Cucumber Roll-Ups Low-Carb

I stumbled onto these cucumber roll-ups while scrolling through my phone at midnight, and the simplicity of them stuck with me. The next morning, still half-awake, I grabbed a cucumber from the fridge and started slicing it thin—just to see if it would actually work. By the time my coffee was ready, I had something that tasted restaurant-quality but took barely fifteen minutes. It became my go-to grab-and-go snack, especially on days when I needed something light that didn't feel like a compromise.

I made these for a friend who was stressed about staying keto during the holidays, and watching her face light up when she realized they were real food—not some sad diet substitute—reminded me why I love cooking for people. She ended up making them herself the next week and texting me photos, which felt like the best compliment.

Ingredients

• 1 large English cucumber: English cucumbers have thinner, more delicate skin and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers, so they slice cleaner and don't fall apart when you roll them. If you can't find them, Persian cucumbers work beautifully as a backup.
• 120 g cream cheese, softened: Softening the cream cheese beforehand makes it spreadable without tearing the delicate cucumber slices; leave it on the counter for ten minutes instead of wrestling with cold cheese.
• 120 g sliced turkey breast or ham: High-quality deli meat makes a real difference here—the flavor becomes the backbone of the whole roll-up, so pick something you'd actually enjoy eating plain.
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped: Fresh chives add an onion-like whisper that makes the cream cheese taste brighter and more alive without overpowering anything.
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped: Dill feels herbaceous and almost pickle-like, which pairs unexpectedly well with the cool, crisp cucumber.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: This keeps things subtle and won't leave you with raw garlic bits; it distributes evenly through the cream cheese for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Season as you go and taste the cream cheese mixture before assembly—it's the easiest time to adjust.
• Red bell pepper and avocado (optional): These add color and extra creaminess if you want more substance, though the basic version is already satisfying enough.
• Everything bagel seasoning (optional): A final sprinkle adds a savory crunch and makes the platter look intentional and finished.

Instructions

Get your cucumber ready:

Wash the cucumber and trim the ends, then use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to slice it lengthwise into long, thin strips—think almost translucent. Pat them dry immediately with paper towels so they don't get soggy and won't slip when you're rolling.

Mix your cream cheese seasoning:

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with chives, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until completely smooth. Taste it and adjust the seasonings; this is your flavor foundation.

Spread and fill:

Lay out your cucumber strips on a clean work surface and spread a thin but even layer of the seasoned cream cheese along the length of each one. Top with a slice of deli meat, and add red bell pepper or avocado slices if you're using them.

Roll them up:

Starting from one end, carefully roll each cucumber strip into a tight spiral and place it seam-side down on your serving platter. The tightness keeps everything from unraveling, so don't be timid with the roll.

Finish and serve:

If you're using everything bagel seasoning, sprinkle it over the finished roll-ups right before serving. You can serve them immediately while the cucumber is at its crispest, or chill them for fifteen minutes if you prefer them firmer.

Pin

There's something almost meditative about assembling these, especially on a quiet afternoon when you're not rushing. The repetition of rolling, placing, and moving to the next one becomes rhythmic, and by the time you're done, you've created something that looks way more polished than the fifteen minutes it actually took.

When This Becomes Your Go-To

Once you make these once, you'll start thinking about them at weird moments—when you're planning a packed lunch, when someone asks for a last-minute snack, when you're trying to impress someone at a potluck without looking like you stressed over it. They fit into so many situations because they're flexible enough to customize but structured enough that they always turn out well.

Customization Ideas That Actually Work

The beauty of this recipe is that it's a template, not a rulebook. Swap the turkey for smoked salmon if you want something richer, or use roast beef for a deeper flavor. Try hummus instead of cream cheese if you're avoiding dairy, or experiment with different fresh herbs depending on what's in your garden or what you're craving that day.

Making It Part of Your Routine

I started keeping the ingredients on hand because these came together so easily that I could make a batch in less time than ordering takeout. They stay fresh in the fridge for about two days, so Sunday afternoon prep becomes Monday through Wednesday snacks, and somehow that simple math makes the whole week feel more organized.

• Make these on Sunday and portion them into a container for grab-and-go snacking throughout the week.
• Double or triple the batch if you're feeding people or want options, since the prep is just repetitive rolling and nothing complicated burns out your hands.
• Keep your cream cheese mixture in a small covered bowl so you can add more roll-ups without starting from scratch if friends show up unexpectedly.

Pin

These roll-ups proved to me that the most satisfying food doesn't always require hours or complicated steps—sometimes it's just about starting with excellent ingredients and paying attention to what you're doing. They've become one of those recipes I recommend to everyone who says they're tired of the same snack options.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of cucumber works best?

An English cucumber is ideal due to its thin skin and fewer seeds, which allows for easy slicing and a smooth texture.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese?

Yes, alternatives like hummus or vegan spreads work well for dairy-free options while maintaining creaminess.

→ How to slice the cucumber evenly?

Use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler to create long, thin strips for easy rolling.

→ What deli meats complement these roll-ups?

Turkey, ham, smoked salmon, or roast beef are excellent choices that add savory depth and protein.

→ Are there seasoning options to enhance flavor?

Fresh herbs like dill and chives, garlic powder, and everything bagel seasoning provide a flavorful punch without overpowering.

→ Can these roll-ups be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, after rolling, chill them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up before serving.