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Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 775 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Slice the roll: After chilling, unwrap the roll and using a sharp knife, cut it into 16 pinwheels approximately 1/2 inch thick each.
  7. 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

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/smoked-salmon-pinwheels-recipe/