Irresistible Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups – Fresh & Easy Party Appetizer

1. Chicken

• Rotisserie chicken: The easiest route—pre-cooked, juicy, and well-seasoned.
• Poached chicken: Mild and moist, perfect for absorbing flavors.
• Baked or roasted chicken: Adds more depth with roasted notes.
• Shredded vs. diced: Shredded chicken blends smoothly, while diced adds chunkier texture.

2. Creamy Base

This is what binds the chicken salad together. Options include:

• Mayonnaise: Classic choice, smooth and rich.
• Greek yogurt: Tangy, lighter in flavor, and pairs well with herbs.
• Cottage cheese: Whipped or blended for a creamy yet slightly tangy twist.
• Whipped cream cheese: Acts as both binder and “glue” layer to hold rolls.

3. Crunch & Aromatics

• Celery: Essential crunch that brightens the filling.
• Red onion: Sharp flavor—soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow.
• Green onion or scallions: Softer bite than red onion.
• Fresh herbs: Dill, cilantro, parsley, or basil.

4. Seasonings & Acid

• Lemon or lime juice: Brings brightness and balances richness.
• Dijon mustard: Adds depth and tang.
• Onion or garlic powder: Boosts savory notes.
• Hot sauce or cayenne: Optional for a kick.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Trendy garnish that adds crunch and flavor.

5. Cucumbers

This is the star of the show.

• English cucumbers: Long, slender, fewer seeds, thin skin. Ideal for ribbons.
• Persian cucumbers: Smaller, sweeter, great for mini roll ups.
• Tips: Choose firm cucumbers with smooth skin for the best slices.

Step 1: Salt the Cucumbers

• Lay cucumber ribbons on a tray.
• Sprinkle lightly with kosher salt.
• Let sit for 5–20 minutes. The salt draws out excess moisture.

Step 2: Drain & Blot

• Gently dab cucumbers with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.
• You’ll see beads of water—pat until dry.

Step 3: Optional Rinse

• If you’ve used a generous amount of salt, rinse ribbons quickly under cold water.
• Pat dry thoroughly again.

Step 4: Assemble Close to Serving

• For maximum freshness, assemble the rolls just before serving.
• If making ahead, prepare the chicken salad separately and roll on the day.

A. Prepare the Chicken

• Cook chicken if starting from raw—poach, bake, or roast.
• Ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let cool completely before shredding or dicing.

B. Make the Chicken Salad

In a mixing bowl, combine:

• Shredded chicken (about 2 cups).
• 2–3 tablespoons mayonnaise, yogurt, or cottage cheese.
• 1 rib celery, finely diced.
• 2 tablespoons red onion or scallions.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
• Squeeze of lemon juice.
• Fresh dill or parsley.
• Salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce to taste.

Mix well and chill for 20 minutes—this helps the filling firm up for rolling.

C. Prep the Cucumbers

• Use a mandoline or Y-peeler to shave long ribbons.
• Salt, drain, and blot dry as described above.
• Lay slightly overlapping ribbons on parchment to create a rectangular “sheet.”

D. Add the Glue Layer

• Spread a thin layer of whipped cream cheese over the cucumber sheet.
• This layer acts as a moisture barrier and adhesive.

E. Fill & Roll

• Spoon a narrow log of chicken salad along one edge.
• Roll tightly, pressing gently to seal.
• Chill for 10–15 minutes to set.

F. Slice & Serve

• Trim uneven edges with a sharp knife.
• Slice into bite-size pinwheels or serve whole rolls.
• Garnish with dill, chives, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.

Storing Chicken Salad

• Transfer the finished chicken salad into an airtight container.
• Keep refrigerated, ideally on the top shelf where temperatures are most consistent.
• Chicken salad stays fresh for up to 3–4 days, according to FoodSafety.gov.

Storing Cucumber Roll Ups

• Assembled roll ups are best eaten the same day.
• If you need to store them:
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Place in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
  • Refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Food Safety Tips

• Always cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Avoid leaving chicken salad or assembled rolls out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• If serving outdoors, place trays over a bowl of ice to keep rolls cool.

1. Rolls Keep Unraveling

• Solution: Overlap cucumber ribbons slightly when creating your base sheet.
• Spread a thin “glue” layer of whipped cream cheese to hold ribbons together.
• Chill rolls before slicing—this helps them firm up.

2. Cucumbers Are Too Watery

• Solution: Salt the cucumber ribbons for 10–15 minutes, then blot thoroughly.
• If you’re short on time, slice cucumbers thinner to reduce moisture.
• Assemble rolls as close to serving time as possible.

3. Filling is Too Loose

• Solution: Chill chicken salad before using; this allows it to firm.
• Add a little more mayo, cream cheese, or binder to thicken.
• Avoid using warm chicken—it should be completely cooled.

4. Rolls Taste Too Salty

• Solution: Rinse cucumbers lightly after salting, then blot dry.
• Balance flavors with fresh herbs and lemon juice.

5. Flavor Too Mild

• Solution: Boost seasoning with Dijon, hot sauce, or extra herbs.
• Mix in crunchy add-ins like celery, bell peppers, or seeds for texture.

Platter Presentation

• Circular Layout: Arrange pinwheels in concentric circles for a striking display.
• Rainbow Spread: Mix variations (Buffalo, Mediterranean, Avocado) and group by color.
• Garnished Tray: Sprinkle rolls with dill, parsley, or everything bagel seasoning.

Party & Event Serving

• Serve with cocktail picks for easy grabbing.
• Pair with other cold appetizers like fruit skewers or cheese cubes.
• Add to charcuterie boards for a refreshing twist.

Everyday Serving

• Pack rolls in a bento box for a quick lunch.
• Pair with crackers, chips, or crudités.
• Enjoy as a light dinner with sparkling water or iced tea.

How do you cut cucumbers for roll ups?

Use a mandoline or Y-peeler to create long, thin ribbons. Overlap several ribbons to make a larger sheet if your cucumbers are short.

How do you keep cucumber roll ups from getting soggy?

Salt the ribbons to draw out excess moisture, blot dry, and assemble close to serving time. A thin cream cheese layer also helps prevent sogginess.

Can I make chicken salad cucumber roll ups ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the chicken salad 3–4 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble rolls on the day you plan to serve them for best results.

What can I use instead of mayo?

Greek yogurt, whipped cottage cheese, hummus, or avocado all work as creamy binders for chicken salad.

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container stored below 40°F.