become soggy if left longer.
- → What if I don't have a mandoline slicer?
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A vegetable peeler works perfectly for creating thin cucumber ribbons. Simply run the peeler down the length of the cucumber, applying steady pressure to create long, even strips. You may need to peel wider strips than with a mandoline.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
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Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and adds extra flavor. Just remove the skin and shred about 1 1/2 cups of meat from the breast and thighs for the best texture.
- → How do I prevent the cucumbers from getting soggy?
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Pat the cucumber ribbons dry with paper towels before assembling. Avoid overfilling the rolls, and serve within 2 hours of preparation. If storing leftovers, keep the chicken salad and cucumbers separate.
- → What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
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Finely diced bell peppers, shredded radishes, or chopped water chestnuts add great crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil work beautifully alongside or instead of the dill.