It doesn’t get any easier than these Cucumber Salmon Bites. They are always popular at a drinks party and welcomed as a light start before dinner. Next time you are entertaining, put out a plate of these appetisers and watch them disappear.
½cup(120 g) cream cheese - full fatat room temperature
1teaspoonlemon zest - freshly grated
1teaspoonlemon juice - freshly squeezed
2tablespoonfresh dill, finely choppedSee Note 3
150g(5.25 ounces) smoked salmonSee Note 4
dill sprigs - for garnish
Instructions
Wash and dry the cucumber and remove both ends. Cut into slices approximately ⅔ cm (¼ inch) thick.
Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Add cream cheese to a medium-size bowl. Mix well with a fork until smooth.
Add lemon zest, juice, chopped dill and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined. Check that the seasoning is to your taste. Depending on the cream cheese that you use, you may need to add some sea salt.
Spread about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber slice.
Cut the slices of smoked salmon into strips approximately 1 ¼ cm (½ inch) wide and 12 ½ cm (5 inches) in length. Roll the salmon strips into a rose shape and place on top of the cream cheese mixture. Garnish with a dill sprig. Assemble the Cucumber Salmon Bites on a platter and serve – see Note 5.
Notes
A long, slender cucumber, such as an English cucumber is ideal. Mine was about 23 cm/ 9 inches in length.
Add the dill according to your taste. Use less if you prefer.
Check the seasoning and add extra lemon, dill, freshly ground pepper and a few sea salt flakes if necessary.
I have used sliced cold-smoked salmon.
You can assemble the Cucumber Salmon Bites about an hour in advance. If you assemble them too far ahead, the cucumber will release moisture and they may become soggy. It is best to prepare each component separately (sliced cucumber, cream cheese mixture, washed dill and sliced salmon) and store in the refrigerator in airtight containers. You can do this a day ahead and assemble them just before serving. Remove from fridge 30 minutes prior to serving.
Please note, the nutritional information is based on one cucumber bite (and not per serving).