Healthy and Elegant Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✨ Fresh & Light: The refreshing cucumber pairs perfectly with rich, smoky salmon.
• 👩‍🍳 Easy to Assemble: No cooking required—just slice, layer, and serve!
• 💡 Perfect for Entertaining: A classy appetizer for brunch, dinner parties, or weekend get-togethers.
• 🌟 Healthy & Low-Carb: These bites are light yet filling, and they pack in great flavor without being too heavy.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s keep things simple! Here’s what you’ll need for these elegant bites:

• 1 large cucumber: I like to use an English cucumber because it’s less watery, but any variety works. You’ll be slicing these into rounds, so aim for uniform thickness.
• 4 oz smoked salmon: Thinly sliced smoked salmon is best for layering. If you can’t find smoked salmon, you can swap in gravlax, which has a similar flavor profile.
• 4 oz cream cheese: Softened to make it easy to spread. Feel free to substitute with a dairy-free version if needed.
• 2 tsp fresh dill: A little sprinkle of fresh herbs adds bright, delicate flavor. Dried dill is a fine substitute in a pinch.
• 1 tbsp capers: Optional, but they add a lovely salty kick.
• 1 tsp lemon zest: This gives a burst of freshness that ties everything together beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste, just for seasoning the cucumber and cream cheese mixture.

Pro Tip

If you don’t have fresh dill, you can always use parsley or chives, which also complement the other ingredients perfectly. This recipe is super flexible for what you have on hand!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the cucumber: Slice your cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Lay them out on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
2. Make the cream cheese spread: In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of your fresh dill.
3. Assemble: Take one cucumber slice, spread about 1 tsp of the cream cheese mixture on top, and then layer with a piece of smoked salmon.
4. Garnish: Add a tiny sprinkle of fresh dill on top for garnish. For a salty punch, add a few capers to each bite.
5. Serve: Arrange your bites on a platter and serve immediately for the freshest flavor!

Chef’s Tips and Tricks

• If you’re making these in advance, keep the cucumber and assembled salmon bites separate. Just add the cream cheese and toppings before serving to prevent any sogginess from the cucumbers.
• Use a piping bag or a resealable bag with the corner cut out to pipe the cream cheese mixture for an extra fancy presentation!

Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions

• For an extra pop of color (and flavor!), add thin slices of radish on top of the cream cheese layer.
• You can swap the cream cheese mixture for whipped goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
• Pair these bites with a chilled glass of sparkling wine or a light rosé for the perfect appetizer experience!

FAQs

Can I make these smoked salmon bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture and slice the cucumbers in advance. Assemble everything right before serving to keep them from getting soggy.

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have leftovers (they’re usually gone in minutes, though), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The cucumber may become a little soft, so they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Can I substitute the smoked salmon?

If you’re not a fan of smoked salmon, you can use thinly sliced prosciutto or smoked turkey for a different, but still delicious, bite.

Printable Recipe Card

I hope you love these Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Bites as much as I do! They’re so simple yet so elegant—ideal for any occasion, from casual snacking to fancy entertaining. Let me know in the comments if you tried them, and feel free to share your version with any fun variations.