Description
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are fresh, flavorful, and visually stunning appetizers combining crisp cucumber slices with savory smoked salmon and creamy plant-based cream cheese, enhanced by fresh herbs and a natural gelling agent for perfect texture. Easy to prepare and customizable, these bites are perfect for any occasion or a refreshing treat at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Fresh cucumbers (firm and crisp) – quantity as desired
- Smoked salmon – thinly sliced, quantity as desired
- Plant-based cream cheese – 1/2 cup
- Natural lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh dill (finely chopped) – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh chives (finely chopped) – 1 teaspoon
- Natural gelling agent (such as agar or carrageenan) – a pinch
- Capers – 1 tablespoon
- Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers thoroughly and pat dry. Slice into uniform rounds about half an inch thick to provide a sturdy base for the toppings.
- Mix the Creamy Spread: In a small bowl, combine plant-based cream cheese, natural lemon juice, finely chopped dill and chives, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and a touch of natural gelling agent. Stir vigorously until smooth and spreadable, able to hold its shape.
- Assemble the Bites: Using a small spoon or piping bag, dollop or pipe the creamy mixture generously onto each cucumber slice. Layer thin pieces of smoked salmon over the cream cheese, folding for volume and presentation.
- Add Finishing Touches: Garnish each bite with a few capers and sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper on top. Optionally, add a small sprig of dill or microgreens for elegance.
Notes
- Pick firm cucumbers to avoid sogginess.
- Chill assembled bites for 15-20 minutes before serving to meld flavors and firm up the spread.
- Use a piping bag for a neat, professional presentation.
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor compared to dried.
- Assemble just before serving to maintain cucumber crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: smoked salmon, cucumber bites, appetizer, plant-based cream cheese, fresh herbs, quick snack, gluten free