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A close-up of fresh cucumber sushi rolls with salmon and avocado, sprinkled with sesame seeds, on a ceramic plate.

Healthy Easy Cucumber Sushi

Enjoy a fresh, low-carb take on sushi using thinly sliced cucumber ribbons instead of rice. These rolls are packed with savory smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and crisp carrots, making them a perfect healthy appetizer or light meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese-inspired
Calories: 175
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cucumber Rolls
  • 2 large English cucumbers about 12-14 inches long
  • 4 oz Smoked salmon flaked or thinly sliced
  • 1 medium Avocado ripe, pitted and thinly sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup Carrot peeled and julienned into matchsticks
  • 2 tbsp Light cream cheese or hummus softened, for spreading (optional, but helps bind)
  • 1 tsp Black or white sesame seeds for garnish
For Serving (Optional)
  • 2 tbsp Soy sauce or Tamari for dipping
  • 1/4 tsp Wasabi paste for dipping
  • 2 tbsp Pickled ginger for serving

Equipment

  • Mandoline slicer or very sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Paper Towels
  • Serving platter

Method
 

Prepare the Cucumber Ribbons
  1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer set to its thinnest setting, or a very sharp knife, carefully slice the cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons. Discard the first and last slices if they are mostly skin. You want about 12-16 long ribbons per cucumber.
  2. Lay the cucumber ribbons on paper towels and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the rolls from becoming soggy and help them hold their shape.
Assemble the Rolls
  1. Arrange 2-3 cucumber ribbons side-by-side, slightly overlapping, to create a wider surface. You should aim for a rectangle approximately 3-4 inches wide and the length of your cucumber ribbon.
  2. If using, spread a very thin layer of light cream cheese or hummus over the overlapped cucumber ribbons. This acts as a binder and adds a creamy element.
  3. Place a small amount of flaked smoked salmon, a few slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of julienned carrots in a line along one edge of the cucumber ribbons, leaving about half an inch free on the ends.
  4. Carefully and tightly roll the cucumber ribbons from the filling-laden edge to the opposite edge. Gently press to seal.
  5. Repeat with the remaining cucumber ribbons and fillings until all ingredients are used.
Slice and Serve
  1. Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled cucumber into 2-3 bite-sized pieces, similar to sushi rolls. You should get about 6 pieces per large cucumber roll, totaling 12-18 pieces.
  2. Arrange the Healthy Easy Cucumber Sushi rolls on a serving platter. Garnish with sesame seeds.
  3. Serve immediately with soy sauce or tamari, wasabi paste, and pickled ginger on the side, if desired. For best results, consume within a few hours of preparation.

Notes

For a vegan option, simply omit the smoked salmon and use hummus instead of cream cheese. You can also experiment with other fillings like shredded chicken, thinly sliced bell peppers, or sprouts. Patting the cucumber dry is crucial to prevent watery rolls.