Juicy Smoked Salmon Roses on Cucumber Rounds

Here’s my go-to recipe for smoked salmon roses on cucumber rounds – a simple appetizer that combines fresh cucumber slices with smooth cream cheese and smoky salmon, all rolled into pretty rose shapes.

These little bites have become my reliable party starter whenever I’m hosting friends. I usually make an extra batch because they disappear so quickly, and honestly, they make perfect healthy snacks the next day too. Who says fancy appetizers have to be complicated, right?

What Kind of Smoked Salmon Should I Use?

For appetizers like these salmon roses, cold-smoked salmon (also called lox) is your best bet since it’s thinly sliced and has a smooth, silky texture that makes it perfect for rolling. You’ll find two main types at most grocery stores – Atlantic salmon and Pacific salmon, with Atlantic having a milder flavor and Pacific offering a stronger taste. If you’re buying pre-packaged smoked salmon, look for pieces that are moist but not wet, with a nice pink-orange color and no brown spots. Keep in mind that farm-raised smoked salmon tends to be more fatty and mild, while wild-caught has a leaner texture and more intense flavor.

Options for Substitutions

Need to switch things up with this appetizer? Here are some handy substitutions you can try:

• Chive and onion cream cheese: If you can’t find flavored cream cheese, regular cream cheese works great – just mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh chives and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. You could also try goat cheese or herb-flavored boursin cheese for a different taste.
• English cucumber: Regular cucumbers can work instead of English ones, but make sure to remove the seeds first. For a low-carb twist, you could use thick-cut zucchini rounds or radish slices.
• Smoked salmon: While smoked salmon gives this dish its signature flavor, you can try smoked trout or even thin-sliced prosciutto if you’re not a fan of fish. For a vegetarian version, try using thin strips of roasted red pepper, though the final look will be different.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making smoked salmon roses comes from working with cold ingredients – make sure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or you’ll end up with lumpy, difficult-to-spread results.

The moisture content of cucumbers can make your appetizers soggy, so after slicing them, place them on paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly – this simple step keeps your base crisp and prevents the cream cheese from sliding off.

When creating the salmon roses, avoid pulling or stretching the salmon too tightly as you roll it, which can tear the delicate slices – instead, gently fold it into a loose spiral shape, allowing the natural curves of the fish to create that beautiful rose effect.

For the best presentation, assemble these appetizers no more than 2 hours before serving and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve, as the cucumber will start releasing water over time.

What to Serve With Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites?

These elegant little bites are perfect as part of a larger appetizer spread or for your next brunch gathering! Since they’re light and fresh, they pair really well with other finger foods like deviled eggs, mini quiches, or a cheese and crackers platter. For a brunch setup, serve them alongside some fresh bagels and additional cream cheese, letting guests mix and match as they please. If you’re hosting cocktail hour, these go wonderfully with crisp white wine or champagne, and you might want to add some lemon wedges on the side for guests who like an extra citrusy kick.

Storage Instructions

Prepare Ahead: You can prep these appetizers up to 4 hours before serving. Assemble them, place on a serving platter, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and keep in the fridge. This makes party planning so much easier, and they’ll still look and taste fresh when your guests arrive!

Keep Cool: Once assembled, these salmon roses need to stay chilled. Keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. They’re best enjoyed within 24 hours of making them, as the cucumbers might release water after that and the presentation won’t be as nice.

Component Storage: If you want to get a head start, slice the cucumbers and store them separately in an airtight container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. The cream cheese spread can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the fridge. Just assemble everything when you’re ready to serve.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 600-650
• Protein: 45-50 g
• Fat: 45-50 g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 g

Ingredients

• 1 tub (7.5 oz) chive and onion-flavored cream cheese, at room temperature
• 32 slices of english cucumber, each 1/4 inch thick, dried
• 1 pack (4 oz) smoked salmon, cut into 32 strips (2 by 1/2 inch)

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by softening the chive and onion cream cheese spread, making it easier to spread or pipe.

Meanwhile, pat dry 32 slices of English cucumber, each sliced to a 1/4-inch thickness, to remove any excess moisture.

Step 2: Cut and Roll the Salmon

Cut the cold smoked salmon into 32 strips, each measuring approximately 2 x 1/2 inches.

For each strip, start from the short end and roll the salmon to create delicate rosettes that will be placed atop the cucumber slices.

Step 3: Assemble the Appetizers

Spread or pipe the softened cream cheese on top of each cucumber slice, ensuring there is a generous dollop to complement the salmon.

Place a salmon rosette on top of the cream cheese on each cucumber slice, gently pressing to secure it in place.

Step 4: Serve or Store

These delightful bites can be served immediately for a fresh and tasty appetizer.

Alternatively, if you’re preparing them in advance, refrigerate them until you’re ready to serve, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful.