Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Bites
Short on time but still need to bring an appetizer for an event or gathering this holiday season? I’ve got just the thing – Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Bites. With $20 in your pocket and 20 minutes in the kitchen, this appetizer is ready to go!
Gluten-free and low-carb, these bite-size appetizers will be a hit too.
You can make the salmon spread in advance but don’t leave in the fridge longer than 2 days. When you’re ready to use the salmon spread, then you can slice your English Cucumber and decorate. If you prepare the entire appetizer and leave it in the fridge longer than 24 hours, the cucumbers will get a little mushy. For optimal results, either serve same-day or make the spread in advance, then cut cucumbers the day of.
*Tips: Stores are starting to run out of fresh spices around this time of year. I went to my grocery store’s app and was able to find some fresh dill at a local grocer nearby after striking out at another store. Just be prepared and don’t go on a wild goose chase for these basic ingredients.
*If you don’t have a piping bag/tip, don’t worry – in a pinch I’ve also used a sandwich bag. Just scoop the spread into a sandwich bag and cut one of the bottom corners. Use the sandwich bag as your piping bag. Then simply pipe onto the slices and voila.
FUN FACT – what is an English cucumber?
An English cucumber is much longer, more sweet cucumber and has a thin skin – which makes it a great veggie for snacking too. This vegetable is more prone to dry out and bruise because of its thin skin, so you’ll find it wrapped in plastic.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon
- 4 -6 oz. Smoked Salmon (use 6 oz. if you like more of a salmon flavor, use 4 oz. if you like more of a fresh, creamy taste)
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- Fresh dill for garnishment (not the dill weed in the seasoning section)
- Capers
- 1 shallot
Directions:
In a food processor, add: smoked salmon, cream cheese, 1 tsp of capers, 1 Tbsp chopped shallot, 1 tsp of lemon zest, and 1 Tbsp of lemon juice.
Puree for 30 seconds, scrape the sides and puree again for 10-15 seconds. Leave off to the side while you slice your cucumbers. I like them a little thick so I slice about 1/2in thick but you can do anywhere from ¼ in- ½ in depending your preference.
Once your cucumber is sliced, lay them all out and pipe the salmon spread. Top with fresh dill and you’re ready to serve!
