Low Carb Turkey Pesto Roll Up

These low carb and keto-friendly "sandwiches" with turkey, cheese, and pesto all wrapped up in cucumber slices are easy to make for a quick lunch or snack. The pesto adds tons of flavor and the whole recipe is ready in about 5 minutes. 

Lately, I have been all about the low carb and lettuce wrapped sandwiches for lunch. I love the crunchiness of the veggies in place of bread and also love that it's an easy way to lighten up a meal. Although this recipe uses a combination of turkey, cheddar cheese, and pesto - these sandwiches can be made with any combination of protein, veggies, and spreads you like. There are lots of ideas below for variations of this sandwich to try.

Additionally, if you want to swap in another veggie for the cucumber, that will work as well. You can wrap it in lettuce leaves, thin slices of raw zucchini, or even swap in a low carb wrap or tortilla if you want something heartier. My other favorite twist is adding some crispy turkey bacon and avocado slices. 

How to Make a Low Carb Wrap or Roll-Up

Making a low carb sandwich using vegetables to wrap up the fillings is a great way to make a quick, lightened up lunch. Here's how to make it:

1. Choose your vegetable wrap: This recipe uses thin cucumber slices as the wrap for the sandwiches. Other options include iceberg or Romaine lettuce, kale, zucchini slices, yellow squash slices, or collard greens. For a larger wrap, layer a few pieces of lettuce on top of each other to create a larger wrap that stays together.
2. Chose a condiment: Next, you will want to add flavor. This recipe uses pesto, ranch dressing, whole grain mustard, mango salsa, or hummus.
3. Add protein: There are so many different protein options for these low carb sandwiches. For something quick and easy, use deli meat like sliced turkey breast, ham, roast beef, or pastrami. Canned tuna or salmon also works. Consider rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked proteins. Lastly, you could use homemade chicken or tuna salad.  
4. Reach for crunchy veggies and greens: Pick up some crunchy veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or celery to add some crispy elements. Then add some greens like baby spinach, mixed greens, or sprouts. 
5. Wrap it up: To finish, wrap it up all up. Carefully roll the vegetable wrap, rolling it tightly as you go. Secure with a toothpick as you go or serve with the seam side down. 

Recipe Ideas and Ingredient Swaps

There are lots of different sandwiches and roll-ups you can make using this method. Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own.

• Swap in different condiments to change up the flavor. Consider using hummus, ranch dressing, cream cheese, olive tapenade, chipotle sauce, mustard, mayonnaise, or teriyaki sauce.
• Try out different vegetables for the wrap including zucchini, lettuce, kale, or cabbage. 
• Use different deli meat to switch up the flavor profile including ham, chicken, roast beef, pastrami, salami, or different flavors of turkey breast.
• Consider adding different vegetables for the filling including sprouts, shredded carrots, roasted red peppers, or pickle slices.

Some favorite low carb sandwich combinations:

• Turn this into a turkey club roll-up by adding crispy turkey bacon and sliced avocado. Either keep the pesto or swap in a combination of mayo and mustard.
• Make a ham and cheese with thinly sliced deli ham and pepper jack cheese.
• Go classic with a roast beef sandwich with a thin layer of horseradish spread.
• Make a twist on an Italian sandwich with ham, salami, and mortadella.
• Make a vegetarian roll up with hummus, sliced avocado, and cheese slices.

How long do these last in the fridge?

These low carb roll-ups are best eaten as soon as they are prepared since the vegetables will begin to wilt. If you want to prepare these for meal prep, pack the ingredients separately, and then assemble them when you are ready to eat. 

What's the best low carb/keto deli turkey?

If you are following a low carb or keto diet, make sure to choose no sugar added selections at the deli. For example, don't reach for something like honey-roasted ham or honey-roasted turkey since they have added honey or sugar. Many times the best options are the natural/simple options that include 3-5 ingredients only without any added sugar. Always ask to see the ingredients since even options that sound low carb friendly like Buffalo, Black Pepper, or Oven Roasted sometimes contain added sugar or gluten.

More Low Carb Lunch Ideas

• Healthy Tuna Salad
• Healthy Chicken Salad
• Cabbage Soup
• Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
• Turkey Fajita Stuffed Zucchini