Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites Recipe
Introduction
Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites are a refreshing and elegant appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. Combining crisp cucumber slices with creamy, flavorful toppings, these bites offer a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber (cut into 1/2 inch slices, approximately 16 slices)
- 4 oz smoked salmon (cut into small pieces)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 spring onion (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced spring onion, chopped chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir well until fully mixed, then set aside.
- Step 2: Pat dry the cucumber slices and arrange them on a plate or tray. Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice.
- Step 3: Top each cucumber slice with a small piece of smoked salmon.
- Step 4: Sprinkle a little extra black cracked pepper over the bites. Garnish with additional chives if desired and drizzle a bit more lemon juice on top. Serve chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, sprinkle finely chopped toasted almonds or capers on top before serving.
- Use flavored cream cheese, such as herb or garlic, to add a different twist.
- Substitute smoked salmon with smoked trout or thinly sliced cured ham for variety.
Storage
Store the assembled bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It is best to prepare them shortly before serving to keep the cucumber crisp. If stored, consume within a day and keep chilled until ready to serve.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance?
Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld together, but be sure to freshen it with a little lemon juice before assembling.
What is the best cucumber to use for this recipe?
English or seedless cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which keeps the bites tender and pleasant to eat.
PrintCucumber Smoked Salmon Bites Recipe
These Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites are elegant, easy-to-make appetizers perfect for parties or light snacks. Fresh cucumber slices are topped with a creamy, tangy mixture of cream cheese, chives, lemon, and black pepper, then crowned with savory smoked salmon. This refreshing and flavorful treat is served cold, combining crispness with rich, smoky notes in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Cucumber Base
- 1 cucumber, cut into 1/2 inch slices (approximately 16 slices)
Topping Mixture
- 4 oz smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 spring onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the cream cheese, finely minced spring onion, fresh chopped chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed. Set this mixture aside for assembling.
- Prepare the cucumber slices: Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Arrange the slices neatly on a plate or serving tray, ensuring they lie flat for easy topping.
- Assemble the bites: Spread a small amount of the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over each cucumber slice. Then, place a small piece of smoked salmon on top of each coated cucumber slice for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Garnish and serve: Lightly sprinkle extra cracked black pepper over the assembled bites. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh chives and a slight drizzle of lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness. Serve these bites cold immediately, or refrigerate briefly before serving.
Notes
- Patting the cucumber dry is essential to prevent sogginess and keep the bites fresh.
- You can substitute chives with dill or parsley for variation in flavor.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based cream cheese.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be refrigerated up to 2 hours ahead of serving.
- Use thinly sliced cucumber to keep the bites easy to eat and visually appealing.
Keywords: cucumber appetizer, smoked salmon bites, easy party recipes, no-cook snacks, elegant canapés, healthy appetizers, low fat snacks, cream cheese salmon bites
