Turkey Cucumber Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Intensity: Easy – No cooking required, simple techniques.

Ingredients

For the Herbed Turkey Salad:

• 8 oz (about 225g) cooked turkey breast, finely shredded or diced

• 1/3 cup (75g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2% for best creaminess)

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

• 1 large stalk celery, finely diced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

• 2 large, straight English (or hot-house) cucumbers

• Optional for garnish: Extra dill sprigs, lemon zest, sprinkle of paprika

Equipment

• Sharp chef’s knife

• Vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer

• Mixing bowls

• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber Ribbons

Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice the cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons. Apply gentle, even pressure. You’ll want about 24-30 ribbons total. Avoid the watery seed core; once you get to the seeds, rotate the cucumber and continue slicing from a fresh side. Lay the ribbons flat on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb excess moisture while you make the filling. This step is crucial for preventing soggy roll-ups.

Step 2: Make the Herbed Turkey Salad

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until well blended and creamy. Fold in the fresh dill, chives, and diced celery. Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—the flavors should be bright, herby, and tangy. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling time is included in the total prep time.

Step 3: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Lay one cucumber ribbon flat on a clean work surface. If the ribbons are very narrow, you can slightly overlap two to create a wider base. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the turkey salad mixture near one end of the ribbon. Gently but firmly, roll the cucumber around the filling, creating a tight cylinder. Place the roll-up seam-side down on a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining cucumber ribbons and filling.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the roll-ups on a platter. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs, a little lemon zest, or a dusting of paprika for color. Serve immediately for the best texture, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

• Protein Swap: Substitute the turkey with shredded chicken, canned tuna or salmon, or mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

• Creaminess Control: For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt and omit the mayo. For richer flavor, use all mayo or add a tablespoon of softened cream cheese.

• Add Crunch: Mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped red onion or toasted sunflower seeds into the filling.

• No Peeler? You can use a knife to slice the cucumbers very thinly lengthwise, though a peeler gives the most consistent, flexible ribbons.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – 3 roll-ups)

• Calories: ~180

• Total Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 1.5g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 320mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 7g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Total Sugars: 4g

• Protein: 20g