If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, delightful snack that packs a punch of flavor and crunch, I cannot recommend the Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe enough. This vibrant dish combines tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts all wrapped in cool cucumber ribbons. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that makes each bite incredibly satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re entertaining guests or need a light lunch, these roll ups are sure to brighten your table and your mood!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything about this Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe revolves around simple, wholesome ingredients that bring a balance of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet notes. Each element plays a crucial role — from the tender chicken to the crisp cucumber, and the luscious dressing that ties it all together.
- Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded): The hearty base that adds protein and tender texture.
- Celery (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Provides a fresh crunch and subtle earthy flavor.
- Red grapes (1/2 cup, halved): Juicy bursts of natural sweetness to brighten the salad.
- Walnuts (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Creamy and tangy, it keeps the dressing light yet luscious.
- Mayonnaise (1 tablespoon): Brings richness and smoothness to the mix.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): A slight sharpness that balances sweetness beautifully.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavors with fresh citrus zing.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of sweetness to round out the taste.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warming kick.
- Cucumbers (2 large, sliced lengthwise into thin strips): Crisp, cool wraps that keep it light and refreshing.
How to Make Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Chicken Salad Ingredients
Start by tossing the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, halved red grapes, and chopped walnuts together in a large bowl. This mix is the star of the roll ups, so make sure everything is evenly distributed — those crunch and sweet bites will be what make this dish unforgettable.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together your Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until perfectly smooth. This dressing is elegantly simple yet adds layers of flavor and a creamy texture that beautifully complements the crisp veggies and fruit.
Step 3: Mix Dressing with Chicken Salad
Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and stir gently but thoroughly. Every piece should bask in that creamy coating, ensuring each roll up has a balance of zest and indulgence in every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Cucumber Strips
Lay the cucumber slices flat on your clean countertop or cutting board. These delicate, refreshing strips will be the vessel for your chicken salad, so ensure they’re sliced thin but sturdy enough to hold the fillings without tearing.
Step 5: Assemble the Roll Ups
Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken salad on one end of each cucumber strip. Carefully roll each strip around the filling, and if needed, secure the rolls with toothpicks to keep everything snug and ready to serve.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Arrange the beautiful roll ups on a serving platter and pop them into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This short chill allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to firm up slightly, making them perfect for a refreshing bite.
How to Serve Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the roll ups just before serving. A few cracked black peppercorns or extra chopped walnuts can also add visual appeal and a flavor boost that invites everyone to dive right in.
Side Dishes
These roll ups shine as a light appetizer or snack, but they also pair beautifully with crisp garden salads, crunchy veggie sticks, or a tangy coleslaw. If you want something heartier, try them alongside a chilled gazpacho or a simple quinoa salad for a refreshing summer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the roll ups on a wooden board with small bowls of extra dressing for dipping, or thread a few cucumber roll ups together on decorative skewers for easy grabbing. You can also place each roll up on a crisp lettuce leaf or colorful radish slice to create bite-sized canapé-style treats that look as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might not happen with a dish this good), store the assembled roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers release moisture over time, so the roll ups are best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe because the cucumber texture and creamy dressing don’t freeze well. The salad may separate, and the cucumbers will become mushy when thawed, so it’s best to enjoy these roll ups fresh.
Reheating
Since this dish is served cold and fresh, reheating is not needed or advised. However, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture in advance without the cucumbers and keep it chilled. Assemble the roll ups just before serving to maintain crispness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and provide a slightly different crunch and flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely to blend well with the salad.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, swap the chicken with cooked chickpeas or shredded jackfruit, and replace Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives. Add a little extra lemon juice or mustard to boost the tanginess.
Can I prepare the chicken salad without grapes?
Definitely. If you’re not a fan of grapes or don’t have any on hand, dried cranberries or chopped apples make delicious substitutes that bring similar sweetness and texture.
How thin should the cucumber strips be sliced?
Aim for strips about 1/8 inch thick — thin enough to roll easily but thick enough to hold the filling without breaking. A mandoline slicer is a handy tool for achieving consistent slices.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken quickly?
You can use two forks to pull apart the chicken breast, or for a faster method, pulse it a few times in a food processor, being careful not to overdo it and turn it into a paste.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about the crunchy textures, fresh flavors, and beautiful presentation of this Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to put together, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or a quick yet nourishing snack. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen!
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Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crunchy Chicken Salad Cucumber Roll Ups recipe is a light, refreshing, and healthy appetizer that combines the crisp texture of cucumbers with a flavorful chicken salad filling. Perfect for a quick snack or party finger food, these roll ups are packed with tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, sweet grapes, and celery all wrapped in cucumber slices, dressed with a creamy and tangy yogurt-based dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cucumber Rolls
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
Instructions
- Combine the Chicken Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, halved red grapes, and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dressing with Chicken Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and stir thoroughly so that all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Prepare Cucumber Strips: Lay the thin cucumber strips flat on a clean surface, making sure they are ready to be filled and rolled.
- Assemble the Roll Ups: Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chicken salad mixture at one end of each cucumber strip, then carefully roll the strip around the filling. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to keep the roll intact.
- Chill Before Serving: Arrange the cucumber roll ups on a serving platter and refrigerate them for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to serve chilled for best texture and taste.
Notes
- Use seedless cucumbers if possible to avoid excess moisture and seeds in the roll ups.
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives.
- Walnuts can be replaced with pecans or almonds for a different crunch and flavor.
- These roll ups keep well in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but it’s best to consume them fresh for optimal crispness.
- Adjust honey and lemon juice to taste if you prefer a sweeter or more tangy dressing.
