Easy Naruto Rolls
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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!
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 This Recipe is a Family Favorite
This is such a fun food for kids! 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!
The recipe is easy, and uses just a few ingredients. Even better, it comes together in less than 10 minutes, from start to finish. They also travel well for packed lunches or meals on the go.
Naruto rolls are a gluten free take on sushi without rice. Think of them as mini lettuce wraps with even more crunch.
Cool, crisp cucumber contrasts perfectly with creamy tuna salad. Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning and they’re totally irresistible!
Ingredients
Use seedless cucumbers (also known as English cucumbers) for easier scooping. This variety has a thinner skin that removes the need for a vegetable peeler.
Choose oil-packed tuna for the best flavor. Water-packed also works!
Use avocado oil mayo or one with olive oil to keep this appetizer healthy.
Substitutions and Variations
Everything but the bagel seasoning (optional): This fun and flavorful topping has sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and salt for the perfect bite.
Different fillings: Instead of tuna fish, you can fill them 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
- 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.
Tip: Set aside the excess cucumber (the scooped out pieces) to use in a cucumber pineapple smoothie, or freeze the cucumbers 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
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.
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.
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!
How to Serve Naruto Rolls
They taste amazing on their own, or you can round out the meal!
Serve them up with sides of 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.
After you make it, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it went!
Easy Naruto Rolls
Equipment
Video
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
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber and cut it into 2-3 inch long sections, trimming off the stem and end. Use a melon baller or a small spoon and scoop out the seeds, hollowing out each section to form a roll shape. Gently pat the inside of each cucumber cup to absorb any excess liquid using a napkin or paper towel.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, and salt and pepper.
- Spoon the tuna salad into each cucumber roll. Serve immediately or keep covered and chill in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Notes
Nutrition
Other Meal Prep Recipes
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