High Protein Cucumber Tuna Rolls
If you’re craving a light, refreshing, and protein-packed dish, these cucumber tuna rolls are about to become your new go-to. Thin, crisp cucumber slices wrap around a creamy, tangy tuna salad which is then topped with bold-tasting ingredients like spicy mayo, sesame seeds, and chili flakes.
They’re low-carb, high-protein, and seriously satisfying—plus, they come together in no time with zero cooking required!
High Protein Cucumber Tuna Rolls
These cucumber tuna rolls are everything you want in a snack or meal—light, fresh, and packed with flavor. Think spicy tuna rolls but without the sushi rice or complicated setup.
Instead, thin, crisp cucumber slices are the perfect low-carb wrapper, bringing a killer crunch to every bite.
The creamy, tangy tuna mixture is where the magic happens. It’s made with a lemony cottage cheese sauce that’s rich but still super light.
Then you’ve got all the toppings—avocado, onion, pickles, or whatever you’re into—plus a kick of heat from spicy mayo or your favorite hot sauce.
They’re high in protein, low in calories, and come together in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a fun snack, an elegant appetizer, or a creative way to mix up your tuna salad game, these rolls are where it’s at.
Why You’ll Love It
There is so much to love about this recipe. Here are reasons why you’ll enjoy every bite.
- These cucumber tuna rolls come together in just minutes, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute snacks.
- Packed with protein and super light on carbs, this is a guilt-free way to enjoy something delicious and satisfying.
- All the bold flavors of spicy tuna rolls—zesty tuna salad, creamy sauces, and a little heat—without the need for sushi rice or complicated techniques.
- Add your favorite toppings like avocado, onion, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of spicy mayo for a dish that’s made your own.
- The crisp cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch that makes this dish light, fresh, and perfect for any time of day.
Cucumber Tuna Roll Ingredients
(Note: These are the recipe’s starring ingredients, but you can find all the ingredients in the recipe card below!)
- English Cucumbers: The star of the show! Thinly sliced, they act as the perfect crisp, refreshing wrap for the rolls.
- Tuna: Use canned tuna, such as albacore tuna, for convenience, or upgrade with sushi-grade tuna for an extra-special twist.
- Creamy Lemon Sauce: Made with cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, this sauce ties everything together with a tangy, creamy flavor.
- Avocado: Adds a creamy, buttery texture that complements the tuna mixture perfectly.
- Toppings: Go wild with options like spicy mayo, sesame seeds, chili flakes, or everything bagel seasoning for a fun, flavorful finish.
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
While this dish is perfect as is, you could make it your own with the following swaps and additions:
Ingredient Swaps
- Cucumbers: If you don’t have English cucumbers, use thin-slices of zucchini or large lettuce leaves for a similar fresh wrap alternative.
- Tuna: Swap canned tuna for shredded chicken, cooked salmon, or even mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
- Creamy Lemon Sauce: Replace cottage cheese with light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or a delicious dip for a different creamy base.
- Spicy Sauce: If you’re out of gochujang or chili sauce, use sriracha, hot sauce, or leave it out for a milder flavor.
- Avocado: Try sliced mango or roasted red pepper for a sweet or smoky twist in place of avocado.
Additions
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle black or white sesame seeds for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Add chopped dill, parsley, or fresh mint to brighten up the rolls.
- Pickled Veggies: Toss in pickled ginger, radish, or jalapeños for a tangy kick.
- Crispy Elements: Crumbled seaweed or crushed nuts can add texture and depth.
- Creamy Extras: Drizzle with spicy mayo or a dollop of light cream cheese for added richness.
How to Make Tuna Cucumber Rolls
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!
Step 1 – Slice the Cucumber
Using a vegetable peeler, thinly slice an English cucumber into long strips. Lay them slightly overlapping on parchment paper and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2 – Make the Creamy Sauce
Blend cottage cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a smooth, tangy sauce. Spread half the sauce over the cucumber slices and mix the rest with the tuna to create the tuna mixture.
Step 3 – Add the Fillings
Layer the tuna salad along the bottom edge of the cucumber slices. Add avocado, onion, pickles, or your favorite toppings. For extra heat, drizzle with spicy mayo or hot sauce.
Step 4 – Roll It Up
Starting from the bottom, roll the cucumber tightly around the filling. Press gently to pack everything together.
Step 5 – Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice the rolls. Top with sesame seeds, chili flakes, or everything bagel seasoning, and serve immediately for a light, fresh, and satisfying meal!
What to Serve with Cucumber Tuna Rolls
FAQ
Yes! While canned tuna like albacore tuna works great for this recipe, you can use finely diced sushi-grade tuna for a more authentic spicy tuna roll vibe.
No problem! You can use a sharp knife to carefully slice the English cucumber into thin strips. A mandoline slicer also works well for even, delicate cuts.
Make sure the cucumber slices overlap slightly when laying them out, and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. Rolling tightly and pressing gently will also help the rolls hold their shape.
Yes, but it’s best to assemble the rolls fresh for the best texture. You can prepare the tuna mixture and slice the cucumbers a couple of days in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers. Assemble the rolls just before serving.
Zucchini strips, large lettuce leaves, or even nori sheets work as a great alternative wrap for these tuna cucumber rolls.
Absolutely! Add a drizzle of spicy mayo, sriracha, or your favorite hot sauce to the tuna mixture or as a topping for an extra kick. Chili flakes also make a great garnish for added heat.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but check the labels on any added sauces like gochujang to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How to Store
These Cucumber Tuna Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, place the assembled rolls in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to one day to maintain the best texture. After that, the cucumber may lose its crispness and become watery.
For advance prep, you can make the tuna mixture up to two days ahead and assemble the rolls just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the cucumber will lose its structure and turn mushy once thawed. These tuna cucumber rolls are best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and crunch!
Recommended Products
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad (Salad Shirazi)
- Lasagna Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta
- Air Fryer Pasta Bake
- 10 Low Carb Mediterranean Recipes
- 7 Low Carb Middle Eastern Recipes
Cucumber Tuna Rolls
If you’re craving a light, refreshing, and protein-packed dish, these cucumber tuna rolls are about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced into strips
- 1 can of tuna (albacore or your favorite variety)
- 3 tablespoons cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, pickles, red onion, sesame seeds, spicy mayo, hot sauce, or chili flakes
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber into thin strips using a vegetable peeler. Lay the cucumber slices on a piece of parchment paper, slightly overlapping to create a sturdy base for the roll. Pat the slices gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Make the creamy lemon sauce by blending 3 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, the juice of half a lemon, and a pinch of salt and black pepper in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth, then divide the sauce into two portions.
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 can of drained tuna with half of the creamy lemon sauce. Stir until fully combined, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. This mixture will serve as the filling for your rolls.
- Spread the remaining half of the creamy lemon sauce over the cucumber slices. Place the tuna mixture along the bottom edge of the cucumber base, leaving room on the sides for rolling. Add optional toppings like avocado slices, pickles, or red onion for extra flavor. Drizzle with spicy mayo, hot sauce, or sriracha if you want a spicy kick.
- Carefully roll the cucumber slices tightly over the filling, starting from the bottom edge and pressing gently to secure. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Garnish with sesame seeds, chili flakes, or everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to make a purchase using my link. I love all of these companies and products, and know that you will too!
