The Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe is an absolute showstopper for any gathering, blending fresh, crisp cucumber rounds with a silky, flavorful smoked salmon mousse. This bite-sized delight perfectly balances the creamy tang of cream cheese and sour cream with the smoky richness of salmon and bright hints of lemon and dill. Whether you’re hosting a fancy cocktail party or simply craving a light, elegant appetizer, this recipe will quickly become your go-to treat that impresses guests and delights palates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to creating these delightful cucumber canapés. Each component plays an essential role: the smoked salmon gives that luscious smokiness, while the fresh dill and lemon add brightness, and the cucumbers provide the perfect crisp base to hold it all together.
- 150g smoked salmon: Choose high-quality smoked salmon for that rich and distinctive flavor.
- 150g cream cheese (softened): Creamy Philadelphia style works beautifully for smooth texture and taste.
- 2 tbsp sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and lightness to the mousse.
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise: Helps bind the mousse and gives it a silky finish.
- 1/3 cup fresh dill (roughly chopped): Offers a fresh, herbaceous note—chives can be a lovely substitute.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Just a hint for depth, not overpowering.
- 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Brings a bright citrus aroma that lifts the whole dish.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a refreshing tartness balancing the creamy mousse.
- 1/4 tsp salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all flavors.
- 3 long cucumbers (Telegraph or English): Their thin skins and crisp texture make them perfect for bite-sized rounds; you can substitute with 6 standard cucumbers if needed.
- Extra dill sprigs: For garnish to add a pop of green and freshness.
- Lemon slices: Serve alongside to add a zesty touch if desired.
How to Make Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Salmon Mousse
Start by finely chopping the smoked salmon before transferring it to a mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise, then mix everything together until smooth and creamy. The goal here is to create a mousse that’s silky and spreadable, bursting with that distinctive salmon taste. Next, fold in the minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This step infuses the mixture with herbal and citrusy brightness, perfectly balancing the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers
While the mousse is chilling or resting, wash your cucumbers thoroughly. Then slice them into thin, even rounds—roughly 1/4 inch thick. The cucumber rounds should be firm and crisp but not so thick that they overshadow the mousse. A fresh, cool cucumber slice acts as the perfect vehicle for the creamy salmon topping, creating a delightful contrast between crisp and smooth textures in every bite.
Step 3: Assemble the Canapés
Lay out the cucumber slices on a serving platter. Using a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a star tip, dollop or pipe the smoked salmon mousse right onto each cucumber round. Be generous but neat—we want each bite to have a luscious mousse peak that’s as pretty as it is delicious. To finish, top each canapé with a tiny dill sprig or a very small lemon slice for added color and fragrance. These little details make your presentation irresistible and restaurant-worthy!
How to Serve Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few delicate garnishes can elevate these cucumber canapés to true culinary art. Fresh dill sprigs add a dash of green and herbal aroma, while thin lemon slices or a tiny lemon zest curl gives a sunny citrus pop that catches the eye and palate alike. You might also consider a sprinkle of finely cracked black pepper or a few capers on top for an exciting burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
These canapés naturally shine on their own as elegant starters or finger food, but pairing them with light sides elevates the experience. A fresh garden salad, a crisp white wine, or delicate cheese platters complement the creamy and smoky flavors beautifully. For something heartier, a chilled potato salad or a simple glass of sparkling water with lemon would round out your spread nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation sets the tone—try arranging the cucumber canapés on a large wooden board scattered with edible flowers or fresh herbs to create a rustic, inviting look. Using a tiered serving tray adds a touch of sophistication and allows guests to grab bites easily. For an unexpected twist, serve some canapés in individual mini martini glasses or on handcrafted ceramic spoons for a modern, stylish flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they might not last long), store the canapés in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to separate the mousse and cucumber slices to keep the cucumbers from becoming soggy. Keep any assembled canapés covered tightly with plastic wrap and consume within 24 hours for the freshest taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing cucumber canapés with smoked salmon mousse is not recommended. Cucumbers lose their crispness when frozen and thawed, becoming watery and mushy, and the mousse’s creamy texture can also suffer. For the best experience, it’s ideal to prepare the mousse ahead and freeze it in a sealed container, then freshly slice cucumbers at serving time.
Reheating
Since this recipe is served cold and benefits from a fresh, crisp texture, reheating is unnecessary and would compromise quality. Simply keep your ingredients chilled until ready to serve, and your canapés will be as perfect as when you first made them.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh dill with another herb?
Absolutely! Chives or fresh parsley are excellent alternatives that bring their own unique flavor profiles while preserving the fresh herbal notes that complement the smoked salmon mousse.
How long does the smoked salmon mousse stay fresh?
The mousse keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to give it a good stir before using as the ingredients may settle and thicken slightly.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Telegraph or English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use standard cucumbers if that’s what’s available. Just peel them and remove the seeds if they are very watery to avoid soggy canapés. Slightly thicker slices may be needed for sturdiness.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely! All the ingredients in the Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making them a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make these canapés vegan or vegetarian?
While this recipe highlights smoked salmon mousse, you can adapt it by replacing the salmon with smoked carrot or beetroot for a vegetarian version, and use vegan cream cheese and mayo alternatives for a vegan-friendly canapé that still delivers punchy flavor and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe is one of those joyous bites that never fails to impress. It’s refreshingly light yet indulgently creamy, simple yet sophisticated. I genuinely encourage you to try making these for your next gathering or cozy night in — you might just find it becoming your favorite go-to appetizer for all occasions!
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Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 40 to 45 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse are a light and elegant appetizer perfect for entertaining. Creamy smoked salmon mousse sits atop crisp cucumber slices, garnished with fresh dill and a touch of lemon for a refreshing bite that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
Ingredients
Smoked Salmon Mousse
- 150g / 5 oz smoked salmon
- 150g / 5 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia recommended)
- 2 tbsp / 30g sour cream
- 2 tbsp / 40g mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped (or substitute chives)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Canapé Assembly
- 3 long cucumbers (Telegraph / English) or 6 standard cucumbers
- Extra dill sprigs, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Salmon Mousse: In a food processor, combine smoked salmon, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides if necessary.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch thick rounds to create the canapé base. Pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Assemble the Canapés: Using a small spoon or piping bag, dollop or pipe the smoked salmon mousse generously onto each cucumber slice. Garnish each canapé with a sprig of fresh dill and a small wedge or twist of lemon slice for a touch of brightness. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Note 1: Use good quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
- Note 2: Softened cream cheese blends more easily and creates a smoother mousse.
- Note 3: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the smoked salmon.
- Note 4: Telegraph or English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skins, making them ideal for canapés. Standard cucumbers can be used if peeled and seeded.
