Cucumber Canapés topped with smoked salmon mousse served on a platter

Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse are a beautiful and delicious appetizer perfect for any gathering. They are light, fresh, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy smoked salmon mousse and crunchy cucumbers makes them a delightful treat for your guests. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy your time with friends and family.

How to Make Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse

Ingredients:

  • 150g / 5 oz smoked salmon (Note 1)
  • 150g / 5 oz cream cheese, softened (I use Philadelphia, Note 2)
  • 2 tbsp / 30g sour cream
  • 2 tbsp / 40g mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped (sub chives)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp salt and pepper, each (Note 3)
  • 3 long cucumbers (Telegraph / English) or 6 standard cucumbers (Note 4)
  • Extra dill sprigs
  • Lemon slices, for serving

Directions:

Salmon Mousse:

  1. In a food processor, combine smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth.
  2. Add the chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend again until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator while you prepare the cucumbers.

Cucumbers:

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. If using long cucumbers, cut them into 1/2 inch thick slices. If using standard cucumbers, slice them into rounds.

Assemble:

  1. Take the chilled salmon mousse out of the refrigerator.
  2. Use a piping bag or a spoon to dollop salmon mousse onto each cucumber slice.
  3. Garnish with extra dill sprigs for decoration.

How to Serve Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse

These canapés look amazing served on a platter with lemon slices and extra dill sprigs for garnish. They are best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve. Encourage guests to pick them up and enjoy them as finger food!

How to Store Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the cucumbers may become soggy if left too long, so it’s best to eat them within a day. The salmon mousse on its own can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, but it’s recommended to serve it fresh on the cucumbers for the best taste and texture.

Tips to Make Cucumber Canapés with Smoked Salmon Mousse

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop everything by hand and mix it in a bowl.
  • Feel free to swap the dill for chives or other herbs you like.
  • For even more flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the salmon mousse.

Variation

You can make these canapés with different toppings, such as crab meat or a blend of different fish. You can also replace cucumbers with crackers or tortilla chips for a fun twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make the salmon mousse ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mousse a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the canapés right before serving.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.

3. What can I substitute for smoked salmon?
You can use cooked shrimp or crab meat as a substitute for smoked salmon. Just adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.