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cold_biteEasyScandinavian-American

Cucumber Cups with Smoked Salmon Mousse

Refreshing cucumber rounds filled with light smoked salmon mousse and dill

⏱️ Prep: 30min0⏰ Total: 30min👥 Serves: 24🌡️ cold
✓ gluten-free✓ keto✓ low-carb
⚠️ Contains: 🐟 Fish, 🥛 Dairy

Ingredients

  • 3English cucumbers
  • 8 ozcream cheese(softened)
  • 4 ozsmoked salmon(finely chopped)
  • 2 tbspfresh dill(minced, plus fronds for garnish)
  • 1 tbsplemon juice
  • 1 tsplemon zest
  • 2 tbspcapers(chopped)
  • everything bagel seasoning(optional garnish)

📝 Make Ahead

Make mousse up to 24 hours ahead. Cut and hollow cucumbers up to 4 hours ahead. Fill just before serving.

Instructions

  1. Cut cucumbers into 1.5-inch thick rounds
  2. Use melon baller to scoop out center, creating cup (leave bottom intact)
  3. Lightly salt cups and drain upside down 10 minutes
  4. Beat cream cheese until fluffy
  5. Fold in chopped salmon, dill, lemon juice, zest, and capers
  6. Season with pepper (salmon adds salt)
  7. Pat cucumber cups dry
  8. Pipe or spoon mousse into cups
  9. Garnish with dill fronds
  10. Optional: sprinkle with everything seasoning

💡 Pro Tips

English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin - no need to peel. Salting and draining prevents watery cups. Keep filled cups refrigerated until serving.

📜 History

This light appetizer combines Scandinavian flavors (salmon, dill, cream cheese) in a modern, low-carb presentation. It became popular in the health-conscious 2000s as a fresh alternative to crackers.

🍸 Pairs Well With

Also pairs well with:

vodkaginchampagnewhite-wine