Save I discovered this dish on a lazy summer afternoon when my neighbor brought over a platter of these elegant little bundles to a backyard gathering. The way the carrot and cucumber ribbons caught the light made them look almost too delicate to eat, but when I bit into one, the soft smoked turkey and fresh herbs hit all at once. There was something about the simplicity of it—no cooking required, just good ingredients arranged with intention—that stuck with me. Now I make them whenever I need something that looks impressive but doesn't tie me to the kitchen.
I remember making these for my sister's engagement party, standing in her kitchen at dawn while she fussed over table arrangements. She handed me a vegetable peeler and said, 'Make it happen,' and something about that casual confidence made the whole process feel meditative. By the time the first guests arrived, I'd made five platters and my hands smelled permanently of fresh dill and cucumber. She came into the kitchen, saw the ribbons spiraled just so, and gave me that look that said I'd nailed it.
Ingredients
- Carrots, 2 large and peeled: These need to be firm and fresh—soft carrots won't ribbon properly and the whole thing falls apart. Use a vegetable peeler for the thinnest ribbons or a mandoline if you're feeling bold, but honestly the peeler gives you more control.
- Cucumber, 1 large with ends trimmed: English cucumbers work best because they're less watery and the seeds won't make everything soggy. The ribbons should feel silky, not droopy.
- Smoked turkey breast, 8 slices: Get the good stuff from the deli counter—pre-packaged turkey can be too thin and tears when you roll it. The smoke flavor is what makes this sing.
- Cream cheese, 60 g softened (optional): Softening it matters because cold cream cheese won't spread without dragging the turkey. It acts as a subtle glue that holds everything together without overpowering.
- Fresh chives, 2 tbsp finely chopped: Don't skip this—the sharpness cuts through the richness and makes each bite feel alive.
- Fresh dill, 1 tbsp chopped (optional): If you love dill like I do, use it. If you're on the fence, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Grind it right before serving so it doesn't turn dusty sitting on the platter.
Instructions
- Ribbon Your Vegetables:
- Hold the peeler at a slight angle and drag it lengthwise down the carrot and cucumber, turning them as you go. You'll hear a gentle scraping sound that means you're getting it right—these should be thin enough to see light through them but sturdy enough not to tear.
- Prepare the Turkey:
- Lay each slice on your cutting board and gently pat it dry with paper towels so it doesn't slip around. If you're adding cream cheese, use a small offset spatula to spread a thin layer, then scatter the herbs across like you're being casual about it.
- Roll with Intention:
- Starting at one corner, roll the turkey slice into a tight cylinder, pressing gently as you go. The tighter the roll, the better it holds when you wrap the ribbons around it.
- Wrap and Secure:
- Take a cucumber ribbon and wrap it around the roll, tucking the end underneath. Follow with a carrot ribbon on top, spiraling them so they catch the light. If they're slipping, use a toothpick to anchor them, but honestly most of the time they stay put on their own.
- Arrange and Finish:
- Place them seam-side down on your platter so they look like little edible art installations. A final crack of fresh pepper and maybe a tiny scatter of extra dill, and you're done.
Save There was a moment at that engagement party when I caught my sister's fiancé reaching for a third one while thinking no one was looking, and she caught me watching and we both grinned. It wasn't fancy or complicated, but somehow it mattered—this little appetizer had done its job of bringing people together without demanding their attention.
Why This Works as an Appetizer
There's something about serving something beautiful and cold that instantly sets a relaxed tone. People can grab one, take a bite, and keep talking without feeling like they're missing the action. It also buys you time if you're juggling other dishes—everything is done before guests arrive, which is the only way I cook anymore.
Customization and Variations
I've experimented with roasted red pepper strips instead of turkey for vegetarian friends, and honestly it's equally stunning. A light drizzle of lemon-herb vinaigrette across the platter adds brightness if your crowd skews fancy, and I've even seen someone add a tiny dollop of whole grain mustard to theirs and watch them nod in approval. The beauty of this recipe is that it's a canvas—you can swap and adjust based on what you have or who you're feeding.
Serving and Storage Tips
These are best served at room temperature or just barely chilled, so pull them from the fridge fifteen minutes before guests arrive. If you need to make them ahead, assemble everything except the ribbon wrap, cover the turkey rolls with damp paper towels, and do the wrapping an hour or two before serving. The texture stays better that way and you don't end up with weeping vegetables.
- Pair them with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or even a light rosé if you want to feel fancy.
- Store leftovers loosely covered in the fridge, though honestly they're better eaten fresh.
- If you're feeding a crowd, double the batch—they disappear faster than you'd think.
Save This dish taught me that the best entertaining happens when you're not frazzled in the kitchen. Make it yours, trust the process, and watch people light up when something this beautiful lands on the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you create thin vegetable ribbons?
Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice carrots and cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin strips for wrapping.
- → Can the rolls be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and store covered in the refrigerator until serving.
- → What alternatives exist for smoked turkey?
Grilled tofu strips or roasted red pepper slices offer vegetarian options with similar textures.
- → How to enhance flavor without adding extra fat?
Sprinkle fresh herbs and a light drizzle of lemon juice or vinaigrette for added zing without heaviness.
- → What tools are best for assembly?
A vegetable peeler or mandoline, sharp knife, and toothpicks are helpful for creating and securing the rolls.