Patrick Simon February 6, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our Disclosure for details.

Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Name: Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A sunlit kitchen, the faint snap of a cucumber as it yields to a sharp knife, and the cool, herb-scented filling gently spooned into a crisp green boat. These Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups are a light, refreshing answer to a warm afternoon, a picnic, or a casual lunch with friends. They feel elegant without fuss, each bite delivering crunchy cucumber, tender chicken, creamy dressing, and bright herbs. If you love easy roll ups, you might also enjoy our French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups for a heartier companion on your menu.

What Makes This Special

There is something effortlessly charming about food that looks lovely and eats even better. These Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups are special because they combine cool textures and bright flavors in one elegant bite. The cucumber gives a hydrating crunch, the chicken provides satisfying protein, and the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt blend makes a creamy coating that is not too heavy. Fresh herbs lift the whole dish, turning an everyday chicken salad into a refreshing canapé.

Why this recipe works is simple, it balances texture and temperature, and it is highly adaptable. These roll ups are perfect for warm weather gatherings, light lunches, or as part of a buffet where guests might appreciate a low-carb, crisp option. The look is also part of the charm, when you plate them they feel like small, thoughtful gifts for anyone at the table.

Highlights at a glance

Vibrant, cool cucumber shells that stay crisp
Creamy, tangy filling with fresh herb brightness
Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute entertaining

What You’ll Need

The ingredients here play distinct, supportive roles, so each one helps build a balance of texture and flavor. The cucumbers act as the vessel and cool crunch, shredded chicken brings substance, and the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt creates a smooth, tangy coating. Celery and red onion add bite, while Dijon mustard adds a gentle zip. Feel free to choose herbs that match your mood, dill for a classic touch or parsley for a brighter note.

2 large cucumbers
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) for garnish

Note, if you want a lighter filling, you can increase the Greek yogurt a little and reduce the mayonnaise. Use a firm cucumber with thin skin for the best texture.

How to Cook Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow space. Aim for even halves so each roll matches in size, the cool cucumber flesh should look pale green and slightly glossy when hollowed.
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dressing coats everything, and breathe in the tangy scent of mustard and yogurt as the flavors come together.
Spoon the chicken salad mixture into the hollowed cucumbers. Press gently so the filling sits compactly, you should see the creamy mixture contrast against the crisp cucumber walls.
Roll the cucumber halves and secure with a toothpick if desired. The cucumber will make a delicate, crunchy curl, and the filling should peek through lovingly at the edges.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve. A scatter of chopped dill or parsley brightens each bite and adds an inviting herbal aroma.

Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 0 minutes, Total ~ 15 minutes, Servings ~ 6 to 8 roll ups depending on cucumbers, Kcal ~ 140 per roll up approximately

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

You can stage much of this recipe in advance, leaving only the rolling and garnishing for the moment you serve. Cook and shred the chicken a day ahead if you like, and store it covered in the fridge. Mix the chicken salad filling up to 24 hours in advance, the flavors will mellow and meld nicely as they sit.

If you hollow the cucumbers early, pat them dry and store them wrapped in a paper towel inside an airtight container to keep them from getting soggy. Keep the filling chilled separately, then stuff and roll just before serving for the crispest bite. For parties, prepare the filling, hollow the cucumbers, and set up a small assembly station so you can finish the roll ups quickly and serve them fresh.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate the roll ups in an airtight container, arranged in a single layer or with parchment between layers to prevent moisture transfer. They will stay best for 24 to 48 hours, though cucumbers begin to soften over time, so the sooner you eat them, the better the texture. If the cucumbers look watery or limp, that is the sign they are past peak freshness.

Freezing is not recommended for assembled roll ups, frozen cucumbers become mushy. If you need long term storage, freeze the chicken salad filling separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge and stuff fresh cucumbers. If you prefer a warm filling, reheat thawed chicken salad gently in a skillet over low heat until just warmed, do not overheat, then let it cool slightly before stuffing into chilled cucumber halves.

One freshness cue to watch for is the cucumber skin, if it becomes soft or shows dull spots, choose new cucumbers and use the filling immediately.

