If you’re looking for a quick, healthy appetizer or low-carb snack that feels a little fancy but takes just minutes to make, these Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are for you. Cool cucumber rounds, creamy lemon-chive cheese, and rich smoked salmon come together in a bite-sized snack that’s full of flavor and loaded with healthy fats.
Perfect for keto and low-carb diets, they’re also a refreshing and satisfying choice for summer gatherings, brunch platters, or even as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
What You’ll Need
To make these bites, you only need a handful of fresh ingredients: smoked salmon, low-fat cream cheese, cucumber, fresh lemon juice, and chives. The cucumber serves as your crisp, refreshing base, while the cheese mixture brings tangy creaminess and the salmon adds richness and depth.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Start by preparing your cucumber. Wash it thoroughly and slice it into thick rounds, about ½ inch each. This gives you a sturdy base that won’t go soggy or fall apart when topped.
In a small bowl, mix your cream cheese with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and finely chopped chives. The lemon adds brightness and keeps things fresh, while the chives bring a gentle onion flavor that pairs beautifully with salmon.
Next, top each cucumber slice with a small dollop of your cream cheese mixture—just enough to cover the surface without making it messy. Then gently drape a ribbon of smoked salmon on top. You can fold or roll the salmon to create an elegant presentation.
Finish with a sprinkle of extra chives or a twist of lemon zest for garnish if you like.
Why You’ll Love These Bites
- Low carb & keto-friendly: No bread, no crackers—just fresh, simple ingredients.
- Rich in healthy fats: Smoked salmon is packed with omega-3s, while cream cheese offers satiety.
- Quick to assemble: Ready in 10 minutes or less, no cooking needed.
- Perfect for entertaining: They look elegant and refreshing on a platter.
- Customizable: Add capers, dill, or a pinch of black pepper to make them your own.
Tips for Success
- Use an English cucumber for thinner skin and fewer seeds.
- Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before assembling to prevent slipping.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the tip cut off for a neater look when adding cream cheese.
- Chill before serving if you want to prep in advance—they hold up well for a few hours in the fridge.
📌 Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites (Recipe Card)
Makes about 12–14 bites
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 2.5 oz smoked salmon
- 3 oz low-fat cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- Optional: extra chives or lemon zest for garnish
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Spoon or piping bag
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber into ½-inch rounds and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Make the cheese spread: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, lemon juice, and chopped chives until smooth.
- Top each cucumber slice with a small dollop of the cream cheese mixture.
- Add the salmon: Fold or curl a piece of smoked salmon on top of each bite.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with extra chives or a little lemon zest, if desired.
