Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon are fresh, light, and perfect for a quick snack or a pretty appetizer. Crisp cucumber slices topped with silky smoked salmon make each bite a delightful mix of cool crunch and smoky flavor. A little bit of cream cheese or dill can add a creamy, tangy touch that complements the freshness.
I love making these cucumber bites when I want something easy but a little special. They come together so fast and always impress guests without any fuss. Whenever I’m short on time but want to offer something tasty and elegant, this is my go-to. Plus, they’re great for a healthy snack that doesn’t leave me feeling heavy.
These bites are wonderful served on a platter at parties or laid out for a light lunch. I like to sprinkle a bit of fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten the flavors even more. They taste best fresh, so I usually prepare them right before serving to keep the cucumber crisp and the salmon silky.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumber: Choose a firm, fresh cucumber with bright green skin. English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin. If you want less water, try salting the slices briefly and then patting them dry before topping.
Smoked Salmon: This is the star of the bites. Look for good quality, thinly sliced smoked salmon. If you don’t like salmon, you can substitute with smoked trout or even thin slices of cooked salmon or turkey.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a creamy, mild base. You can swap it with Greek yogurt or ricotta for a lighter option. For a dairy-free choice, try a cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
Dill & Lemon Juice: Fresh dill and lemon juice brighten the flavors wonderfully. If you don’t have dill, parsley or chives make nice substitutes. Lemon juice adds a fresh tang but can be skipped if you prefer a milder flavor.
Capers: These little bursts of saltiness are optional but add a nice contrast. If you don’t have capers, small pieces of green olives can work well too.
How Can I Keep the Cucumber Slices Crisp and Not Soggy?
Cucumber can release water and make the bites soggy if not prepped right. Here’s how to keep them crisp:
- Slice the cucumber into thick, even rounds about ½ inch thick for sturdy bases.
- After slicing, sprinkle the cucumber slices lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Salt draws out excess moisture.
- Pat each slice dry with a paper towel to remove the water drawn out by the salt.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture right before serving to avoid sogginess.
- If making ahead, store cucumber slices and cream cheese topping separately and assemble shortly before eating.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – helps you slice the cucumber evenly without bruising.
- Cutting board – a clean surface to cut cucumber and prepare toppings safely.
- Mixing bowl – to blend cream cheese, dill, and lemon juice smoothly.
- Spoon or small spatula – for spreading the cream cheese mixture on cucumber slices.
- Serving platter – to arrange the cucumber bites nicely for guests.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try smoked trout or cooked shrimp instead of smoked salmon for a different seafood taste.
- Mix in chopped chives or parsley with the cream cheese for a fresh herb twist.
- Add a small dollop of horseradish sauce for a spicy kick that pairs well with salmon.
- Top with thin slices of radish or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color.
How to Make Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large cucumber
- 4 oz (115 g) smoked salmon, sliced into small pieces
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 tbsp capers (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a quick and easy appetizer with no cooking required, so you can have these fresh bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cucumber:
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Slice it into rounds about half an inch thick. Use a paper towel to pat each slice dry gently, removing any excess moisture to keep the bites crisp.
2. Making the Cream Cheese Spread:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Stir or beat together until you have a smooth and well-blended mixture.
3. Assembling the Bites:
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly on each cucumber slice. Then, top each with a small piece of smoked salmon.
4. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Garnish each bite with a few capers if you like, add a small sprig of dill on top, and finish with a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
5. Serving:
Arrange the cucumber bites on a serving platter and serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavor and crunch.
Can I Use Pre-Sliced Smoked Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, pre-sliced smoked salmon works perfectly! Just make sure to pat it dry gently if it feels too moist before placing it on the cucumber slices.
Can I Prepare These Bites in Advance?
It’s best to assemble the bites right before serving to keep cucumbers crisp. However, you can prepare the cream cheese mixture and slice the cucumber a few hours ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and combine just before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the assembled cucumber bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Keep in mind the cucumber might release water and get soggy overnight.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta for a lighter option. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based cream cheese alternative.