I remember one late afternoon when the house hummed with the soft sound of a kettle on the stove and the dog snored at my feet. I wanted something cool and easy for a light supper. I grabbed a lone cucumber from the fridge, a cup of leftover shredded chicken, and turned them into Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups.
They came together in minutes and felt like a small, bright celebration of simple flavors. If you like a crisp, creamy bite, you might also enjoy my Greek yogurt cucumber salad for another quick, cooling side.

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Why Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

These roll ups save time without skimping on taste. They feel elegant when you serve them, but they do not require fancy skills or long hands-on time.
They keep dishes to a minimum and work beautifully for lunches, light dinners, or a casual spread when friends stop by. I reach for this recipe when I want something that looks put together and brings a gentle lift to the day.

These roll ups balance crunch, cream, and a whisper of tang from the Dijon. They travel well in a lunchbox and make good use of leftover chicken. You can scale them up for a crowd or keep them simple for one. Small wins like this matter when you want fewer steps and more enjoyment.

How to Make Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups the Zinnia Way

“The best kind of recipe? The kind you can start after work and still eat before the sun sets.”

I keep a small bowl of shredded chicken in the fridge most weeks. It makes this recipe a true grab-and-go. You will notice the smell of fresh cucumber first. The chicken salad adds creamy comfort. Look for a pale green sheen on the cucumber and a mix that sits together without being soupy.

When you spread the filling, you want a light layer that holds but still shows the cucumber peeking at the edges. Roll the slices tightly so they do not unravel but do not squeeze them so hard they leak. A toothpick keeps things tidy when you transport them. They look so pretty on a platter that people often giggle a little before they take a bite.

What You’ll Need for Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

1 large cucumber, 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup diced celery, 1/4 cup diced red onion, Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
A few small notes from my kitchen: use either Greek yogurt or mayo based on what you prefer. Greek yogurt gives brightness and a lighter feel. Mayonnaise gives a richer, silkier mouthfeel.
If you like extra herb notes, add more dill. If you keep celery and onion diced fine, the roll ups feel delicate when you bite them.

I also like simple, sturdy tools. A vegetable peeler or mandoline makes those long cucumber ribbons easily. I recommend a good chef knife and a small bowl for mixing. If you want a playful side, try pairing these with a juicy tomato salad such as my juicy cucumber caprese salad for a colorful plate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Slice the cucumber into long, thin strips using a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
Use smooth, even strokes to create long ribbons. Aim for slices thin enough to roll but thick enough to hold the filling. If the ends get a little shorter, save them for a snack.
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, diced celery, and red onion. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir gently so you keep some texture in the chicken and celery. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. It will taste brighter once it chills for a few minutes.
Spread a layer of the chicken salad mixture onto each cucumber slice.
Use a small spoon or a butter knife for even spreading. Leave a little space at the edge so the filling does not spill when you roll. It will look a little thick at first, but the roll will settle it.
Roll the cucumber slices up tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary.
Start from one end and roll toward the other in a gentle, steady motion. If a roll wants to unroll, a toothpick will keep it neat for serving or packing. Keep going; once you make a few, they move quickly.
Garnish with fresh dill or parsley. Serve cold.
Chill for 10 to 15 minutes if you can; it helps the flavors meld. Arrange them on a platter and add a few extra herb sprigs. They stay crisp and fresh when served cold.

Serving Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups at the Table

I serve these roll ups for light lunches, afternoon snacks, or as part of a relaxed dinner with a few sides. They feel lovely with a crisp green salad and a warm grain like quinoa or farro. For a cozy night in, pair them with roasted vegetables and a slice of crusty bread.

If I want variety on the plate, I add a small bowl of olives and a cheese I love. The roll ups pair well with something warm and savory, such as my crispy parmesan chicken, which brings a satisfying contrast. For a picnic, I pack them on a flat container so they lie in one layer and do not get squished.

For a party, arrange the roll ups on a large tray, sprinkle more fresh dill, and place lemon wedges nearby. People appreciate a little brightness to squeeze over. They look more special than they are, and that makes serving them a quiet delight.

Making It Last (Without Losing Flavor)

Store the roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any extra moisture and keep the cucumber crisp. If you want to prepare the chicken salad the day before, mix it and keep it chilled, then assemble the rolls just before serving.

Do not freeze the assembled roll ups. Cucumber becomes watery after freezing and will release too much liquid. If you have leftover chicken salad, use it on toasted bread, in lettuce cups, or as a filling for stuffed tomatoes. I sometimes scoop it into a small bowl and use it as a sandwich spread the next day.

If the filling loosens a bit after sitting, drain excess liquid gently with a slotted spoon before spreading. A quick fresh sprinkle of herbs before serving brings the flavors back to life.

Kitchen Notes

Use room-temperature chicken for easier mixing. It blends more smoothly and disperses the mustard and yogurt evenly.
Swap celery for finely chopped apple for a touch of sweetness and crunch. It gives the roll ups a fresh lift.
Keep the cucumber ribbons uniform. If they vary, the rolls look uneven and some may fall open. A mandoline makes this repeatable.
Clean as you go. Lay out a napkin to catch seeds and small bits. It saves you from a big sink pile later.
If you need a heartier version, scoop the chicken salad into halved cherry tomatoes. It makes a pretty, bite-size alternative.

Make It Your Own

Turn these roll ups vegetarian by swapping shredded chicken for mashed chickpeas. Mash the chickpeas with the yogurt or mayo and season as usual. You will get that same creamy, herby bite with a plant-forward approach.

For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium chicken and plain Greek yogurt. Add extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon to boost the flavor without salt. If you like heat, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot sauce.

If you want a Mediterranean twist, stir in chopped olives and a little crumbled feta. Serve alongside a bean salad like my dense bean salad for a filling, colorful plate. You can also add avocado for richness. Just slice it thin so the roll stays tidy.

FAQs About Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Can I prep it ahead?
Yes. Make the chicken salad up to 24 hours ahead and keep it chilled. Assemble the rolls just before serving if you want the cucumber to stay crisp.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or a small splash of apple cider vinegar for tang. Each gives a different personality but keeps the balance.

How do I keep the cucumber from getting soggy?
Slice the cucumber thinly and layer the filling lightly. Store assembled rolls in a single layer in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and makes this recipe super fast. Shred it into bite-size pieces and check for any extra salt.

Are these kid-friendly?
Yes. The flavors are simple and approachable. Keep the onion finely minced or swap it for green onion if you prefer a milder note.

Until Next Time

If this little recipe brings a small sense of ease to your evening, it has done its job. I love recipes that feel like a warm hug without too much fuss. You do not need a long list of ingredients to make something that feels thoughtful and pretty.

I hope you tuck this one into your go-to list. It lives in my fridge rotation for the same reasons I bet you will love it. You have permission to keep things simple and joyful. You’ve got this.

Conclusion

If you want a version with extra protein and a slightly different mix of flavors, check out High Protein Chicken Salad Cucumber Rolls for inspiration. For a different take on cucumber roll ups that focuses on crisp, clean flavors, browse Easy Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe – Organized Island.