Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are an elegant and easy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining creamy cheese, fresh cucumber, and savory smoked salmon, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress your guests.
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
- Step 1: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface.
- Step 2: Arrange the smoked salmon slices in an overlapping pattern to form a rectangle about 6 inches wide by 12 inches long, with one of the longer sides facing you.
- Step 3: Gently spread the cream cheese evenly over the salmon, being careful not to move the salmon slices. Place the cucumber matchsticks along one long edge about 1/2 inch from the edge.
- Step 4: Using the plastic wrap to help, roll the salmon tightly around the cucumber sticks. Refrigerate the roll for at least 30 minutes until firm.
- Step 5: With a sharp knife, slice the roll into sixteen 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the pinwheels with red onion and capers. Serve with thin lemon slices on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add fresh dill or chives to the cream cheese before spreading.
- Swap cucumber for thinly sliced avocado for a creamy twist.
- Use a non-fat or regular cream cheese if you prefer richer texture.
- Ensure the salmon is very cold for easier rolling and slicing.
Storage
Store the pinwheels covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For best texture, slice just before serving. Leftovers may lose some freshness and the cucumber can soften over time. To reheat is not recommended—serve cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and roll them up to a day in advance. Keep them tightly wrapped and refrigerated until ready to slice and serve.
What can I substitute if I don’t have capers?
If you don’t have capers, finely chopped green olives or a sprinkle of finely chopped pickles can provide a similar tangy, briny flavor.
PrintSmoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Delightful smoked salmon pinwheels combine thinly sliced cold smoked salmon with creamy reduced-fat cream cheese, crisp cucumber matchsticks, tangy capers, and sharp red onion. Rolled tightly and chilled, these elegant appetizers are perfect for entertaining or a light snack, offering a fresh and savory flavor with a zesty lemon finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Pinwheel Ingredients
- 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
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the workspace: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean work surface to prevent sticking and to help roll the pinwheels tightly.
- Arrange the salmon: Place the slices of smoked salmon overlapping each other to form a rectangle approximately 6 inches wide by 12 inches long, with the longer side closest to you.
- Spread the cream cheese: Using a spatula or knife, gently spread the reduced-fat cream cheese evenly over the salmon slices, being careful not to shift or dislodge them.
- Add cucumber: Lay the cucumber matchsticks along one of the longer edges of the salmon and cream cheese rectangle, about 1/2 inch from the edge.
- Roll the pinwheels: Using the plastic wrap to help, carefully roll the salmon tightly around the cucumber sticks to form a compact roll. Wrap tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the roll: After chilling, unwrap the roll and using a sharp knife, cut it into 16 pinwheels approximately 1/2 inch thick each.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the pinwheels with finely chopped red onion and drained capers. Serve with thin lemon slices to add a bright citrus flavor.
Notes
- Use a very sharp knife to ensure clean slices without squashing the roll.
- Chilling the roll helps it firm up so the pinwheels hold their shape when sliced.
- Nova Lox is preferred for its smoky flavor and tender texture, but other smoked salmon varieties will work as well.
- For added freshness, you can drizzle a little lemon juice just before serving.
- These pinwheels are best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours wrapped tightly in plastic.
Keywords: smoked salmon, pinwheels, appetizer, cream cheese, cucumber, capers, red onion, no-cook, party food, light snack
