Cucumber Rolls Are All Over TikTok Right Now

With sunnier days (apparently) in sight, it’s almost time to start bringing out the summer recipes. TikTok’s favourite for 2024? Cucumber rolls: the nutritious and fun dish which is currently doing the rounds on social media. Perfect as a rice-free alternative to sushi rolls, or simply as an aesthetically pleasing amuse bouche for your next summer soiree, they’re light, easy to make, and can be jazzed up with your favourite ingredients. Here’s how to jump aboard the trend.

How To Make Cucumber Roll Ups

What Are Cucumber Rolls?

Cucumber rolls, also known as or cucumber roll ups, are essentially an alternative to sushi rolls made without the traditional nori (sheets of seaweed) and rice. Anyone who has tried rolling their own sushi at home knows it can be a bit of a fiddly process, and often requires specialist equipment. Cucumber rolls, on the other hand, are simple to make: long strips of cucumber are topped with your choice of fillings (more on that below), then rolled up and sliced into circular bites. 

Which Fillings Work Well?

There are an array of different options for fillings for your cucumber rolls. Popular combinations going round TikTok at the moment include:

• Cream cheese, smoked salmon and avocado
• Cream cheese, tuna, avocado and sriracha 
• Cream cheese, teriyaki chicken, avocado and spring onions

You could also swap the cream cheese for feta, or make a meat and fish-free version using just veggies, such as peppers and carrots.

@londonbruncher Cucumber roll ups #easyrecipe #learnontiktok #cucumberrollup #healthysnack #foryou ♬ original sound – London Bruncher

Cucumber Rolls Recipe

We’ve scoured TikTok for the best cucumber rolls recipe to come up with our own C&TH version. It’s made with smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado, but you could easily swap in other fillings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber
• 1– 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 150g smoked salmon
• 1 avocado
• Handful of fresh dill
• Pinch of chilli flakes
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: toothpicks/ skewer sticks

Method:

1. Slice the ends of your cucumber and peel it lengthwise into thin slices. 
2. Lay out the slices on a chopping board so that they’re overlapping, and pat them try with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
3. Trim the edge of the cucumber to ensure you have a straight border.
4. Spread the cream cheese over the cucumber, then top with the smoked salmon and sliced avocado. 
5. Sprinkle fresh dill and some chilli flakes on top. 
6. Tightly roll the cucumber. If you’re using the toothpicks/ skewers, dot them through the roll evenly – this helps avoid everything falling apart.
7. Cut into even slices, with one toothpick in each roll.
8. Enjoy fresh!