Ribbon Dancer Turkey Rolls (Printable)

Delicate turkey rolls wrapped in fresh carrot and cucumber ribbons, ideal for easy entertaining.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large carrots, peeled
02 - 1 large cucumber, ends trimmed

→ Meats

03 - 8 slices smoked turkey breast

→ Dairy

04 - 2 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
06 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)

→ Seasoning

07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice carrots and cucumber lengthwise into long, thin ribbons.
02 - Lay smoked turkey slices flat. Optionally spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on each slice and sprinkle with chopped chives and dill.
03 - Roll each turkey slice tightly into a cylinder starting at one end.
04 - Wrap a cucumber ribbon followed by a carrot ribbon around each turkey roll, securing ends underneath or with a toothpick if needed.
05 - Arrange wrapped rolls on a serving platter and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and extra herbs as desired.
06 - Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks like restaurant-quality appetizer but takes less time than setting the table.
  • No cooking required means you can prep these while guests are arriving without any last-minute panic.
  • The combination of flavors and textures is genuinely addictive—smoky, fresh, and elegant all at once.
02 -
  • Don't peel the vegetables until you're ready to use them or they'll dry out and become brittle—I learned this the hard way when my ribbons snapped like kindling.
  • The mandoline will give you faster, thinner ribbons, but respect it with a hand guard because one slip teaches you an unforgettable lesson.
  • If you're making these ahead, skip the cucumber ribbon step and wrap them just before serving, or they'll release water and turn soggy.
03 -
  • Keep your cream cheese cold and just barely softened so it spreads thin without melting into the turkey and making everything soggy.
  • Wrap the ribbons tightly but gently—you're creating something delicate, not building a log cabin, and the wrapping should feel intentional, not frantic.
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