Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are a delightful and elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining or a light snack. These bite-sized rolls combine the rich flavor of smoked salmon with creamy cheese and fresh cucumber for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces thinly sliced cold smoked salmon (such as Nova Lox)
• 4 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese
• 1/4 medium cucumber, cut into matchsticks
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/2 lemon, sliced thin

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface.
2. Step 2: Arrange the slices of smoked salmon in an overlapping pattern to form a rectangle about 6 inches wide and 12 inches long, with one of the long edges facing you.
3. Step 3: Spread the cream cheese gently and evenly over the salmon, taking care not to shift the slices. Place the cucumber matchsticks along one long side of the rectangle, about 1/2 inch from the edge.
4. Step 4: Use the plastic wrap to help you roll the salmon tightly around the cucumber. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the plastic wrap and, with a sharp knife, cut the roll into sixteen 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
6. Step 6: Arrange the pinwheels on a serving plate, sprinkle with red onion and capers, and garnish with lemon slices before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives inside before rolling.
• Swap cucumber for thinly sliced avocado for a creamier texture.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer taste if preferred.
• Make pinwheels ahead of time and keep refrigerated until serving to enhance flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled, and if desired, let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving but avoid storing at room temperature for extended periods.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of smoked fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute smoked trout or smoked whitefish for a different but equally delicious result.

How long can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

You can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld well.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe

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5 from 102 reviews

Delightful Smoked Salmon Pinwheels featuring thinly sliced cold smoked salmon rolled with creamy reduced-fat cream cheese, crisp cucumber matchsticks, tangy capers, and finely chopped red onion, served with fresh lemon slices. Perfect as an elegant appetizer or light snack.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 pinwheel slices 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Roll

• 8 ounces thinly sliced cold smoked salmon (Nova Lox recommended)
• 4 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese
• 1/4 medium cucumber, cut into matchsticks

Toppings and Garnish

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/2 lemon, sliced thin

Instructions

1. Prepare the work surface: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap flat on your work surface to prevent sticking and aid in rolling.
2. Arrange the salmon: Place the slices of smoked salmon overlapping one another to form a rectangle approximately 6 inches wide and 12 inches long, with the longest side facing you.
3. Spread cream cheese: Gently spread the 1/3 less fat cream cheese evenly over the salmon rectangle, being careful not to disturb the salmon slices.
4. Add cucumber: Arrange the cucumber matchsticks along one of the long edges about half an inch from the edge to create the filling center.
5. Roll tightly: Using the plastic wrap, carefully roll the salmon around the cucumber sticks, rolling tightly to form a compact log. Wrap fully in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
6. Slice pinwheels: Remove from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 16 pinwheel slices approximately 1/2 inch thick each for perfect bite-size pieces.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the pinwheels with finely chopped red onion and drained capers. Arrange on a serving dish and add thin slices of lemon on the side for an optional fresh citrus squeeze.

Notes

• Use a very sharp knife to ensure clean pinwheel slices without squashing the roll.
• Chilling the roll before slicing is crucial to maintain shape and easy cutting.
• Substitute traditional cream cheese for a dairy-free equivalent to make a vegan-friendly version.
• For extra flavor, you can add fresh dill or chives inside the roll along with the cucumber.
• These can be prepared several hours ahead and kept refrigerated, making them ideal for entertaining.

Keywords: smoked salmon, appetizer, pinwheels, cream cheese, cucumber, capers, red onion, easy recipe, no cook