If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, light, and nourishing lunch option, look no further than the Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups for a Fresh, Guilt-Free Lunch Recipe. This delightful dish perfectly balances creamy chicken salad with crisp cucumber slices, delivering a burst of freshness and texture in every bite. It’s an ideal recipe for those who crave something satisfying without tipping the scales on calories, and it combines wholesome ingredients to create a true crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the creamy cottage cheese to the zesty lime juice, everything complements the crunchy cucumber base and tender, flavorful chicken filling.
- 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds incredible flavor.
- 1 small red onion: Soaking it in water mellows its sharpness for a delicate bite.
- 1/4 cup cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal brightness, though parsley works well too.
- 1 medium avocado: Adds creaminess; mash just before use to prevent browning.
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese: Drained well to keep the salad from getting watery.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Greek yogurt makes a lighter alternative without sacrificing creaminess.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances flavor; fresh onions can substitute if preferred.
- 1 juiced lime: Provides a fresh, citrus zing—lemon juice can be swapped in.
- 2 large English cucumbers: Or Persian cucumbers for a smaller, crisper bite.
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese: Creates a luscious base on cucumber slices for the roll-ups.
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional): Adds a savory crunch and visual appeal.
- Chipotle hot sauce (to taste): Brings a smoky heat to kick up the flavor.
How to Make Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups for a Fresh, Guilt-Free Lunch Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies
Start by shredding your cooked chicken, which forms the hearty backbone of this dish. Soak the diced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to soften its pungency, making it a gentle, balanced addition. Chop the cilantro finely and dice the avocado, handling it just before mixing to maintain its fresh green color.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
In a separate bowl, blend cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder, lime juice, and a handful of cilantro until smooth and luscious. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is what binds the chicken salad together, providing a tangy, creamy texture that enhances every mouthful.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Fold the creamy dressing into the shredded chicken, red onion, chopped cilantro, and avocado. Mix gently to coat every shred and cube with that rich dressing, ensuring each bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Slice the Cucumbers
Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the English cucumbers into ultra-thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. Pat each slice dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this prevents sogginess when rolling.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll-Ups
Spread roughly 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese on one cucumber slice, providing a smooth surface for the chicken salad. Add a spoonful of the prepared filling near the base of the slice and roll it up tightly. The cream cheese helps hold the roll together and adds a subtle tang that complements the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Spice It Up
Slice each cucumber roll-up into bite-sized pieces, ideal for snacking or sharing. Finish with a sprinkling of everything bagel seasoning for crunch and color, and if you dare, add a dash of chipotle hot sauce for a smoky, spicy contrast that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups for a Fresh, Guilt-Free Lunch Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro or parsley brightens the appearance and adds an herbal lift, making the roll-ups even more inviting. A light dusting of paprika or a few lemon zest shavings also pairs beautifully for a burst of color and subtle aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve these roll-ups alongside a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or a small bowl of quinoa for a balanced meal. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries can also bring a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering the roll-ups on cocktail picks for elegant finger food at gatherings. Alternately, arrange them in a colorful pattern on a platter with dips like tzatziki or a tangy vinaigrette for guests to enjoy a variety of complementary flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups for a Fresh, Guilt-Free Lunch Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. For best texture, store the cucumber slices and chicken salad separately and assemble just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
Freezing
These roll-ups are not ideal for freezing because cucumbers lose their crunch and cream-based fillings can separate upon thawing. It’s best to prepare fresh or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, chilled dish, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is convenient, but shredded poached or grilled chicken works just as well. Just make sure it’s well seasoned or add your own spices.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use vegan mayonnaise and cream cheese alternatives, and swap cottage cheese with blended cashews for creaminess.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
You can prep the chicken salad and keep cucumber slices separately up to 2 days in the fridge. Assemble roll-ups right before eating to keep cucumbers fresh and crunchy.
What if I don’t have whipped cream cheese?
Regular cream cheese softened with a little milk or Greek yogurt can be whipped by hand or with a mixer to achieve a similar texture. Alternatively, any spreadable soft cheese works fine.
How spicy is the chipotle hot sauce in this recipe?
The chipotle hot sauce adds a mild smoky heat, but you can adjust the amount to your liking or omit it entirely for a completely mild version.
Final Thoughts
You really owe it to yourself to try the Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups for a Fresh, Guilt-Free Lunch Recipe. This dish is a shining example of how healthy can be utterly delicious, combining crisp, creamy, and zesty elements in one refreshing bite. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, hosting friends, or simply craving a guilt-free treat, these roll-ups deliver satisfaction with every mouthful. Enjoy!
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Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups for a Fresh, Guilt-Free Lunch Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Best Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll-Ups offer a fresh, light, and guilt-free lunch option combining shredded chicken salad with crisp cucumber slices. The creamy mixture of avocado, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt-mayo blend creates a delicious, protein-packed filling wrapped in thin cucumber rounds, making this recipe perfect for a healthy, low-carb meal or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Mixture
- 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 small red onion (soaked in water to mellow flavor)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (or substitute with parsley)
- 1 medium avocado (mashed just before use to prevent browning)
Creamy Dressing
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (drained)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative)
- 1 tsp onion powder (or fresh onions)
- 1 juiced lime (or lemon juice)
- Additional chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 2 large English cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese (or another spreadable cheese)
- Everything bagel seasoning (to taste, optional)
- Chipotle hot sauce (to taste, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Salad Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, soaked and drained red onion, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, blend together the drained cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder, freshly squeezed lime juice, and additional chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Dressing and Chicken Mixture: Fold the creamy dressing into the chicken mixture until everything is evenly coated, creating a flavorful and cohesive salad filling.
- Prepare Cucumber Slices: Thinly slice the English cucumbers about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline or a sharp knife for uniformity. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they don’t become soggy when filled.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups: Take one cucumber slice and evenly spread approximately 2 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese over it. Place a spoonful of the chicken salad mixture at the base of the cucumber slice and roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside.
- Slice and Garnish: Cut each completed cucumber roll-up into bite-sized pieces. Optionally sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and a dash of chipotle hot sauce for a spicy kick before serving.
Notes
- Soaking red onion in water helps mellow its pungency, making it more pleasant in the salad.
- Draining cottage cheese prevents the chicken salad from becoming watery.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.
- The avocado should be mashed just before use to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent browning.
- Everything bagel seasoning adds a nice savory crunch but is optional according to preference.
- Chipotle hot sauce can be adjusted or omitted depending on your spice tolerance.
- Using a mandoline ensures cucumber slices are uniformly thin and easier to roll.
