Description
This Smoked Salmon Appetizer is a quick and elegant dish perfect for entertaining. Creamy, tangy lemon-dill cream cheese is spread atop crisp cucumber rounds, then topped with delicate strips of smoked salmon. Garnished with fresh dill, it's a refreshing and flavorful bite-sized starter that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh dill (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Assembly
- 2 English cucumbers (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- 8 ounces smoked salmon (sliced into strips)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped fresh dill, and salt. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Appetizers: Take each cucumber slice and spread a generous, thick layer of the prepared cream cheese mixture on top. Then, place a piece of rolled smoked salmon strip over the cream cheese layer, creating a balanced and attractive bite.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle additional fresh dill on top of each appetizer for an appealing garnish. Serve the smoked salmon appetizers immediately to enjoy the cucumbers’ crisp freshness and the creamy, tangy flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use cream cheese softened to room temperature to ensure easy mixing and spreading.
- English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers can be used if peeled and seeded.
- These appetizers are best served fresh but can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance and refrigerated covered.
- To add an extra zing, consider a small dab of horseradish or a few capers on top.
- If vegan or dairy-free options are needed, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and smoked salmon with thinly sliced smoked carrot or beet.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
