Ingredients
- Cucumber: The base of our bite, providing a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness. Choose a firm cucumber, preferably English or Persian for fewer seeds.
- Smoked Salmon: The star of the show! Opt for good quality smoked salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for wild-caught options when possible.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese acts as the creamy binder, adding richness and tang. Full-fat or reduced-fat both work well.
- Fresh Dill: This herb brings a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the salmon and cucumber. Fresh dill is crucial for the best flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a zesty brightness and balances the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances all the flavors and adds a subtle warmth.
- Optional Garnishes: Consider fresh dill sprigs, lemon zest, or capers for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumber: Begin by washing and drying your cucumber. Trim off the ends. You can peel the cucumber if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and a vibrant green color. Slice the cucumber into rounds that are about ½ inch thick. If using a larger cucumber with many seeds, you can use a small spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out some of the seeds from the center of each slice to create a small well for the filling. This step is optional but can help to hold the filling better.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped fresh dill, and lemon juice. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper. Mix everything together until it is well combined, smooth, and creamy. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt if your cream cheese is unsalted, but be mindful of the saltiness of the smoked salmon.
- Assemble the Cucumber Bites: Take each cucumber slice and place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture on top, spreading it evenly within the center well or across the surface of the cucumber. Don’t overfill, as you want the bites to be easy to handle and eat.
- Add the Smoked Salmon: Gently place a small piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese mixture on each cucumber slice. You can fold or roll the salmon pieces to make them fit neatly on top of the cucumber. If you are using larger slices of salmon, you may need to cut them into smaller, bite-sized portions.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish your Cucumber Salmon Bites with fresh dill sprigs, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a few capers. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enhance the flavor profile.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor and texture, especially if you are preparing these ahead of time, you can gently place the assembled Cucumber Salmon Bites on a plate or platter and chill them in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and firms up the cream cheese mixture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the Cucumber Salmon Bites on a serving platter and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 70
- Protein: 4 g