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Christmas Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Appetizer


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Lemon Dill Cream Cheese:

  • ¾ cup full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons thick Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 1 fresh lemon, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • A pinch of sea salt

For Assembly:

  • 3 mini cucumbers, sliced into even rounds
  • 5 ounces cold-smoked salmon, cut into strips
  • Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
  • Cracked black pepper for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Lemon Dill Cream Cheese
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced dill, grated garlic, and sea salt. Stir well to create a flavorful and aromatic spread. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Prepare for Piping
Transfer the cream cheese mixture into a piping bag fitted with a decorative star tip for a professional finish. Alternatively, use a resealable plastic bag and snip off a corner for easy piping.

Step 3: Arrange the Cucumber Base
Slice the mini cucumbers into even rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Lay them out on a festive serving tray in a single layer, ensuring they are evenly spaced for assembly.

Step 4: Add the Smoked Salmon
Cut the cold-smoked salmon into small strips. Roll each strip into a loose spiral shape and place one salmon roll on top of each cucumber slice.

Step 5: Pipe the Cream Cheese
Pipe a decorative swirl of the lemon dill cream cheese onto each salmon-topped cucumber slice. Ensure the cream cheese is neatly placed in the center of the salmon for visual appeal.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish each appetizer with a small sprig of fresh dill and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Arrange the appetizers on the tray for a stunning presentation. Serve immediately to maintain freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smooth texture.
  • Smoked salmon can vary in saltiness; adjust the salt in the cream cheese mixture accordingly.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice cucumbers for clean, uniform rounds.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: None

Nutrition

  • Calories: 60
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Protein: 4g