Elegant no-cook appetizers featuring silky smoked salmon and herbed cream cheese wrapped in crisp cucumber ribbons. These refreshing bites offer sophisticated flavors with beautiful presentation, perfect for entertaining or special occasions.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 200g thinly sliced smoked salmon
- 115g cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp red onion, very finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 30g microgreens or small dill sprigs for garnish
- 1/4 tsp sweet paprika for garnish
Instructions
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Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice 2 large English cucumbers lengthwise into long, thin ribbons. You'll need about 24 ribbons total.
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Lay cucumber ribbons on paper towels and lightly salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat completely dry.
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In a bowl, mix 115g cream cheese, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp capers, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 2 tbsp red onion until well combined.
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Cut 200g thinly sliced smoked salmon into pieces roughly the same length as cucumber ribbons.
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Lay a cucumber ribbon flat. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon cream cheese mixture along one end of the ribbon.
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Place a piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Starting from the filled end, roll the cucumber tightly around the filling.
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Secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
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Arrange rolls on a serving platter, seam-side down. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Just before serving, garnish each roll with 30g microgreens or small dill sprigs for garnish and a light dusting of 1/4 tsp sweet paprika for garnish. Sprinkle 2 tbsp fresh chives over the platter.
Tips
Cucumber Prep: English cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. If using regular cucumbers, peel them first and remove seeds with a spoon.
Slicing Technique: A mandoline creates the most uniform ribbons, but a sharp vegetable peeler works well too. Aim for ribbons about 3mm thick - thin enough to roll but sturdy enough to hold filling.
Moisture Control: Salting and drying the cucumber ribbons prevents the rolls from becoming watery and helps them hold their shape.
Make-Ahead: Rolls can be assembled up to 4 hours before serving. Keep covered and refrigerated. Add garnishes just before serving to maintain freshness.
Flavor Variations: Try adding horseradish to the cream cheese for heat, or substitute gravlax for a different salmon flavor. Smoked trout also works beautifully.