These smoked salmon pinwheels are a yummy treat! With soft cream cheese and fresh herbs wrapped around tasty smoked salmon, they’re super easy to make and perfect for any party.
Honestly, these little bites are so pretty; I feel like a fancy chef when I serve them! They’re perfect with a squeeze of lemon on top—your guests will be impressed (and so will you)! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Salmon: This is the star ingredient! Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using smoked trout or an herb-crusted fish for a similar taste.
Cream Cheese: I love using plain cream cheese, but you could swap it with flavored cream cheeses like garlic and herb for an extra kick. Vegan cream cheese works too if you prefer a dairy-free option!
Fresh Herbs: Dill and chives are classic choices. If you don’t have them, parsley or even basil can also add a fresh taste. Just remember that herbs can make a big difference in flavor, so choose what you love!
Capers: These little flavor bombs add a nice tang. If you don’t have capers, try using finely chopped olives for a salty substitute. Just keep the portion small so it doesn’t overpower the dish.
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest brightens the flavors! You could use lime zest as an alternative, or even skip it if you prefer less citrus flavor.
How Do You Roll Perfect Pinwheels Without Tearing?
Rolling your smoked salmon pinwheels can be tricky, but with a bit of care, you can do it flawlessly! Follow these steps to avoid tearing the salmon:
- Start with room temperature salmon—this makes it more pliable.
- Use plastic wrap to roll the salmon gently; this helps keep it tight and prevents sticking.
- Apply an even layer of cream cheese; if it’s too thick, it can pull the salmon apart when rolling.
- Roll it slowly from one side to the other, using the wrap to guide you. If you notice any tears forming, ease off the pressure and roll more gently.
Chill your roll tightly in plastic wrap before cutting. This makes it much easier to slice without squishing your pinwheels!
How to Make Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) smoked salmon slices
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
- Small squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and should chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. So, you can have a delicious appetizer ready in just a little over an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
First, lay out your smoked salmon slices flat on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Make sure the slices are slightly overlapping to create a nice rectangular sheet, roughly 10 by 8 inches in size. This will help you roll it up later!
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with fresh dill, chives, lemon zest, and black pepper. Stir it well until everything is blended together nicely—it should be creamy and delicious!
3. Spread the Filling:
Now, take your cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the salmon layer. Make sure to cover the salmon all the way to the edges, so every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Add Capers and Onion:
Sprinkle the chopped capers on top of the cream cheese layer. If you like, you can also add the finely chopped red onion for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
5. Roll It Up:
This is where it gets fun! Using the plastic wrap or parchment paper, carefully roll the salmon and cream cheese mixture tightly into a log shape. Take your time—you want to create a nice, tight roll without tearing the salmon.
6. Chill the Log:
Wrap the rolled log tightly with the plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This will help it firm up and make slicing easier.
7. Slice the Pinwheels:
Once chilled, unwrap the log and slice it into 1-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife. Try to make clean cuts so the layers stay intact.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the beautiful pinwheels on a serving platter. You can garnish them with extra chopped herbs, capers, and a light squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Serve these chilled as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering!
Enjoy your lovely Smoked Salmon Pinwheels! They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of smoked salmon, you can substitute it with smoked trout, crab, or even herb-crusted fish. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance flavors!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep them chilled for best flavor and texture when serving again!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Vegan?
Yes! For a vegan version, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative and replace the smoked salmon with slices of smoked tofu or roasted veggies for a delicious twist!
How Can I Make These Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, stir in some sriracha or chopped jalapeños into the cream cheese mix. You can also serve the pinwheels with a spicy dipping sauce to kick up the flavor!
