These refreshing Cucumber Sushi Rolls are a light, refreshing snack that is super simple to make. In just 15 minutes, you’ll get a healthy, balanced, “sushi” roll that is kid-friendly and perfect for school lunches or quick workday snacks.
No matter the occasion or the audience, sushi has a place in everyone’s hearts. However, children, dietary restrictions, and/or pregnancy might make it not so accessible, so I wanted to put together a version that is mess-free, quick and easy, and perfect for everyone.
Although my little one is still too little to even think about school – please, let it be lightyears away before I amend that statement – kid-friendly snack recipes like this one are always great to have in your back pocket.
And if you do have kids, this is a great lunch or appetizer option to throw into their lunchboxes!
Whether you have a summer party with little ones or family gatherings, or you just want some quick and easy bites for appetizers, these Cucumber Sushi Rolls are so fun and easy to make.
If you can scoop, stuff, and slice, you’ll have no problem making this recipe.
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s an easy way to get your kids – or anyone else – to get some healthy foods on their plates without too much fuss. In addition to being a fun snack, cucumbers are packed with nutrients and a good amount of water, making it a hydrating snack as well!
Plus, with the cheese, ham, and carrots, you are getting in protein, vegetables, and dairy all in one. Pair this in a lunchbox or full meal with something like Pizza Twists or a simple pasta and fresh-cut fruit, and you have an entire, well-rounded healthy meal.
Of course, this may not be the most “authentic” sushi roll recipe in existence, but there are ways you can bring in more Japanese tradition if you want to go that route. For instance, you can always add nori seaweed, soy sauce, and/or some sushi rice with a little bit of rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt either inside the Cucumber Sushi Rolls or as a pairing.
If you want to go more of the traditional maki-style route, you could also cucumber-wrap this sushi instead of stuffing the cucumbers. Although this may take a bit longer, you can use a vegetable peeler and peel your cucumbers into thin, long strips and wrap everything in these strips.
The key for this recipe is to use long and wide cucumbers so that your other ingredients can fit in nicely. However, if you cut your cheese, carrots, and ham small enough, I’m sure you could opt for a smaller variety as well.
I recommend using English or American cucumbers. Japanese cucumbers, which are long, slender, and thin-skinned are also a great option if you want to steer clear of any seeds or bitter aftertaste from the skin.
You can also use garden-fresh cucumbers from your local farmer’s market or your own garden as well! The peak season for cucumbers is from May through August. Plus, with all the water content in cucumbers, this snack is the perfect refreshing bite during the summer.
Of course, with so few ingredients, the best way to make this Cucumber Sushi Rolls the best ever would be to use high-quality ingredients. Getting fresh-cut, deli meat ham from your deli section can make all the difference in flavor.
For lunchbox-friendly recipes, mozzarella cheese sticks are definitely the best option. However, fresh mozzarella from the cheese section at your local grocery store is another way to take these rolls to the next level if you’re hosting or entertaining.
Lastly, if you’re looking to make some more adult Cucumber Sushi Rolls, you can turn up the heat a little by sprinkling some cayenne over your rolls for a tiny kick that will make these rolls more interesting, if you desire.
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