Easy Naruto Rolls

Name: Easy Naruto Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 medium English cucumbers (or substitute Persian seedless or garden cucumbers); 10 oz. canned tuna, drained ((two 5 oz. cans)); 6 Tablespoons mayonnaise; 1/2 cup diced celery; 2 Tablespoons minced red onion; 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley (or substitute dill, oregano, or cilantro); salt and pepper (to taste); 2 teaspoon Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional)

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These easy Naruto Rolls are the perfect quick and healthy lunch or snack. Made with scooped cucumber “rolls” and filled with a creamy tuna salad, they’re satisfying, fresh, and packed with protein. Plus, they’re ready in minutes with no utensils needed!

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A hand taking one tuna cucumber bite off a plate.

Easy Naruto Roll Recipe

You don’t need raw fish or nori to enjoy sushi-inspired flavor at home. These naruto rolls are a fresh take on sushi rolls without the hassle of slicing or rolling. Instead of thin cucumber slices, we hollow out thick cucumber sections to create perfect little “rolls,” then stuff them with a flavorful tuna salad.

This easy method for creating cucumber sushi rolls is ideal for meal prep or a light, refreshing lunch. With simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy cucumber-wrapped sushi.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s fun! Cucumbers are cut and scooped into roll-like cups, then filled with tuna salad for an interactive alternative to traditional sushi rolls. Kids and adults alike will enjoy eating these by hand!
It’s easy. This recipe uses just a few pantry staples and takes under 10 minutes from start to finish. They also travel well for packed lunches or meals on the go.
It’s fresh. Cucumber rolls offer a refreshing take on sushi without rice. Think of them as mini lettuce wraps with even more crunch.
It’s delicious. Cool, crisp cucumber contrasts perfectly with creamy tuna salad. Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning and they’re totally irresistible!

Ingredients

Cucumber: Use seedless English cucumbers for easier scooping. These cucumbers also have a thinner skin that removes the need for a vegetable peeler.
Tuna: Choose oil-packed tuna for the best flavor. Water-packed also works!
Mayonnaise: Use a sugar-free mayo made with avocado or olive oil for Whole30 or keto-friendly rolls.
Diced celery: Adds that signature crunch and lightness to the tuna salad.
Minced onion: A bit of red or white onion brings lots of flavor and extra texture to the dish.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley gives a nice herbal note.
Everything bagel seasoning (optional): This fun and flavorful topping has sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt for the perfect bite.

Substitutions and Variations

Different fillings: These cucumber rolls work just as well with chicken salad, egg salad, or even hummus for a vegetarian option. You can also swap out the canned tuna for canned salmon.

No mayo: Swap in Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy base. Try my Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad for inspiration. If you’re looking to make this recipe even creamier, try adding a bit of cream cheese to the inside of the roll! But keep in mind, this is not a Whole 30-friendly swap.

Herb swap: Feel free to use another soft herb like dill or cilantro in place of parsley.

Spicy mayo: Try adding some sriracha to your mayonnaise for a spicy twist on a classic flavor combo.

How to Make Naruto Rolls

A hand expertly maneuvers a knife, slicing a fresh cucumber into thin pieces on a wooden cutting board, ready to add crunch and flavor to your next batch of naruto rolls.

Hands skillfully hollow out cucumber slices on a wooden cutting board with a melon baller, preparing the perfect base for delightful naruto rolls.

Prepare the cucumber cups. Wash the cucumbers and trim off the stem and end. I don’t bother peeling the cucumbers, but you can if you prefer it! Slice the cucumber into 2–3 inch long sections.

Use a melon baller or a small spoon and scoop out most of the seeds in each section, hollowing out each pieces to form a cup shape.

A clear bowl containing chopped celery, red onion, parsley, mayonnaise, and canned tuna is held by two hands, reminiscent of the savory mix often found in naruto rolls.

A person mixes tuna salad with a spoon in a glass bowl, crafting the perfect filling for their naruto rolls. The salad features tuna, chopped celery, red onion, and creamy mayonnaise.

Tip: Set aside the excess cucumber (the scooped out pieces) and use them in my cucumber pineapple smoothie, or freeze them for another day!

Make the tuna salad. Add all of the ingredients for the tuna salad to a bowl.

Grab a bowl and mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and season lightly with salt and pepper. If there are any other additional ingredients you like in your tuna salad like extra vegetables or herbs, mix them in now!

Assemble the rolls. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of tuna salad into each cucumber roll. Now get ready to dig in! Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator until you're ready to eat them.

FAQ

How long will tuna salad last?

Tuna salad should be transferred to an airtight container or covered tightly and refrigerated. It can be stored for 3–4 days per the USDA. I don't recommend freezing tuna salad, because once it is defrosted, it will become watery.

How do I keep sushi roll filling in place?

Cut the cucumber sections flat and level so they stand upright, and press the tuna salad in gently with a spoon. Avoid overfilling to help everything stay in place.

Can I make naruto rolls in advance?

Yes! The best way to prepare these in advance is to make the cucumber rolls and tuna salad and store each element separately, covered, in the refrigerator. Over time, cucumbers naturally release moisture. For the best texture, store the components separately and assemble just before eating!

Close up of a hand holding a tuna cucumber bite with one bite taken out.

How to Serve Homemade Naruto Cucumber Rolls

These naruto rolls are amazing on their own or you can round out the meal!

Try serving these rolls with soy sauce and wasabi for an experience just like a sushi restaurant.

Serve with a homemade miso soup using our delicious Instant Pot chicken broth.

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!