Cucumber Rolls

Jump to Recipe

These cucumber rolls are the perfect crisp, refreshing cucumber exterior that pairs beautifully with a rich, creamy filling of smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese. Gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with protein, these flavorful bites are a fantastic choice for brunch, lunch, appetizers, or a fuss-free light dinner.

Cucumber roll slices served on white plates sprinkled with mixed sesame seeds.

This cucumber roll recipe was inspired by my Homemade Sushi Cake and also by this delicious Sushi Bake Recipe or even this Skinny Tuna Salad.

Jump to:

💚 Why choose cucumber rolls?
🥑 Ingredients you will need
🔪 How to make cucumber rolls
👩🏽‍🍳 Substitutions
🤹🏻‍♀️Variations
📦 Storage
🙌 Tips
🥢 Serving Suggestions
💭 Recipe FAQs
🔗If you like these cucumber rolls, you may also like
💕What to pair avo and salmon cucumber rolls with
🥒 Cucumber rolls (ready in 20 minutes)

💚 Why choose cucumber rolls?

Traditional sushi rolls are made with vinegared rice, adding carbohydrates and more calories. These cucumber rolls contain no rice, making them an excellent choice for those monitoring their carb intake or looking for a lighter meal option. The natural crunch of cucumber pairs beautifully with various fillings, creating a delightful texture and taste experience.

If you're craving something light, refreshing, and protein-packed, these high-protein cucumber salmon rolls are a must-try! Thin, crisp cucumber slices encase a creamy, smoked salmon, spring onion, and avo trio, topped with bold flavors of mixed sesame seeds. They're low-carb, high-protein, and incredibly satisfying—plus, they come together in minutes with no cooking required!

So, these cucumber sushi rolls with no rice are:

gluten-free and super low in carbs
keto friendly
zero cooking required/involved
ready in under 20 minutes or less
fabulous for parties, picnic sharing
super easy to make - anyone can put these salmon and cucumber rolls together

🥑 Ingredients you will need

There are only 5 main ingredients you will need for this cucumber roll recipe

Ingredients needed for cucumber roll: red onion, mixed sesame seeds, smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, soft cheese, spring onion/scallions.

Cucumber - English cucumber is the best, but the shorter Persian ones are as good.
Smoked Salmon: Provides a rich, savory flavor and a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Cream Cheese: Adds more protein and a creamy texture that complements the crisp cucumber and smoky salmon.
Avocado: gives a nice buttery consistency and is packed with healthy fats.
Spring Onion: brings a mild, fresh bite that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Mixed Sesame Seeds: For garnish, adding a subtle nutty flavor and aesthetic appeal.

See the recipe card below for all the precise quantities.

🔪 How to make cucumber rolls

Creating these delectable, rice-free, low-carb sushi rolls is an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of traditional sushi while sticking to a low-carb or ketogenic diet. By substituting rice with alternative ingredients, you can craft sushi rolls that are both satisfying and health-conscious.

Here are the few steps to follow to make this easy, gluten-free, and carb-free cucumber and salmon rolls recipe:

Scallions/spring onions shredded, sliced avocado, and red onion cut on a wooden chopping board.

Step 1: Gather and prepare all the ingredients. Shred the scallions and the red onion, and slice the avocado.

Slice cucumbers into ribbons for the cucumber rolls recipe.

Step 2: With a vegetable peeler, slice the cucumber super thin, into long strips.

Cucumber ribbons being layered on cling film.

Step 3: Layer the cucumber slices on cling film, slightly overlapping them to form one thin layer.

Cheese, red onions, scallions sesame seeds spread and scattered over the cucumber ribbons with a line of avocado slices.

Step 4: spread the cream cheese, scatter the red onion, sesame seeds, and add the avocado.

Smoked salmon arranged in one street line over the cucumber ribbons, ready to be rolled for the cucumber rolls.

5. Step 5: Add one thin layer of smoked salmon over the avocado.

Cucumber roll being rolled with the help of a cling film.

6. Step 6: Roll the cucumber by holding it tight for a nice cucumber roll.

Hint:

In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with rice vinegar until well combined. This adds a tangy flavor reminiscent of traditional sushi rice.

