Fresh Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
These fresh smoked salmon cucumber bites are a quick, easy, and elegant appetizer combining crisp cucumber rounds with smoky salmon and a creamy herb-infused cream cheese topping. Perfect for entertaining or a light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 6 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, thinly sliced
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, lightly sprinkled over cucumber slices
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumber, then slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place on a paper towel and sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dill, lemon zest, and sliced chives. Stir until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt or more lemon zest if desired.
- Spread about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly on each cucumber round.
- Tear or cut smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch squares) and place one piece on top of each cucumber slice over the cream cheese.
- Garnish with a few rinsed capers on top of the salmon (optional) and sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper.
- Arrange the bites on a serving platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
To avoid soggy cucumber bites, salt and drain cucumber slices and pat dry before assembling. Use thinly sliced cold-smoked salmon for best texture. Prepare cream cheese mixture and cucumber slices up to 2 hours ahead and assemble just before serving for freshness. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative. For vegan version, replace smoked salmon with smoked carrot or marinated tomato.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4-5 bites per
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: smoked salmon, cucumber bites, appetizer, easy entertaining, party food, cream cheese, fresh herbs, quick snack