Save Festive Holiday Snack Sushi Rolls are a vibrant, bite-sized sushi roll featuring colorful vegetables and festive flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.
I first crafted these rolls to add a cheerful, healthy touch to our holiday party table, and they were quickly devoured by both kids and adults. Their playful colors always spark conversations and inspire guests to try making sushi at home afterward.
Ingredients
- Sushi Rice: 1 cup sushi rice, 1 1/4 cups water, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt
- Fillings: 1/2 small red bell pepper (julienned), 1/2 small yellow bell pepper (julienned), 1/2 small cucumber (julienned), 1 small carrot (peeled and julienned), 1/2 ripe avocado (sliced), 2 tbsp pickled ginger (chopped), 2 tbsp cream cheese or vegan cream cheese (optional)
- Assembly: 6 sheets nori (seaweed), 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, soy sauce or tamari for serving, wasabi and extra pickled ginger for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Sushi Rice:
- Rinse sushi rice under cold water until clear. Combine with water in saucepan, bring to boil, then cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Let stand off heat, covered, another 10 minutes.
- Season Rice:
- Whisk rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together. Gently fold into warm rice. Let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Nori:
- Place nori sheet shiny side down on bamboo mat. With damp hands, spread thin layer of rice over nori, leaving 1-inch border at top edge.
- Add Sesame:
- Sprinkle mixture of black and white sesame seeds over rice.
- Fill and Roll:
- Arrange a line of each filling (bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, avocado, pickled ginger, cream cheese) across bottom third of rice. Roll tightly using bamboo mat, sealing edge with water.
- Slice Rolls:
- Slice each roll into 4 pieces with sharp, damp knife for clean cuts.
- Serve:
- Arrange rolls on festive platter and serve with soy sauce or tamari, wasabi, and extra pickled ginger.
Save We gather around the table every winter to build these rolls together, letting each family member personalize their own with their favorite veggies. It has become a joyful tradition that brings laughter and creativity to our holiday celebrations.
Serving Ideas
Arrange the sushi rolls on a big platter, decorate with microgreens, and pair with sparkling wine or chilled green tea to impress your guests.
Flavor Variations
Switch up the fillings with roasted red pepper strips, blanched asparagus, or even cooked shrimp or smoked salmon for a heartier option.
Tool Tips
Using a bamboo rolling mat makes shaping sushi easy, while a sharp knife helps achieve precise slices without crushing the rolls.
Save These festive rolls are quick to prepare and add joy to any holiday gathering. Their colorful presentation will delight your guests and offer a healthy, flavorful snack.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I make these rolls vegan?
Yes, use vegan cream cheese or omit it, and select gluten-free tamari for dipping to keep the rolls fully vegan and gluten-free.
- → What vegetables work best for the filling?
Julienned bell peppers, cucumber, carrot, avocado, and pickled ginger offer both crunch and color. Roasted red pepper and blanched asparagus add festive variety.
- → How do I prevent rice from sticking to my hands?
Keep your hands damp with water while spreading the sushi rice on the nori sheets for easy handling and clean assembly.
- → Are there alternative proteins I can add?
For a non-vegetarian twist, cooked shrimp or smoked salmon make excellent additions to the colorful filling lineup.
- → How can I achieve clean cuts?
Use a sharp knife moistened with water and slice gently to make smooth, clean sushi pieces without squishing the rolls.