If you’re looking for a light, elegant appetizer that’s fast to assemble and ideal for keto or low-carb diets, cucumber and smoked salmon roll-ups are a perfect choice. Fresh cucumber ribbons wrapped around creamy, savory smoked salmon make a visually appealing bite with bright flavor and satisfying texture. This recipe is great for parties, brunch, or as an easy make-ahead snack.
Ingredients (makes about 8 roll-ups / 4 servings — 2 roll-ups per serving)
- 1 large English cucumber (about 300 g)
- 4 oz (113 g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 4 oz (113 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Optional garnish: extra dill sprigs, thin lemon slices
Step-by-step directions
- Slice the cucumber: Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice the cucumber lengthwise into long, thin ribbons about 1/16–1/8 inch thick. Pat ribbons dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, chopped dill, and chopped capers (if using). Season lightly with black pepper; add a pinch of salt only if needed (smoked salmon can be salty).
- Assemble roll-ups: Lay a cucumber ribbon flat. Spread a thin layer (about 1 tablespoon) of the cream cheese mixture along the center of the ribbon. Place a strip of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. Gently roll the cucumber from one end to the other to form a spiral. Repeat with remaining ribbons and fillings.
- Plate and garnish: Arrange roll-ups on a platter and garnish with extra dill and thin lemon slices if desired. Chill briefly if making ahead, then serve.
Tips and variations
- For dairy-free: substitute whipped avocado or a cashew-based spread for cream cheese. This will change macros and may add more carbs depending on the ingredient.
- Herb variations: swap dill for chives, tarragon, or a small amount of minced shallot for different flavor profiles.
- Make ahead: Prepare and store covered in the refrigerator up to 6–8 hours. Wait to slice or garnish until just before serving.
- Presentation: Secure roll-ups with a toothpick or edible flower for parties.
Nutritional information (approximate)
Nutrition estimates are for the full recipe (about 8 roll-ups) and per serving (2 roll-ups). Values are approximate and will vary with brand and exact ingredient amounts.
Full recipe (approximate totals)
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Total fat: 44 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Total carbohydrates: 17.1 g
- Dietary fiber: 1.8 g
- Sugar alcohols: 0 g
- Net carbs: 15.3 g
Per serving (2 roll-ups)
- Calories: ~142 kcal
- Total fat: ~11.0 g
- Protein: ~7.5 g
- Total carbohydrates: ~4.3 g
- Dietary fiber: ~0.5 g
- Sugar alcohols: 0 g
- Net carbs: ~3.8 g
Per roll-up (single piece)
- Calories: ~71 kcal
- Total carbohydrates: ~2.1 g
- Dietary fiber: ~0.2 g
- Net carbs: ~1.9 g
Why these cucumber and smoked salmon roll-ups are keto-friendly
- Low net carbs: At roughly 3.8 g net carbs per serving (2 roll-ups), this appetizer fits well into most low-carb and ketogenic targets.
- High in healthy fats and protein: The full-fat cream cheese and smoked salmon supply satisfying fats and protein to keep you full between meals.
- Minimal sugar alcohols: This recipe contains no sugar alcohols (unless you add a sweetened ingredient), so net carbs are simply carbs minus fiber.
Serving suggestions
- Pair with a crisp dry white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a light vinaigrette salad.
- Serve alongside olives, cheese skewers, or deviled eggs for a keto-friendly appetizer spread.
Final note
Cucumber and smoked salmon roll-ups are a quick, elegant, and refreshing option for entertaining or everyday snacking. They’re visually attractive, customizable, and—best of all—very low in net carbs, making them a smart choice for keto and low-carb eaters. If you’d like, I can scale this recipe for a larger party or provide a dairy-free nutritional breakdown.
