Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most stunning, and that’s exactly the case with this Roll Cucumber Salad. Thin ribbons of crisp cucumber are rolled up and filled with colorful vegetables, fresh herbs, or even a light protein, then finished with a tangy dressing. The result? A salad that’s not just delicious but beautiful enough to impress at any gathering.
This dish is all about freshness. The cucumbers act as edible wrappers, holding in your choice of fillings like carrots, bell peppers, avocado, or even smoked salmon for a twist. It’s a fun, creative take on salad that turns ordinary ingredients into something elegant and exciting. And the best part—it’s surprisingly easy to make with just a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
Roll Cucumber Salad is perfect for summer, when cucumbers are at their crispest, but it also makes a refreshing appetizer or light side dish year-round. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for healthy lunches, or just want something different from the usual salad bowl, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.
What Makes This Roll Cucumber Salad Special?
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Beautiful presentation: Looks like gourmet food but is easy to prepare.
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Customizable fillings: Load them with veggies, herbs, cheese, or even seafood.
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Healthy and light: Low in calories but packed with freshness and flavor.
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Fun to make: A hands-on recipe that even kids enjoy helping with.
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Perfect for entertaining: Great as a party appetizer, picnic dish, or holiday starter.
This isn’t just another cucumber salad—it’s a fresh, playful recipe that makes eating vegetables exciting.
Ingredient Notes
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Cucumbers: Long English cucumbers are best—they’re thin-skinned and perfect for ribboning. Regular cucumbers can be used if peeled.
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Vegetable fillings: Julienne carrots, bell peppers, radishes, and avocado add color and crunch.
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Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, cilantro, or mint brighten the flavor.
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Cheese (optional): A little feta or cream cheese makes it richer.
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Protein options: Smoked salmon, shrimp, or tofu can turn it into a light meal.
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Dressing: A simple mix of olive oil, rice vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper works perfectly. For a creamier option, try a yogurt-herb dressing.
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Equipment: A vegetable peeler or mandoline slicer is key to getting thin cucumber ribbons.
How To Make Roll Cucumber Salad

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Prepare cucumbers: Wash and dry cucumbers. Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice long, thin ribbons. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Prep fillings: Julienne carrots, bell peppers, radishes, or other veggies into thin strips. Chop herbs finely.
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Assemble rolls: Lay one cucumber ribbon flat. Place a small bundle of veggies and herbs at one end, then roll tightly into a spiral. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
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Arrange on plate: Place rolls seam-side down on a serving platter. Repeat until all ribbons are used.
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Dress and serve: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice or serve with dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds or extra herbs.
Tips:
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Blot cucumbers dry before rolling to prevent slipping.
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Don’t overfill—use a small amount of filling to keep rolls neat.
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Make ahead: Prep fillings in advance, then roll just before serving for best freshness.
Storage Options
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Room temperature: Best served immediately; cucumbers lose crispness quickly.
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Refrigeration: Can be stored up to 4 hours in the fridge before serving. Cover tightly to prevent drying out.
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Freezing: Not recommended (cucumbers don’t freeze well).
Variations and Substitutions
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Asian-style: Fill with carrots, bell peppers, cilantro, and serve with soy-ginger dipping sauce.
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Mediterranean: Add feta, olives, and hummus with cucumber ribbons.
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Seafood roll: Fill with smoked salmon and cream cheese, garnish with dill.
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Vegan protein: Use marinated tofu strips or edamame for extra protein.
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Spicy kick: Add jalapeño slices or drizzle with sriracha mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What cucumbers work best? English cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skin and fewer seeds.
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How do I keep rolls from falling apart? Roll tightly and use a toothpick if needed.
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Can I make them ahead? Yes, but for best freshness, roll them just before serving. Prep fillings in advance.
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Can I use cream cheese as a filling? Absolutely—it helps hold the rolls together.
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What dressing works best? Light vinaigrettes work well, but creamy dips like tzatziki also pair nicely.
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Are these good for kids? Yes! They’re fun, colorful, and a sneaky way to add veggies.
Conclusion
Roll Cucumber Salad proves that salad doesn’t have to be boring. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can turn cucumbers into a show-stopping appetizer or side dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Perfect for parties, picnics, or light meals, these little veggie rolls are crisp, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. Try different fillings, pair them with your favorite dips, and watch them disappear at the table.
PrintRoll Cucumber Salad
- Prep Time: 20min
- Cook Time: 0min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 English cucumbers
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1 carrot, julienned
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1 bell pepper, julienned
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4 radishes, thinly sliced
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1 avocado, sliced thin
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2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or cilantro)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 2 oz feta cheese, 4 oz smoked salmon
Instructions
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Slice cucumbers into long ribbons with a peeler or mandoline.
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Pat dry with paper towels.
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Place a small bundle of veggies and herbs at one end of a ribbon.
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Roll up tightly and place seam-side down. Secure with toothpick if needed.
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Repeat until all ribbons are filled. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
Notes
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Best eaten fresh—don’t store overnight.
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Add cream cheese or hummus for a creamy filling.
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Serve with soy-ginger or yogurt-herb dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 3g