The holiday season, or indeed any gathering, calls for fun, easy, and impressive appetizers. While large group gatherings may sometimes be a distant memory, the joy of creating a beautiful and delicious spread to celebrate life’s moments remains. These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer Bites are an ideal choice, offering a burst of fresh flavors and an elegant presentation that will surely delight your guests.

This recipe perfectly pairs the rich, smoky flavor of salmon with the bright tang of creamy goat cheese and the subtle oniony bite of chives, all elegantly wrapped in a thinly sliced English cucumber. It’s a refreshing alternative to heavier starters, providing a delightful balance of textures and tastes that awakens the palate.

If you’re already a fan of my popular Cucumber Hummus Bites, then you’re going to adore this salmon-infused version. It offers a similar light and crunchy base but introduces the exquisite flavor of smoked salmon, making it an excellent choice for seafood lovers and those seeking a healthy yet indulgent appetizer.

Our family, like many, enjoys salmon regularly, often opting for dishes like this Mediterranean Salmon. Smoked salmon, however, presents a wonderful twist, transforming a weekly favorite into a sophisticated appetizer. It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it a guilt-free pleasure.

While smoked salmon is traditionally associated with Lox, this recipe offers a fresh and innovative way to enjoy its distinct flavor beyond the classic bagel and cream cheese. It’s a versatile ingredient that shines in various applications, and these roll-ups are a testament to its adaptability.

Looking to round out your appetizer spread? Beyond these incredible salmon bites, consider serving them alongside other crowd-pleasing options. Explore delightful pairings like my Beef Crostini with Caramelized Onions for a heartier option, or embrace creamy dips such as the Goat Cheese and Roasted Tomato Dip. For another goat cheese favorite, try these Honey Goat Cheese Balls, or even a unique Goat Cheese Apricot Pizza. The possibilities for a memorable culinary experience are endless!

Cucumbers are a fantastic ingredient, not only for their refreshing crunch but also for their versatility in appetizers and salads. They provide a hydrating and mild counterpoint to richer flavors, making them an ideal base for many dishes. I often incorporate them into vibrant salads like this Tomato Cucumber Feta Quinoa Salad, a classic Israeli Salad, or my simple yet flavorful Easy Lebanese Salad. These recipes showcase how a humble cucumber can elevate an entire meal.

When preparing an appetizer spread, variety is key to pleasing all your guests. These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Roll-ups are a fantastic starting point. To create a diverse and inviting spread, I love to pair them with creamy dips like this White Bean Artichoke Dip and a classic Lebanese Hummus Recipe. Offering a range of textures and flavors ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy, making your gathering a culinary success.

Essential Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need for Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Crafting these delectable bites requires just a few high-quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture:

• Smoked Salmon: This is the star of our appetizer. Smoked salmon, typically cold-smoked, offers a delicate, silky texture and a rich, savory flavor that is truly distinctive. You can easily find it in the refrigerated seafood section of most grocery stores. Look for high-quality, thinly sliced varieties for the best results. Smoked salmon is also a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making these bites not just delicious but also a healthy choice.
• Cucumber: For this recipe, a seedless English cucumber is highly recommended. Its longer shape allows for beautiful, uniform slices, and its thinner skin means no peeling is necessary. More importantly, English cucumbers have fewer, smaller seeds and a lower water content than regular cucumbers, preventing your appetizer from becoming soggy. You’ll want to thinly slice the cucumber into about 8 strips, ensuring they are pliable enough to roll without breaking. A vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer works wonders for achieving consistent, ultra-thin slices.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy goat cheese is the perfect companion to smoked salmon, offering a delightful tang that cuts through the richness of the fish. Its soft, spreadable texture makes it easy to work with. If goat cheese isn’t to your liking, or if you prefer a milder flavor, traditional cream cheese is an excellent substitute. For optimal spreadability, make sure your cream cheese (or goat cheese) comes to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smooth, even application.
• Chives: Fresh chives add a subtle, delicate onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green color, enhancing both the taste and presentation of these smoked salmon bites. They are a must for that touch of fresh herbiness. While chives are ideal, you can also experiment with other fresh herbs. Fresh parsley offers a clean, peppery note, while fresh dill is a classic pairing with salmon, adding a distinct anise-like freshness. You can use them in place of chives or in addition for a more complex flavor profile.

Please refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and comprehensive instructions.

How to Make these Delightful Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizers

Preparing these elegant appetizers is surprisingly quick and straightforward. You can have them ready to impress in just a few simple steps, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or a stress-free meal prep.