Perfect Pairings

Mixed field greens with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the brightness of the roll ups
A bowl of chilled tomato gazpacho, for a double-helping of refreshing summer flavors
Crunchy crudites, such as baby carrots and snap peas, for a colorful platter
Soft cheeses like whipped goat cheese and a basket of crackers for variety
Pair with savory roll ups like garlic butter beef cheeseburger rollups for a more substantial spread

Make It Your Own

There are many small changes you can make to tailor these roll ups to your tastes or pantry. Here are ideas to inspire your next batch.

Add crisp turkey bacon for texture, crumble it and fold it into the filling for a smoky crunch, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch without pork.

Stir in diced apple or halved grapes for a fruity pop, the sweet contrast pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.

Mix in toasted nuts, such as slivered almonds or chopped walnuts, for nutty flavor and added bite, toast them lightly for extra aroma.

Turn it Mediterranean by swapping dill for chopped mint and parsley, add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of crushed Kalamata olives for briny depth.

Give it a curry twist, fold a teaspoon of mild curry powder into the filling and add golden raisins for warm spice and sweetness, this makes for an exotic, lunch-ready option.

Try avocado mash in place of half the mayonnaise for a creamy, heart-healthy variation that also adds a silky texture.

Make a tuna or salmon version by substituting the chicken with canned tuna or flaked cooked salmon, adjust seasoning to taste and reduce the mustard if using oil-packed fish.

Use thinly sliced bell peppers or blanched zucchini ribbons as vessels if you want a colorful alternative to cucumber.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Choose firm, even cucumbers, the straighter the cucumber, the easier it is to hollow and roll, look for ones with tight skin and no soft spots.
Salt and drain if your cucumbers are especially watery, sprinkle a little salt in the hollowed cavity, let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry to avoid a soggy filling.
Chill the filling briefly before stuffing, a cold, slightly firm mixture rolls more neatly and keeps textures distinct.
Keep filling to a moderate amount, overstuffing makes rolling difficult and can cause the cucumbers to split, aim for a snug but not bursting roll.
If you use cooked chicken straight from the oven, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F for safety, then cool before mixing with dairy.
Arrange assembled roll ups close together on the platter so they support one another and maintain their shape while serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cucumber is best for these roll ups?
Pick Persian or English cucumbers when possible, they tend to be thinner skinned and less seedy, which makes them easier to hollow out and keeps the roll ups tender and crisp. Regular cucumbers work too, just remove more seeds.

Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes, swap the shredded chicken for mashed chickpeas or a seasoned blend of finely diced roasted vegetables, this keeps the same texture and lets the creamy dressing shine. Add extra herbs and a squeeze of lemon to lift the flavors.

How long can I store the assembled roll ups?
Assembled roll ups last best for 24 hours in the refrigerator, up to 48 hours at a push, but the cucumbers will gradually release moisture and soften. For the crispiest experience, assemble shortly before serving.

Is rotisserie chicken okay to use?
Absolutely, rotisserie chicken is a wonderful short cut, shred it and mix it with the dressing for instant convenience and great flavor. Make sure to cool the meat and remove any excess skin if you want a leaner filling.

Can I prepare the filling in advance and freeze it?
Yes, the filling freezes well for up to 2 months, store it in a freezer safe container, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir to refresh the texture before using. Do not freeze assembled cucumber roll ups, cucumbers will not retain their texture after freezing.

How can I keep the cucumber from getting soggy when I prep early?
After hollowing, lightly salt the cucumber cavities and let them sit for 10 minutes, then blot dry with paper towel, wrap in a fresh paper towel and store in an airtight container. Keep the filling chilled separately until you are ready to assemble.

Final Thoughts

Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups are a simple, elegant solution when you want something light but satisfying, they marry cooling crunch with creamy, herb-flecked filling in every bite. Whether you are feeding a crowd, packing a lovely lunch, or creating an antidote to a hot afternoon, these roll ups come together quickly and feel thoughtfully composed. Give them a try, and enjoy the fresh textures and bright flavors that make them a go-to for easy entertaining and everyday meals.

Tasty Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 roll ups 1x
Diet: Low-Carb

Print Recipe

Description

A light and refreshing cucumber roll filled with creamy chicken salad, perfect for warm afternoons or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large cucumbers
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley) for garnish

Instructions

Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow space.
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the chicken salad mixture into the hollowed cucumbers, pressing gently to pack it in.
Roll the cucumber halves and secure with a toothpick if desired.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.