With just three basic ingredients (and no raw fish!) pickle sushi makes a delicious snack, appetizer, or lunch box addition. A fun kitchen project for kids too!
When teaching kids cooking classes, I’ve found it helpful to start with recipes that are easy to pull off but offer a little wow factor. My goal is for the kids is to have immediate success and perhaps surprise themselves a little.
Sometimes that includes an ingredient, which at first glance they claim to not like, or a combination of ingredients that may seem funny to them.
Oatmeal Packet Mug Muffins are one such recipe. I’ve made them with hundreds of kids over the years, and at first, I typically hear, “I don’t like oatmeal!” Then their eyes light up when a simple packet of oatmeal almost magically transforms into a delicious, protein-rich muffin.
Aside from the fun factor, pickle sushi offers filling protein from the turkey and a fiber-rich veggie in the form of a whole pickle. A thin spread of whipped herb cream cheese (I use Boursin) adds memorable flavor. It’s also the glue that hold these tasty wraps together.
As fun as pickle sushi is for kids to make and eat, the speedy rolls have won over quite a few adults too. Perfect for lunch, a snack, or a fun appetizer, you can eat the rolls right away or refrigerate for packed lunches the next day.
My nieces like to pack the rolls in bento box-style lunch boxes, and then fill the remaining compartments with on-theme ingredients like Steamed Edamame, cooked rice, seaweed snacks, and clementines.
If you’d like to see Grace and Evie make the pickle sushi rolls…
I’d love to know if you try this recipe. (Grace and Evie would too!) Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @fountainavenuekitchen on Instagram and Facebook. Your feedback is always appreciated.
Pickle Sushi
Ingredients
- 2 generous tablespoons herbed cream cheese (we use Boursin; may substitute plain cream cheese), room temperature*
- 1 whole dill pickle, patted dry
- 2 slices deli turkey (to avoid tearing, ask for slices that aren’t paper thin)
- Optional: Everything Bagel Seasoning for sprinkling (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Place two slices of turkey in front of you, mostly overlapping, to form a long oval. Pat dry with a paper towel if needed.
- Spread the softened cream cheese evenly over the turkey, making sure to spread it to the edges. (This measurement is easy to eyeball, as you just need a thin layer than extends to the edges.)
- Place the pickle across the turkey near the bottom edge, and then tightly roll the pickle in the turkey. With a sharp knife, cut the rolls into slices, about ¾-inch thick. Sprinkle the cut sides with a everything bagel seasoning, if using.
- If not eating right away, place in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Overnight is fine – these are a perfect night-before item to prep for lunch boxes. The Bentgo bento box is a style our kids have liked!
Notes
- Even kids who aren’t pickle fans have enjoyed pickle sushi. For those who have no interest in trying a pickle, I have used mini cucumbers.
- The general consensus has been that turkey tastes better, but you could absolutely use ham instead.
- When packing lunch boxes, things like cooked rice, edamame, seaweed snacks, and clementines will round out the meal and complement the sushi theme.
- Parents like these too!
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