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber. The key to successful roll-ups is thinly sliced cucumber. Use a mandoline slicer for the most consistent and paper-thin strips. If you don’t have one, a sharp chef’s knife or even a vegetable peeler (for slightly narrower strips) can work. Aim for slices that are about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick. Lay the slices on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess and ensures a crisp roll.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon. Take your smoked salmon and chop a majority of it into small, fine chunks. This chopped salmon will be mixed into our creamy cheese filling, adding a wonderful depth of flavor and texture. Remember to reserve about 8 small, attractive pieces of salmon to use as a garnish on top of each finished cucumber roll. This adds visual appeal and clearly signals the delicious salmon within.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Stuffing. In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with the finely chopped smoked salmon, Greek yogurt, and ½ teaspoon of minced chives. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The Greek yogurt adds a subtle tang and helps lighten the richness of the goat cheese, while the chopped salmon ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Cucumber Roll-ups. Lay out each thinly sliced cucumber strip flat on a clean surface. Using a small spoon or a butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of the creamy goat cheese mixture down the middle of each cucumber slice. Don’t overfill, as this can make rolling difficult. The goal is a delicate balance of flavors.

Carefully roll up each cucumber slice, starting from one end, to create a neat, cylindrical shape. To ensure the rolls hold together, secure each one with a decorative toothpick or a small skewer. This makes them easy for guests to pick up and enjoy.

Step 5: Add Salmon on Top and Serve. Once all the cucumber rolls are assembled, gently place one of the reserved small pieces of smoked salmon on top of each roll. This not only enhances the presentation but also reinforces the main flavor. Sprinkle the cucumber salmon bites with the remaining fresh chives for an extra burst of color and flavor. Arrange them artfully on a beautiful serving platter and prepare for compliments!

Creative Ways to Modify These Smoked Salmon Cucumber Roll-Ups

One of the best things about this smoked salmon and cucumber appetizer is how incredibly versatile it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ways to get creative:

• Cheese Alternatives: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, there are many other delicious spreadable cheeses you can use. Try a whipped cream cheese (plain or even a savory herb-flavored one) for a classic, milder flavor. For a saltier, tangier kick, whip up some whipped feta cheese – its robust flavor stands up beautifully to the salmon. Labneh, a strained yogurt cheese, could also offer a wonderfully tangy and creamy texture.
• Cucumber Presentation: Instead of long slices for rolling, you could opt for small cucumber rounds. Simply spread the goat cheese mixture onto the rounds and top with a small piece of smoked salmon. This creates a more traditional canapé style, perfect for a buffet. You could also scoop out a tiny bit of the cucumber flesh from the rounds to create a small “cup” for the filling.
• Enhance with Herbs: While chives provide a delicate oniony note, fresh dill is an absolute classic pairing with smoked salmon and would be an exquisite addition, or even a replacement. Fresh parsley can add a bright, peppery freshness. For a surprising twist, a tiny sprinkle of fresh mint could offer a refreshing counterpoint. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
• Add Vegetables: Boost the crunch and nutritional value by incorporating thinly sliced vegetables. Matchstick carrots or finely julienned bell peppers would add color and a sweet, crisp texture. Thinly sliced radishes provide a peppery bite and a beautiful pop of pink. Ensure any added vegetables are very finely cut so they don’t overpower the delicate rolls.
• Spice it Up: Introduce new layers of flavor with various spices. You can mix them directly into the goat cheese mixture or sprinkle them over the finished rolls. Consider a pinch of Italian seasoning for an aromatic touch, sesame seeds (white or black) for a nutty crunch, or everything bagel seasoning for a savory, garlicky kick. For those who enjoy a little heat, a tiny dash of cayenne red pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can provide a pleasant warmth. Dried dill can also be used if fresh is unavailable.
• Brighten with Citrus: A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice over the finished appetizers, or even a delicate grating of their zest, adds a bright, zesty freshness. Citrus is a natural complement to seafood, enhancing the smoky salmon and tying all the flavors together with a vibrant lift.
• Creamy Avocado: For an extra layer of creaminess and healthy fats, mash a ripe avocado with a hint of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread this avocado mixture onto the cucumber before adding the cheese and salmon. The smooth texture and mild flavor of avocado beautifully complement the smoky fish and tangy cheese.
• Tangy Pickled Onion: Introduce a delightful sweet-and-sour element with pickled red onions. Their vibrant color and tangy crunch provide a fantastic contrast to the rich salmon. You can easily make your own using this Quick Pickled Red Onion recipe. Alternatively, explore other pickled vegetables with my Quick Pickled Vegetable Recipe, such as pickled carrots or bell peppers, for a similar effect.

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