Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon (Printable)

Crisp cucumber slices topped with creamy cheese and savory smoked salmon for a fresh appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers

→ Dairy

02 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Seafood

07 - 5 oz smoked salmon slices

→ Garnish

08 - 1 tablespoon capers, drained
09 - Fresh dill sprigs or chives for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into 0.5-inch thick rounds and arrange on a serving platter.
02 - In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
03 - Using a piping bag or small spoon, top each cucumber slice with a generous dollop of the cream cheese mixture.
04 - Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces or ribbons and gently place a piece onto each cucumber round.
05 - Top each bite with a caper and a small sprig of dill or sprinkle of chives.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No cooking required means you can prep these while chatting with guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • They taste light and fresh, so they won't leave you feeling weighed down on a warm summer day.
02 -
  • Wet cucumbers will make your topping slide off—that dry pat-down after washing is not optional, it's the secret to everything holding together.
  • The cream cheese mixture needs to be at room temperature and actually soft, or you'll end up with a lumpy mess instead of that smooth, spreadable dream.
03 -
  • Buy pre-sliced smoked salmon and you've cut your prep time in half—nobody will know, and you'll have more energy for the parts that matter.
  • If your cucumbers are watery varieties, salt the slices lightly and let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat them dry again before topping—this keeps everything from getting soggy.
Go Back