Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites (Easy Appetizer)

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Impress your guests with these easy and delicious smoked salmon cucumber bites. With a light and refreshing flavor, they are the perfect healthy appetizer for any occasion.

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Why You Will Love This Cucumber Appetizer Recipe!
Ingredients and Substitutions
How To Make This Smoked Salmon Appetizer
Recipe Notes and Tips
Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Hosting
Serving Suggestions
Recipe FAQs
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
More from Delicious Meets Healthy
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites Recipe

When it comes to quick and delicious appetizers, smoked salmon cucumber bites easily steal the spotlight. These delicate little snacks are the ideal balance of fresh, crunchy cucumbers and velvety smoked salmon. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated brunch or a casual get-together, these bites are a surefire crowd-pleaser that is both healthy and eye-catching.

Smoked salmon cucumber bites are super easy to whip up and make for a fantastic last-minute appetizer. They’re perfect for family get-togethers, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and even Easter.

Other great no cook appetizers to try are these Italian Antipasto Skewers, Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe or Salmon Crostini.

Why You Will Love This Cucumber Appetizer Recipe!

Here’s why you’ll love this smoked salmon appetizer:

No Baking/Cooking recipe: I love that this recipe doesn’t involve any baking or cooking, and it’s very simple.
Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip these salmon bites up in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Healthy and Light: Low in carbs and packed with protein, these bites are not only delicious but also a guilt-free snack that everyone can enjoy. They are naturally gluten-free, low-carb and keto.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the toppings, spreads, or even the type of fish to create variations that suit your personal taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients and Substitutions

English cucumber – Use English or Persian Cucumbers. These varieties have thin skins and fewer seeds, offering a crisper texture and a more refined bite.
Smoked salmon – Use high-quality smoked salmon and opt for wild-caught salmon if available. Look for fish with a vibrant, rich color, which indicates freshness. I prefer cold-smoked salmon with a soft texture but hot-smoked salmon would work too.
Cream cheese – This recipe uses cream cheese, but you could also use goat cheese, or any other spreadable cheese like mascarpone. Alternatively, you could also use mashed avocado for a dairy-free option.
Aromatics: Fresh chives, garlic, and lemon juice.
Alternative garnishes: Other great garnishes include fresh dill, capers, lemon zest, or microgreens. For added texture and flavor, you can sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or drizzle a little balsamic glaze or olive oil over the top.

For a full ingredients list with measurements, check the recipe card below.

How To Make This Smoked Salmon Appetizer

There are 3 simple steps to make these smoked salmon cucumber bites. The recipe requires only a handful of ingredients. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Add cream cheese, garlic, lemon juice, fresh chives, salt and pepper to the bowl of a small food processor (or to a mixing bowl if you using a mixer).
Process until all ingredients are incorporated and creamy.
Using a knife spread the cream cheese mixture on each cucumber slice.
Top with pieces of smoked salmon and serve the smoked salmon appetizer cold.

TIPS FROM NELI’S KITCHEN

Recipe Notes and Tips

Here are expert tips for making the best smoked salmon cucumber bites:

Use English or Persian Cucumbers: These varieties have thin skins and fewer seeds, offering a crisper texture and a more refined bite.
Slice Cucumbers Uniformly: Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for precision, and aim for ¼-inch slices so they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings without being too bulky.
Pat the Salmon Dry: Before assembling, gently pat the smoked salmon dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from seeping into the cucumber.
Garnish at the Last Moment: For the freshest presentation, add garnishes like dill, capers, or lemon zest just before serving to keep them vibrant.
Serve Immediately: These bites are best when served fresh; assemble them as close to serving time as possible to avoid the cucumbers getting soggy.

Make-Ahead Tips for Stress-Free Hosting

How to Prepare in Advance

This has easily become one of my favorite healthy appetizers to serve guests because you can prepare part of the recipe ahead of time and avoid last-minute stress.

You can prepare the cream cheese mixture several days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
You can also cut the smoked salmon in pieces.
On the day of your event, you can cut the cucumber slices a couple of hours ahead of time.
Assemble the appetizer just before your guests arrive. This prevents the cucumbers from getting soggy and ensures that each bite is crisp and fresh.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover salmon bites, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may lose some of their crunch after being refrigerated, so these are best enjoyed fresh. If you’re looking for longer storage, consider keeping the components separate and assembling as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This smoked salmon cucumber appetizer is versatile and can be served in various settings, whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, a bridal/wedding shower, a sophisticated dinner party, or a family get-together. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your presentation:

On a Charcuterie Board: Pair these bites with other appetizers like cheese, crackers, olives, and fresh fruit to create a visually appealing spread.
Cocktail Party Favorite: Present the cucumber salmon bites on a beautiful platter, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers, and serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
Elegant Hors d’Oeuvres: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and arrange them on small individual plates for a more refined, upscale touch at formal gatherings.

easy appetizer - smoked salmon appetizer

Recipe FAQs

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you’re looking for alternatives to cream cheese, try using goat cheese, whipped ricotta, mascarpone, hummus, or even a dairy-free spread like mashed avocado or guacamole. Each option brings its own unique flavor while maintaining the creamy texture needed to balance the dish.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the smoked salmon with other smoked fish such as trout, mackerel, or even lox. These alternatives will bring their own distinct flavors, but will work well with the cucumber base and toppings.

How can I make these bites vegetarian?

To make this smoked salmon appetizer vegetarian, you can easily swap out the smoked salmon for another ingredient like roasted red peppers, avocado slices, or even sauteed mushrooms. These substitutes still pair well with the cucumber base and creamy spread.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes

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