Tunacado Style Cucumber Roll

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tunacado Style Cucumber Roll brings together the refreshing crunch of cucumber with the rich flavors of tuna and creamy avocado. It’s a perfect low-carb alternative to traditional sushi that doesn’t sacrifice on taste or satisfaction. Whether you’re watching your carb intake or simply looking for a light, refreshing meal, this cucumber roll delivers all the flavor without the rice.

Pure Comfort

There’s something deeply satisfying about the combination of fresh cucumber, protein-rich tuna, and buttery avocado. This dish manages to be both light and fulfilling at the same time. The cool cucumber wrapper provides a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the smooth, creamy filling inside, creating a bite that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

What You Need

Ingredients

• 1 large English cucumber
• 1 can (5oz) of high-quality tuna, drained
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• Soy sauce for dipping (optional)
• Wasabi paste (optional)
• Pickled ginger (optional)

Kitchen Tools

• Vegetable peeler
• Sharp knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Paper towels

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Assembly Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Prepare the cucumber: Using a vegetable peeler, peel the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips. Pat each strip dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the tuna filling: In a small bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Slice the avocado: Cut the avocado into thin, long slices.
4. Assemble the rolls: Lay a cucumber strip flat on a cutting board. Place a small amount of the tuna mixture at one end, followed by a slice of avocado and a sprinkle of green onions.
5. Roll it up: Carefully roll the cucumber strip around the filling, creating a compact roll.
6. Finish and serve: Place the rolls seam-side down on a serving plate. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with optional soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger on the side.

Make It Perfect

For the best Tunacado Style Cucumber Rolls, choose firm, fresh English cucumbers that aren’t too seeded in the center. This variety has thinner skin and fewer seeds, making it ideal for rolling. When peeling the cucumber, aim for strips that are thin enough to be flexible but thick enough not to tear. If your cucumber strips are too wet, the rolls won’t hold together well, so don’t skip the patting dry step!

Mix It Up

Spicy Tuna Variation

Add an extra teaspoon of sriracha and mix in a teaspoon of finely chopped jalapeño for a kick that will wake up your taste buds.

Seafood Switch

Substitute the tuna with smoked salmon, crab meat, or cooked shrimp for a different seafood experience while maintaining the same refreshing cucumber wrapper concept.

Perfect Partners

These Tunacado Style Cucumber Rolls pair beautifully with a light miso soup or a simple seaweed salad for a complete meal inspired by Japanese cuisine. For a more substantial spread, consider adding edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt or a small side of pickled vegetables.

Busy Day Hero

This no-cook recipe is perfect for those hectic days when you need something quick yet nutritious. You can prepare the tuna mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then just slice the cucumber and assemble when you’re ready to eat. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal lunch or light dinner option when time is limited.

Work Ahead

The tuna mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, however, the cucumber rolls should be assembled shortly before serving, as the cucumber can release water and become soggy if left too long.

Everyone’s Happy

These Tunacado Style Cucumber Rolls are incredibly versatile and can please various dietary preferences. They’re naturally gluten-free (just ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free if serving it as a dipping option), low-carb, and protein-rich. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based mayonnaise alternative. They’re perfect for serving at gatherings where guests may have different dietary needs.

Easy Clean Up

One of the many benefits of this recipe is the minimal mess it creates. With no cooking involved, you’ll only need to clean a cutting board, knife, and small mixing bowl. It’s an ideal option for hot summer days when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen or for those times when you’re looking for a fuss-free meal option.

Simply Perfect

The beauty of this Tunacado Style Cucumber Roll lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that’s visually appealing, nutritionally balanced, and bursting with complementary flavors and textures. It’s a testament to how uncomplicated food can often be the most satisfying.

FAQs

Can I make these rolls ahead of time for a party?

While the tuna mixture can be prepared in advance, it’s best to assemble the rolls no more than 1-2 hours before serving. Keep them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

How do I prevent my cucumber strips from breaking when I roll them?

Be sure to use an English cucumber and slice it lengthwise with a vegetable peeler for the thinnest, most flexible strips. Pat them dry but don’t let them sit out too long or they may become too dry and brittle.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to tuna for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute mashed chickpeas mixed with the same seasonings, or use cubed tofu mixed with a bit of tahini instead of mayonnaise for a plant-based option.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for mayonnaise if you’re looking for a lighter option. For a dairy-free alternative, try avocado oil-based mayo or even a bit of mashed extra avocado.

How do I know if my avocado is perfectly ripe?

A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure but shouldn’t feel mushy. Remove the small stem at the top – if it comes away easily and is green underneath, your avocado is ready to use.

Can I add any other vegetables to these rolls?

Yes! Thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or radishes add great crunch and color. Just make sure to cut them into thin strips so they don’t make rolling difficult.

How can I make the rolls stay closed?

If you’re having trouble keeping the rolls closed, try securing them with a toothpick until serving time, or place them seam-side down on the serving platter.

Conclusion

The Tunacado Style Cucumber Roll represents a perfect harmony of flavors and textures – crisp cucumber, smooth avocado, and savory tuna coming together in a bite-sized package that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, an impressive appetizer, or a low-carb alternative to traditional sushi, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, it’s a fantastic option for health-conscious food lovers who don’t want to compromise on taste. Give these refreshing rolls a try and discover a new favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation