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Scandinavian-American

Cucumber Cups with Smoked Salmon Mousse

Refreshing cucumber rounds filled with light smoked salmon mousse and dill

cold_biteEasyScandinavian-American
Prep30 min0Total30 minServes24Tempcold
✓ gluten-free✓ keto✓ low-carb
⚠ Contains: 🐟 Fish, 🥛 Dairy
Recipe
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. 1Cut cucumbers into 1.5-inch thick rounds
  2. 2Use melon baller to scoop out center, creating cup (leave bottom intact)
  3. 3Lightly salt cups and drain upside down 10 minutes
  4. 4Beat cream cheese until fluffy
  5. 5Fold in chopped salmon, dill, lemon juice, zest, and capers
  6. 6Season with pepper (salmon adds salt)
  7. 7Pat cucumber cups dry
  8. 8Pipe or spoon mousse into cups
  9. 9Garnish with dill fronds
  10. 10Optional: sprinkle with everything seasoning
Notes
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 & Origin

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.

Cocktail Pairings
Pairs Well With
vodkaginchampagnewhite-wine
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Scandinavian-American◆Easy