Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapés Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, elegant appetizer that’s as easy to whip up as it is impressive to serve, you’re going to love this Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapés Recipe. I absolutely adore how light and sophisticated these little bites are—and the best part? They’re ridiculously simple to make in big batches, perfect for any gathering from casual brunches to fancy holiday parties. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked by the creamy smoked salmon mousse paired with crisp cucumber that just melts in your mouth. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips so your canapé game is on point!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapés Recipe come together seamlessly, combining creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors. Try to use the freshest smoked salmon and high-quality cream cheese for that silky mousse that you’ll be spooning onto cucumber slices in no time.

• Smoked salmon: Look for good-quality smoked salmon with a rich, smoky flavor; it’s the star of the show.
• Cream cheese: I use Philadelphia because it’s smooth and has the perfect tang; soften it first for easy blending.
• Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and creaminess that lightens up the mousse.
• Mayonnaise: Enhances the mousse’s velvety texture, but don’t substitute with low-fat versions or it might change the consistency.
• Fresh dill: Gives a lovely fresh herbaceous kick; if you can’t find dill, chives work well too.
• Garlic clove: Minced finely, it adds a subtle depth of flavor—don’t skip it!
• Lemon zest and juice: These brighten the mousse with just the right amount of citrus zing.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning, but essential to balance all the flavors.
• Cucumbers: Telegraph or English cucumbers are best for their thin skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work if you don’t mind peeling and scooping out seeds.

Variations

I love to tweak this Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapés Recipe occasionally—feel free to personalize it to your taste or dietary needs. You’ll find swapping ingredients or adding extras can bring new life to this classic combination!

• Herb swap: When dill isn’t on hand, I’ve used finely chopped chives or tarragon and it still tastes amazing.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of sriracha into the mousse gave the canapés a fun, unexpected twist that guests loved.
• Dairy-free option: I once tried a vegan cream cheese and used coconut yogurt instead of sour cream for a dairy-free take, and it worked surprisingly well!
• Presentation styles: You can also pipe the mousse onto cucumber slices for a fancy look or use a small scoop for rustic charm.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapés Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Salmon Mousse

Start by roughly chopping your smoked salmon so it blends smoothly. In a food processor or with a hand blender, combine the salmon, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a creamy, spreadable mousse. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse just a few times instead of pureeing completely. I discovered this trick when I wanted a bit more bite in the mousse, and it works well!

Step 2: Prep the Cucumbers

Choose Telegraph or English cucumbers for thin skins and few seeds. Slice them into rounds about ¼-inch thick. If you’re using standard cucumbers, peel and scoop out the seeds first to avoid sogginess. Lay the slices on a paper towel and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture—this keeps your canapés from turning watery, which I learned the hard way at my first party!

Step 3: Assemble Your Canapés

Spoon or pipe a dollop of the smoked salmon mousse onto each cucumber slice. Smooth the mousse gently or create little peaks with the back of a teaspoon for a prettier presentation. Top with small dill sprigs or a tiny lemon slice for an elegant touch. This step is where you can get creative—sometimes I also sprinkle a few capers or a crack of fresh black pepper on top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pop the trays in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the mousse firm up slightly. I like to keep them chilled until guests arrive, then serve immediately to preserve the crispness of the cucumber. Easy, beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser!

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapés Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple but fresh—extra dill sprigs and thin lemon slices add a pretty visual and enhance flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few capers or even a few crushed pink peppercorns for subtle spice. The delicate garnish never overwhelms the mousse but makes each bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This canapé pairs beautifully with crisp white wines or a light sparkling rosé. If I’m serving more, I like to add a colorful vegetable crudité platter or simple bruschetta alongside to keep things fresh and varied.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these canapés on large wooden boards sprinkled with fresh dill and lemon zest for a rustic, inviting look. Another fun idea is to use small cocktail glasses filled with additional mousse for dipping alongside the cucumber slices—a hit at holiday parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the mousse separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep cucumbers fresh by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain crispness.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe since cucumbers will become watery and mushy, and the mousse texture may change after thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Since this is a cold canapé, there’s no reheating needed! Just take the mousse out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving for a perfect spreadable consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Salmon Cucumber Canapés Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to wow me and my guests. It feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, and that fresh pop of cucumber keeps it light and refreshing. Whether it’s a last-minute get-together or you’re preparing for a special holiday, these canapés will steal the show—just like they have in my kitchen countless times. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly they disappear—you’ll be adding it to your appetizer favorites in no time!

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