Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken BreastUse shredded rotisserie chicken for speed, or bake and shred your own chicken seasoned lightly with salt and pepper.
- English CucumbersSelect long, straight English cucumbers; their thinner skin and minimal seeds make them perfect for shaving into ribbons.
- Mayonnaise or Greek YogurtUse a good quality mayonnaise for richness, or substitute Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing base.
- Diced CeleryThis is non-negotiable for the required textural contrast, providing that essential refreshing snap in the filling.
- Diced Red OnionA small amount adds a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the dressing beautifully.
- Fresh Dill and ChivesThese herbs bring brightness and a classic, fresh flavor profile that complements the cucumber perfectly.
- Pinch of Sugar or Apple Cider VinegarA tiny bit of sweetener or vinegar balances the acidity and brings all the complex flavors together harmoniously.
- Salt and Black PepperSeasoning is crucial; use enough to enhance the flavor of the chicken and dressing mixture.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Cucumber Ribbons
- Step 2: Mixing the Crunchy Chicken Salad
- Step 3: Assembling the Roll Ups
- Step 4: Rolling and Chilling
- Step 5: Final Presentation
Notes
- Store the chicken salad filling and the cucumber ribbons separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days, and only assemble right before serving to prevent the delicate rolls from becoming watery.
- As this is a fresh, chilled appetizer, reheating is not applicable; if leftovers feel stiff from refrigeration, let them sit on the counter for five minutes before enjoying them straight from the fridge.
- For an elegant presentation, garnish the finished roll-ups with an extra sprinkle of fresh dill and a light dusting of smoked paprika just before plating.
- To ensure maximum crunch and flavor balance in the filling, dice the celery and red onion very finely, and don't skip the tiny pinch of sugar or vinegar—it truly elevates the entire salad mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American