Table of Contents
Keto Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
These Keto Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are the ultimate low-carb appetizer or snack. They deliver all the classic flavors of a lox bagel—savory smoked salmon, creamy cheese, fresh dill, and zesty lemon—but swap the carb-heavy bagel for a crisp, refreshing cucumber slice.
Perfect for parties, meal prep, or a light lunch, these bites are elegant enough for guests but easy enough to whip up in 10 minutes. They are naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and can easily be made dairy-free. The combination of the cool crunch of cucumber with the rich, smoky fish and tangy cream cheese is simply addictive.
Let’s make a batch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 10-Minute Prep: No cooking required—just slice, mix, and assemble.
- Keto & Low-Carb: At roughly 1-2g net carbs per serving, these fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
- Crowd-Pleaser: They look fancy on a platter and are easy finger food for any gathering.
- Fresh & Light: The cucumber base makes these much lighter and more hydrating than cracker-based appetizers.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different herbs, spices, or dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Cucumber:
Wash the cucumber. You can peel it entirely, leave the skin on, or peel strips for a decorative striped look. Slice into uniform rounds, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
Crucial Step: Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel. This prevents the cream cheese from sliding off and keeps the bites from getting soggy.
Make the Herbed Cream Cheese:
In a small bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with the lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assemble:
Spread or pipe about 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each cucumber round.
Top with Salmon:
Cut the smoked salmon into small strips or bite-sized pieces. Fold or roll a piece of salmon and place it gently on top of the cream cheese.
Garnish & Serve:
Top with a tiny sprig of fresh dill, a few capers, or a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Tips for Success
- Avoid the “Sog”: Cucumbers release water over time. To keep them crisp longer, salt the cucumber slices lightly and let them sit on a paper towel for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry before assembling.
- Cream Cheese Texture: If your cream cheese is too stiff, add a teaspoon of heavy cream or sour cream to make it fluffier and easier to pipe.
- Fancy Presentation: Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe the cream cheese onto the cucumber for a bakery-style look.
- Cold Ingredients: Keep the salmon and cucumber cold until just before assembling to ensure the bites are refreshing.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free almond-based cream cheese or a thick cashew cheese spread. Avocado slices are also a creamy, healthy fat alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Avocado Roll-Ups: Instead of rounds, use a vegetable peeler to make long cucumber ribbons. Spread the filling on the ribbon and roll it up with the salmon inside.
- Different Cheese: Boursin (garlic and herb cheese) or goat cheese makes a fantastic tangy substitute for plain cream cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Values are estimates per bite (based on 20 bites).
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~35–45 |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Total Carbs | 1g |
| Net Carbs | <1g |
| Protein | 2g |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Watery Cucumbers: Regular garden cucumbers often have large, watery seeds. If you can’t find English cucumbers, scoop out the seeds of a regular cucumber before slicing to prevent a watery mess.
- Over-Salting: Smoked salmon and capers are salt bombs. Taste your cream cheese mixture before adding extra salt.
- Assembling Too Early: If you make these 4 hours ahead, the cucumber water will seep into the cheese. Assemble them no more than 1–2 hours before serving, or prep ingredients separately and assemble last minute.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prep the components (slice cucumbers, mix cheese) a day in advance. However, assemble them no more than an hour before serving for the best texture.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The cucumbers will soften significantly by the next day, so they are best eaten fresh.
Q: Is smoked salmon safe to eat raw?
A: Cold-smoked salmon is cured and safe to eat without cooking, but always buy from a reputable source. Pregnant women are often advised to avoid cold-smoked fish unless heated.
Conclusion
Keto Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. They offer a sophisticated flavor profile with minimal effort and zero guilt. Whether you are strictly keto or just love a good snack, these fresh, crunchy bites are sure to become a regular in your rotation.
If you loved this low-carb appetizer, try my Cottage Cheese Pineapple Granola Bowl next!
Keto Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Delight in the exquisite combination of savory smoked salmon and crisp cucumber in these Keto Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites. Perfect as a light snack or elegant appetizer, these bites are a celebration of freshness and flavor.
Ingredients
- Smoked salmon slices
- Thinly sliced cucumber rounds
- Cream cheese
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions
- Begin by laying out the thinly sliced cucumber rounds on a clean surface.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each cucumber round, ensuring it covers the surface evenly.
- Place a small piece of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese layer on each cucumber round.
- Garnish the bites with fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Serve the Keto Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites on a platter and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes.
