Smoked salmon cucumber rolls are a light and refreshing appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. The smoked salmon is the star of the show in these delicious smoked salmon bites, and it pairs perfectly with the fresh dill weed and cool cucumber.
Serve on a platter with other appetizers or Holiday finger foods, like our Italian Charcuterie Board, Cherry Tomato Bruschetta, and Savory Puff Pastry Tarts.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These rolls are incredibly easy to make, and they are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So, if you are looking for a tasty new appetizer to try out, then be sure to give these smoked salmon cucumber rolls ups a try.
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Ingredients
Use the seedless, long cucumbers that are often sold wrapped. They are typically called English, Burpless, or Armenian. They are long, slender, and have a very small watery seed core. You will like using them the best.
Look for a piece of smoked salmon that is moist and pliable, sometimes you can find it already sliced, separated by sheet of wax or deli paper. It's a huge time saver.
You can also usually ask the butcher to slice the smoked salmon for you!
- Cream Cheese, softened
- Lemon zest
- Fresh lemon juice
- Capers, bottled and drained
- Dill weed, fresh and roughly chopped into 1" to 2" pieces.
- Cucumber, the long English or Armenian type.
- Smoked salmon, sliced already preferrably
- Salt & pepper to taste
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls
These smoked salmon cucumber rolls are ready in just minutes. Perfect for those last minute or impromptu get togethers.
Using a Mandoline or a vegetable peeler, slice wide ribbons of the cucumber lengthwise. You should have about 6 nice wide slices about 8" to 10" long. Lay them on a sheet of damp paper towel until later.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and capers. Season with salt to taste, and a few twists of cracked pepper.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Add Herbs and Capers
Add the drained capers, whole or chopped, and the roughly chopped dill. Stir well to combine everything.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Spread Filling on Slices of Cucumber
Pat one of the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel. Spread one or two teaspoons of the cream cheese filling along the length of the cucumber slice surface. Add a little extra at the far end to help secure the roll after rolling.
Top with small slices of the smoked salmon. Roll up the slathered cucumber strip into a roll tight enough to hold together, using the extra cream cheese at the end to secure.
You can use a toothpick to hold the cucumber roll ups together if necessary.
Place on a tray and refrigerate until ready to use. Save some dill sprigs for garnish.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Position the smoked salmon cucumber roll ups on a serving platter, decorating with additional dipping vegetables, dips, and herbs as garnish.
Cucumber roll ups can be made with almost anything you have on hand in the refrigerator. Hummus with herbs and grated carrots are a quick vegetarian option.
Serve on your buffet table or appetizer bar on a platter with charcuterie, crackers, or Holiday finger foods, like our Christmas Wreath Appetizer, Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms, or Hedgehog Cheese Ball.
Substitutions
If you don't have cream cheese, or don't care for it, you can make these cucumber roll ups using tzakziki sauce, hummus, or a soft goat cheese. Use any fresh herbs, snipped finely.
Variations
Try varying the ingredients. Slivers of prosciutto, thin rare beef or tuna steak, or thin cheese slices for the vegetarian.
Chop up a jar of roasted red peppers, fresh basil leaves, or even grated vegetables like carrot, jicama, and slivers of scallions.
These cucumber roll ups are just so quick and simple to make, you will always have a quick appetizer if you have a cucumber on hand!
Equipment
These are two tools that will make this dish a snap to make. I love the mandoline, as I can just slide the cucumber down at the perfect thickness. The less expensive option is the vegetable peeler.
Storage
Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- You can use the tubs of flavored cream cheese also! Try the garlic and herb, it's amazing!
- Use a mandoline or a vegetable peeler to make thin cucumber ribbons. They roll much easier than thicker slices of cucumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the texture of cucumbers change to a soft mushy texture when frozen. Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, refrigerate with damp paper towels to keep the ingredients moist, and put together at the last minute. The paper towels will also absorb some of the excess moisture from the cucumbers.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice fresh
- 2 tablespoon capers drained and chopped lightly
- 3 tablespoon dill fresh, chopped roughly
- 1 large cucumber seedless (English or burbless Armenian)
- 3 oz smoked salmon
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Using a Mandoline or a vegetable peeler, slice wide ribbons of the cucumber lengthwise. You should have about 6 nice wide slices about 8" to 10" long. Lay them on a sheet of damp paper towel until later.1 large cucumber
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, capers. Season with salt to taste, and a few twists of cracked pepper. Add the drained capers, whole or chopped, and the roughly chopped dill. Stir to combine everything well and set aside.8 oz cream cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon capers, salt, pepper, 3 tablespoon dill
- Pat one of the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel. Spread one or two teaspoons of the cream cheese filling along the length of the cucumber slice surface. Add a little extra at the far end to help secure the roll after rolling.
- Top with small slice of the smoked salmon. Roll up the slathered cucumber strip into a roll tight enough to hold together, using the extra cream cheese at the end to secure. Use a toothpick to hold the cucumber roll ups together if necessary. Refrigerate until ready to serve.3 oz smoked salmon
Notes
- You can use the tubs of flavored cream cheese also! Try the garlic and herb, it's amazing!
- Use a mandoline or a vegetable peeler to make thin cucumber ribbons. They roll much easier than thicker slices of cucumber.
Nutrition
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