The holiday season is a busy time of year, but this easy appetizer recipe for Smoked Salmon Cucumber Medallions is anything but stressful! Just four ingredients creates an elegant, keto-friendly finger food that is the perfect snack to bring to parties or to enjoy at home.
Cucumber slices are topped with seasoned cream cheese and smoked salmon, then garnished with tiny sprigs of dill. These pretty little bites of yum can be ready in less than half an hour, from fridge to table. Be sure to pin this recipe because you’ll want to come back to it again!
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What are Smoked Salmon Cucumber Medallions?
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Medallions are a cold finger food that can be served as a snack, and appetizer, or as a refreshing side bite. They are wonderfully refreshing and are an elegant option for holiday parties or other formal occasions.
This appetizer travels well, but it is easy enough to assemble once you arrive if you have access to a small prep space. It is no-cook and uses only four ingredients, making it super easy and quick to put together.
Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks?
- Looking for smoked salmon? Check your grocer’s fish cooler area. Typically smoked salmon is cut thin and flat, and comes on a cardboard tray with clear overwrap. I have also small, margarine-sized tubs in stores that package their own smoked salmon.
- If you can’t find chive and onion cream cheese, you have a couple of options. You can mix your own, using finely chopped chives and onion (or onion powder), or you can use plain cream cheese. You could also choose another flavor if your grocer has a savory variety that would go well with salmon.
- No fresh dill? You can substitute dry dill or a dill seasoning blend. Just sprinkle it on top. You could also use green onion slices or bits of fresh chives for a different flavor.
- Chill the cucumber before slicing. This produces a more refreshing appetizer base.
- For a fancier medallion, try scoring your cucumber. Hold the cucumber upright in one hand. With the other, drag a fork down the length of the cucumber with a bit of pressure so the tines create lines all the way down. Rotate the cucumber and repeat. When you cut it into slices, you’ll have a striped pattern on the medallion edges. Click here to see a video demonstrating this process (go to :50 to get right to the scoring process)
- Before using the cream cheese, use a fork to stir it. This aerates the cream cheese, making it fluffy. Not only is it easier to work with, but it’s also prettier.
- Tear the salmon instead of cutting it. This is done purely for aesthetics. It is more visually appealing to see natural-looking bits of salmon on the cream cheese rather than individually cut pieces.
- Serve chilled. This appetizer is best if it is served immediately after it’s made. But if you’re making it ahead, be sure to cover the tray tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until just before serving.
Need More Easy Holiday Appetizer Ideas?
This recipe is one of five featured in my mini e-book 5 Easy Holiday Appetizers. Each recipe uses 4 ingredients or less and can be prepared easily, without any fuss. They’ve been gathered especially for the busy holiday season to make you job less stressful.
If you’d like to download a copy, just sign up to receive communications from Chicken Soup with Dumplings. You’ll receive our monthly newsletter and occasional notification of news or special events. Best of all, it’s absolutely free!
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Directions
- Slice cucumber into 1/4 inch slices.
- Place a dollop of cream cheese on each cucumber round.
- Press a bit of smoked salmon on each bit of cream cheese.
- Top each round with a sprig of fresh dill. Serve immediately or wrap tray with plastic wrap and chill until serving.
Looking For More Appetizer Recipes?
- You’ll love this 3 ingredient Vidalia Onion Hot Dip with bagel chips, bread cubes, or pita chips.
- If you have time to prep ahead, give this Addictive Asparagus recipe a try!
- For another light appetizer, try Easy Cucumber Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Medallions
Course: Appetizers and Snacks, Christmas Recipes, Cook, Keto-Friendly, Thanksgiving Recipes10
servings20
minutes40
minutes1
hour10
minutesCucumber slices are topped with seasoned cream cheese and smoked salmon, then garnished with tiny sprigs of dill.
Ingredients
1 cucumber
7.5 ounce container chive and onion cream cheese
4 ounces smoked salmon
Fresh dill
Directions
- Slice cucumber into 1/4 inch slices.
- Place a dollop of cream cheese on each cucumber round.
- Press a bit of smoked salmon on each bit of cream cheese.
- Top each round with a sprig of fresh dill. Serve immediately or wrap tray with plastic wrap and chill until serving.
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