I am so excited to share two of my favorite easy smoked salmon recipes with you today. If you’re looking for simple, fresh appetizers or quick meal ideas, you are in the right place!
These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites and Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are fantastic for parties, a light lunch, or even a tasty snack. I promise they are simple to make and packed with good flavor.
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Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites: Easy Appetizers
These little bites are fresh, light, and very simple to put together. They are always a hit when I serve them at gatherings, and you’ll love how quickly they come together.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Cream Cheese Softening: For the best texture, let your cream cheese sit out for a bit to soften. This makes it much easier to mix and spread smoothly.
- Cucumber Slicing: Try to slice your cucumbers into even rounds. This helps them stand nicely and makes each bite easy to handle.
What You Need
- 1 English cucumber
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 20 bites
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep the Cucumber Base
Start by washing your English cucumber. Slice it into even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Lay the slices on paper towels and gently pat them dry. This step helps prevent the bites from getting watery.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, and lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until it is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Bites
Take each cucumber slice and spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on top. Then, place a small piece of smoked salmon over the cream cheese. Arrange them on a platter and serve right away.
📝 Final Note
These cucumber bites are best enjoyed fresh. You can prepare the cream cheese mixture a few hours ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to assemble.
Delicious Smoked Salmon Pinwheels for a Quick Meal
These Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are so simple to make and look fantastic on any table. They are great for a light lunch, a fun snack, or as a pretty appetizer for friends.
Key Ingredients & Tips
- Tortilla Choice: Use large, soft flour tortillas. This makes them easy to roll tightly without cracking. Any type, like whole wheat or plain, will work well.
- Chilling Time: Don’t skip chilling the rolled tortillas. This step is key for making them firm, which allows for clean, neat slices without the filling squeezing out.
What You Need
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 min chill)🍽️ Yields: 16 pinwheels
How to Make It
Step 1: Spread the Cream Cheese Base
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Using a spatula or knife, spread a thin, even layer of softened cream cheese over the entire surface of the tortilla, almost to the edges.
Step 2: Add Fillings Evenly
Arrange the thinly sliced smoked salmon over the cream cheese. Sprinkle the chopped fresh chives and thinly sliced red onion evenly over the salmon. You can also drizzle a little lemon juice over the top.
Step 3: Roll and Chill the Tortillas
Carefully but tightly roll up the tortilla from one side to the other. Wrap the rolled tortilla in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, unwrap and slice into 1-inch thick pinwheels before serving.
📝 Final Note
For an extra layer of flavor, you can spread a very thin layer of capers over the cream cheese before adding the salmon. This adds a lovely salty tang.
