Description
These elegant Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse are a perfect light and refreshing appetizer, combining creamy smoked salmon mousse seasoned with fresh dill, garlic, and lemon zest, served atop crisp cucumber slices. Ideal for parties and gatherings, this no-cook recipe is quick to prepare and visually stunning.
Ingredients
Scale
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 black pepper
To Serve
- 3 long Telegraph / English cucumbers (or 6 standard cucumbers)
- Extra dill sprigs
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Mousse: In a food processor or blender, combine the smoked salmon, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Slice the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers into thin, even rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help the mousse adhere better.
- Assemble the Canapés: Using a small spoon or piping bag, carefully spread or pipe a dollop of the smoked salmon mousse onto each cucumber slice. Garnish each canapé with a small sprig of fresh dill and a thin lemon slice if desired. Arrange on a serving platter and keep chilled until ready to serve.
Notes
- Note 1: Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
- Note 2: For best texture, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature.
- Note 3: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, but remember the smoked salmon can be slightly salty.
- Note 4: If using standard cucumbers, peel them if the skin is thick or waxed; Telegraph cucumbers have thinner skin and usually don’t require peeling.