👩🏽‍🍳 Substitutions

Smoked Salmon - if you don't have this smoked trout, makerel, or canned salmon or tuna prepared this way, like in this sushi cake, it's divine.

🤹🏻‍♀️Variations

Here are some variations of a cucumber and salmon roll, adapting it for different dietary preferences:

Add Rice:

Classic Sushi Roll: Add sushi rice seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt for a traditional sushi experience.
Inside-Out Roll: Wrap the roll in rice and coat it with sesame seeds or tobiko for extra texture.
Cauliflower Rice: For a more traditional texture but without the carbs, prepare cauliflower rice by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Sauté the riced cauliflower in a dry skillet to remove moisture, then mix with a small amount of rice vinegar and sesame oil. Use this mixture as a base layer on the cucumber sheet before adding other fillings.

Vegetarian:

Cream Cheese & Avocado Roll: Leave the salmon out and just use the cream cheese and avocado for a creamy, refreshing vegetarian bite.
Egg Omelette Roll: Use a thinly sliced Japanese tamago (sweet omelet) or a regular omelet instead of salmon.

Vegan:

Tofu & Avocado Roll: Substitute the smoked salmon with marinated smoked tofu and avocado for a rich, plant-based alternative.
Mango & Red Pepper Roll: Use thinly sliced mango and red bell pepper for a sweet and crunchy contrast.

Alternative Fillings:

Experiment with various fillings such as julienned bell peppers (any color), shredded carrots, or thinly sliced radishes. Proteins like cooked shrimp, crab meat, or tofu can also be used to diversify flavors and textures. You can even add a touch of mustard or horseradish, not to mention some pickled ginger which is my obsession.

This Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll is a keto-friendly sushi bite indeed.

📦 Storage

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. These sushi rolls are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Avoid keeping them too long, as the cucumber can release moisture and make the rolls soggy.

🙌 Tips

Make the cucumber salmon rolls look good and professional

Use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between slices to get clean cuts. You can also garnish the rolls with microgreens, furikake, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sauce for an elegant touch. Also, a dust of cayenne pepper for sophistication and a dash of spice. This will make your cucumber roll visually appealing.

🥢 Serving Suggestions

Platter Presentation: Arrange the sushi pieces on a platter garnished with additional sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or microgreens for an appealing presentation.
Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as Sour Cream Sauce, Creamy Cucumber, Fennel & Yogurt Dip , Yogurt Mint Sauce, spicy mayo (a blend of mayonnaise and sriracha), ponzu sauce, or a simple mixture of soy sauce and a touch of lemon juice to enhance the flavors.

Close-up of cucumber sushi rolls sliced on a white serving rectangular plate.

💭 Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare these sushi rolls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe a little beforehand, but it's best to assemble the rolls shortly before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent the cucumber from becoming soggy and releasing too much water.

What can I use instead of a cucumber for the wrap?

You can use thinly sliced zucchini/courgettes or even nori (seaweed) sheets. These can serve as alternative wraps for your sushi rolls.

Are these cucumber sushi rolls suitable for a keto diet?

Absolutely. These contain no rice, so they are low-carb, so these sushi rolls are ideal for those following a ketogenic or low-carb, gluten-free, or low-sugar diet. Just go for a full fat cream cheese that has no other additives, you can make your own by blending this Homemade Farmer's Cheese with some double cream and a dash of lemon and salt.

Can I make these sushi rolls without a sushi mat?

Yes! You can use parchment paper or plastic wrap (just like I did) to help roll the cucumber slices tightly. If you don’t have either, simply roll by hand as tightly as you can. A super clean kitchen towel might come in handy, too.

How long can cucumber rolls be kept out at room temperature?

These cucumber and salmon rolls can be kept out on the counter for 2 to 3 hours without any issues, so they are ideal for parties too. I assure you, they will not last anywhere near that long before they all disappear. When I say they do last 2-3 hours, that is not if it is very, very hot. Remember they contain fish (although smoked) and cheese, which will begin to melt if too hot.
If your place is hot, keep them refrigerated and take them out in small batches.