LunchEasyFlare-FriendlyGluten-Free

Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups

Protein-packed roll-ups ready in five minutes with zero cooking. At 24g protein per serving, this no-fiber lunch fuels healing when you're too fatigued to stand at the stove.

Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
Total Time
5m
Servings
1
Calories
220
Fiber
0g
Protein
24g
Carbs
3g
Fat
12g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
Active FlareRecoveringRemissionStricturePost-Op (Early)Post-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

deli turkeymoderate

Processed meats contain sodium and may contain nitrates linked to inflammation

Tip: Choose nitrate-free, uncured brands (Applegate, Wellshire Farms) or roast your own turkey breast at home

cheesemild

Some people with IBD have lactose intolerance, though aged cheese is naturally low-lactose

Tip: Use lactose-free cheese slices or dairy-free alternatives like avocado

butter lettucemild

Raw vegetables can be harder to digest during active flares

Tip: Omit lettuce entirely during flares - the roll-ups work perfectly without it

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Lay out the turkey slices flat on a clean cutting board or plate.

    Equipment: cutting board, plate
  2. Spread a thin, even layer of mayonnaise across each turkey slice.

    Tip: Leave about 1/4 inch at the edges to prevent mayo from squeezing out
  3. Cut each cheese slice in half to create two rectangular pieces.

  4. Place one half-slice of cheese on the lower third of each turkey slice.

  5. If using lettuce, lay one leaf on top of the cheese, folding it to fit within the edges.

  6. Roll each turkey slice tightly from the cheese end toward the opposite edge, keeping the filling centered.

    Tip: Keep the filling centered for easier eating and better presentation
  7. Secure each roll-up with a toothpick through the center if needed for transport.

    Tip: Toothpicks help the roll-ups hold their shape during transport
  8. Serve immediately, or wrap in parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Notes

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container or wrapped in parchment paper for up to 24 hours. These don't freeze well due to the lettuce and mayonnaise, but you can prep ingredients separately for quick assembly.

Choose clean deli turkey

Look for nitrate-free, uncured turkey breast from brands like Applegate, Wellshire Farms, or Boar's Head No Nitrates Added. Check labels for low sodium (under 400mg per 2 oz serving) and avoid varieties with garlic or onion powder, which are high-FODMAP.

Aged cheese is naturally low-lactose

Swiss and cheddar contain less than 0.1g lactose per ounce compared to 12g in a cup of milk. The aging process breaks down lactose naturally. If you're highly sensitive, lactose-free sliced cheese works equally well.

Dairy-free swap

Replace cheese with sliced avocado or a thin layer of hummus for a plant-based option. Both add healthy fats without dairy. Note that hummus may contain garlic - check FODMAP portions.

Add gentle vegetables

Thinly sliced, peeled cucumber or roasted red peppers from a jar add texture without fiber overload. Avoid raw lettuce during active flares.

Meal prep tip

Make 8-12 roll-ups on Sunday and store individually wrapped. Grab two for a complete 48g protein lunch throughout the week.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches