These Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizers are perfect for a light snack or a memorable addition to a party platter. They’re extra easy to assemble, packed with flavor, and come together in only 20 minutes.
You’ll love these if you enjoy Cucumber Tomato Bites and Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer.
These appetizers are simple to prepare and are ready in no time.
Slice the cucumbers, mix up the cream cheese and dill filling, and top with smoked salmon and optional garnishes like fresh dill, capers, and cracked pepper.
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💛 Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy to assemble.
- Can be made ahead and chilled until serving time.
- Low-carb and gluten-free.
➡️ Ingredients
⏲ How to make this cucumber and dill smoked salmon appetizer
This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Cucumber: Slice the cucumbers into thick rounds. Using a small spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out a small portion of the center of each cucumber slice, creating a well for the cream cheese mixture. Pat each dry with a paper towel, then set them aside.
Recipe Tip: Slice the cucumbers into approximately ¾-inch thick rounds. This thickness allows you to properly scoop out the seeds without going through the bottom.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, fresh dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble Bites: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe some atop each cucumber slice. (Alternatively, you can use a small storage baggie with a corner trimmed off instead of a piping bag.)
- Add Salmon: Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces. Place a piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese mixture on each cucumber slice.
- Serve: Arrange the cucumber and salmon bites on a serving platter, garnish with more fresh dill, capers, Kosher salt, and/or freshly cracked pepper, and serve immediately or transfer them to the refrigerator and chill until ready to serve.
👉 Ingredient substitution suggestions
- Fresh Dill: Substitute with dried dill, but use approximately half the amount.
- Lemon Juice: Try lime juice or white wine vinegar.
- Smoked Salmon: Use smoked trout or lox for a different flavor.
✨ Variations
- Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- Herbs: Mix in some chopped chives and fresh parsley with the dill.
- Vegetarian: Replace the smoked salmon with thinly sliced avocado or roasted red peppers.
〰️ How to serve
- Platter — Arrange on a large serving platter with cheese, crackers, olives, pickles, fresh veggies with dip, deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, and charcuterie cups.
- Beverages — Serve with sparkling water, white wine, light beer, or a light cocktail, like a gin and tonic.
- Dessert — Complete your spread with desserts like mixed berry jello dessert, ube pie, nutella pie, or vegan strawberry cake.
💬 FAQs
How can I prep this advance to serve later?
You can prepare the cucumbers and the cream cheese mixture a few hours in advance. Assemble them just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and crisp.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers might release some water, so lightly pat them dry before serving again.
📚 More appetizer recipes
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Halloumi Fries
- Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts
- Cucumber Tomato Bites
- Cold Shrimp and Cucumber Appetizer
🍽 Recipe
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Cucumber and Dill Smoked Salmon Appetizer
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1-2 teaspoons lemon zest, zest from 1 lemon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 8-10 ounces smoked salmon
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh dill
- Capers
- Kosher salt
- Freshly-cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumber: Slice cucumbers into thick rounds. Using a small spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out a small portion of the center of each cucumber slice, creating a well for the cream cheese mixture. Pat each dry with a paper towel, then set aside.
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, fresh dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble Bites: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe some atop each cucumber slice. (Alternatively, use a small storage baggie with a corner trimmed off instead of a piping bag.)
- Add Salmon: Cut smoked salmon into small pieces. Place a piece of smoked salmon on top of cream cheese mixture on each cucumber slice.
- Serve: Arrange cucumber and salmon bites on a serving platter, garnish with more fresh dill, capers, Kosher salt, and/or freshly cracked pepper, and serve immediately or transfer to the refrigerator and chill until ready to serve.
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