Cucumber Sesame Rolls with Tahini Dipping Sauce

As a new mom, quick-to-make snacks have become more important than ever before! Making snacks both nutritious and filling are my top priorities these days. I’ve tried to ditch the sugary, high sodium convenience foods, and opt for refreshing, veggie-filled snacks that keep me feeling energized (along with my daily coconut milk latte, of course!). Today, I’m excited to share my current go-to…veggie roll-ups!

Let’s be clear: this is not-your-average roll. Cucumber and bell peppers add the perfect amount of crunch, and creamy avocado adds a dose of healthy unsaturated fat that works to keep you full. Add some leafy greens to the mix, and this recipe makes for a nourishing snack, or even a side dish at a meal. The water-rich vegetables contain nutrients like vitamin C that will keep your skin looking hydrated and healthy. Since vitamin C’s benefits can be diminished if heat is introduced, it’s even better (from both a nutritional and time-saving standpoint) that this dish requires no cooking. Plus, the sesame dipping sauce adds a zingy, nutty flavor that would taste good drizzled over just about anything. The tahini (made from sesame seeds) in the dip is a great allergy-conscious alternative to nut butter, like peanut or almond butter, since it is completely nut free. Tahini is also a good source of unsaturated, heart-healthy fat, so it definitely deserves a spot in your nut and seed butter rotation.

Need proof that veggies don’t have to be boring? This.is.it. Make these the night before a busy day, as a quick appetizer, or bring to your next girls’ night.

Cucumber Sesame Rolls with Tahini Dipping Sauce

Yields 10-12 rolls

Serving Size: 3 Rolls + ½ tablespoon dip

Ingredients:

1 cucumber

1 medium avocado, sliced thin

1 medium red bell pepper, julienned

1 cup mixed greens

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Toothpicks for securing rolls

For the Dipping Sauce:

1 tsp sesame oil

2 tsp rice wine vinegar

1 Tbsp tahini

Directions:

1. Using a mandolin slicer or a knife, cut the cucumber into long, wide strips, about 1/8th inch thick.
2. To assemble, simply place a sliver of avocado, several strips of bell pepper, and a few leaves of mixed greens onto the end of a cucumber strip.
3. Roll the cucumber tightly, as if you were making a sushi roll or spring roll. Secure with a toothpick, if desired.
4. Garnish with sesame seeds by carefully patting seeds onto the outside of the rolls.
5. To make the dipping sauce, combine all ingredients and mix well.

Nutrition Info

Calories 124, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 18 mg, Total Carb 9 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 3 g, Protein 3 g