Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites

These Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites are the ultimate no-cook appetizer for your next summer gathering or dinner party. Combining crisp cucumber slices with a zesty herb cream cheese and delicate smoked salmon, they offer a fresh and elegant flavor profile that is ready in just minutes. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a sophisticated snack that requires zero time in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your entertaining rotation. First, it requires absolutely no cooking, making it ideal for hot summer days or last-minute hosting. With only a handful of fresh ingredients, you can assemble a large batch quickly, and the sophisticated presentation always impresses guests. It is a light, low-carb option that tastes just as good as it looks.

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the herb cream cheese: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced spring onion, fresh chopped chives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well until it is smooth and the herbs are evenly incorporated. Set this aside until you are ready to assemble.
2. Dry the cucumbers: After slicing your cucumber into 1/2 inch rounds, use paper towels to thoroughly pat each slice dry. This step is essential to prevent the appetizer from becoming watery. Lay the dry slices out on a large tray or serving plate.
3. Top with filling and salmon: Spread a small amount of the prepared herb cream cheese mixture over each cucumber slice. Carefully place a small piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese.
4. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the bites with a little extra cracked black pepper and additional fresh chives if desired. For a final touch, drizzle a small amount of lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately while cold for the best texture.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

To ensure your Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites turn out perfectly every time, keep these professional tips in mind:

• Don’t cut the cucumber too thin: Make sure to cut your slices at least 1/2 inch thick. If they are too thin, they will not be sturdy enough to support the weight of the cream cheese and salmon.
• Prioritize drying: Completely drying the cucumber slices with a paper towel is the secret to a crisp appetizer. If they remain wet, the cream cheese may slide off or become runny.
• Use a sharp knife: Smoked salmon is quite delicate. Using a very sharp knife will allow you to cut small, uniform pieces without tearing the fish.
• Serve cold: These bites are best enjoyed straight from the fridge. If they sit out for too long, the cucumber will lose its crunch and the cream cheese will soften too much.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable based on your personal preferences or what you have available in your refrigerator:

• Cheese Substitutions: While cream cheese is the standard, mascarpone is a wonderful alternative that adds a slightly sweeter, richer flavor. You could also use a flavored savory spreadable cheese.
• Herb Swaps: If you do not have chives, fresh dill is a classic pairing with smoked salmon. Other great options include fresh tarragon or even finely chopped basil for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Topping: For extra texture, you can add a small caper on top of each salmon piece or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

These bites are versatile enough to work for many different types of events:

• Brunch: Serve these as a lighter, gluten-free alternative to traditional lox and bagels.
• Cocktail Hour: These make excellent “nibbles” to serve with a glass of bubbly, a crisp gin and tonic, or a light white wine.
• Dinner Party Starter: Use these as an elegant first course to whet your guests’ appetites before a seafood or Mediterranean meal.
• Appetizer Spread: Pair them with other finger foods like mini quiches, caprese skewers, or cheese sandwiches for a full party platter.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

For the best results, these should be eaten shortly after assembly. You can prepare the herb cream cheese filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply keep it covered in the refrigerator. You can fully assemble the bites up to 2 hours before your guests arrive, provided you wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them chilled.

Note: We do not recommend freezing this recipe. Cucumbers have a very high water content and will become mushy once thawed. Similarly, the cream cheese texture will change significantly in the freezer. Reheating is not recommended as this is intended to be a cold, fresh appetizer.

Nutrition Information

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FAQ

Is smoked salmon cooked or raw?

Smoked salmon is fully cured and smoked, which means it is essentially “cooked” and safe to consume directly from the package. It is almost always served cold in appetizers like this one.

What is the best way to eat smoked salmon?

Smoked salmon is incredibly versatile. Beyond these cucumber bites, it is delicious on crackers, toasted baguettes, or mixed into cold leafy green salads. It also pairs beautifully with soft cheeses and fresh herbs.

Can I use English cucumbers?

Yes, English cucumbers (often called seedless cucumbers) are actually preferred for this recipe because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making for a cleaner presentation and a better crunch.