Tired of the same old boring salads? Let’s take all the savory, tangy, and creamy flavors of a classic Reuben sandwich and turn them into a fun, portable, and utterly delicious appetizer! These Roast Beef Salad Kabobs, or Reuben Skewers, are the perfect low-carb solution for your next party, a grab-and-go lunch, or a satisfying snack. They’re incredibly easy to assemble and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
• ½ head butter lettuce, washed, dried, and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb / 454 g thinly shaved deli roast beef or corned beef
• 1 cup / 113 g Swiss cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 cup / 150 g cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 dill pickle spears, cut into ¾-inch pieces
• ½ cup / 120 ml Thousand Island Dressing, for dipping
• Special Equipment
• 8 (8-inch) skewers
Instructions
1. Prepare your components: Wash and chop the lettuce, cube the cheese, halve the tomatoes, and cut the pickles. Fold each slice of roast beef into a small, compact square to make it easier to skewer.
2. Assemble the kabobs: Thread the onto a skewer in an alternating pattern. A great sequence is lettuce, folded roast beef, a piece of pickle, a cube of Swiss cheese, and a tomato half. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is full, leaving a little space at each end.
3. Repeat the process with the remaining to create a total of 8 kabobs.
4. Arrange the finished kabobs on a serving platter. Serve immediately with a side of Thousand Island dressing for dipping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• Serving Size: 2 kabobs
• Calories: 435
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Note: is an estimate and may vary based on the specific and dressing used.
Pro Tips
• For the best results and to prevent sogginess, assemble the kabobs just before serving. If meal prepping, store all chopped in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Don’t be afraid to customize! Swap the roast beef for pastrami or turkey, or try provolone or sharp cheddar instead of Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
• To elevate the presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter and drizzle a small amount of the dressing over the top, then sprinkle with freshly chopped chives or parsley.
• If you’re not a fan of Thousand Island, these kabobs are also fantastic with a spicy brown mustard aioli or a creamy horseradish sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these Reuben Skewers ahead of time
A: For the best results, assemble these skewers just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting. However, you can prep all the ingredients 1-2 days in advance. Store the chopped lettuce, cubed cheese, pickles, and tomatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
Q: Are these Roast Beef Salad Kabobs keto-friendly
A: Yes, these kabobs are an excellent keto-friendly and low-carb appetizer. With only 4g of net carbs per serving, they fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Just ensure you are using a sugar-free or keto-friendly Thousand Island dressing for dipping.
Q: What other meats or cheeses can I use
A: This recipe is very customizable. Instead of roast beef or corned beef, try using pastrami or deli turkey. For the cheese, you can easily swap the Swiss for provolone, sharp cheddar, or even Colby Jack for a different flavor combination.
Q: What other dipping sauces work well with these skewers
A: While Thousand Island dressing provides the classic Reuben flavor, these skewers are also delicious with other dips. Try a spicy brown mustard aioli, a creamy horseradish sauce, or even a simple Russian dressing for a tasty alternative.
