If you are searching for a festive and fresh appetizer that perfectly balances flavors and textures, look no further than this Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe. This dish combines the silky smoothness of whipped cream cheese with the rich, smoky taste of salmon, brightened by zesty lemon and crunchy vegetables. Every bite is a celebration of spring’s vibrant colors and lively flavors, making it a show-stopping addition to your Easter spread or any special occasion where you want to impress but not stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing its own unique touch to the roll ups. From the smoky salmon to the fresh crunch of cucumber, every component works together to create a harmonious bite that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.
- Everything bagel spice blend, 2 tbsp: This seasoning adds a savory crunch and aromatic flair that kickstarts the flavor profile.
- Smoked salmon, 1 lb, sliced: The star of the dish—rich, tender, and full of smoky goodness.
- Whipped cream cheese, ¾ cup, softened: Adds a luscious, creamy base that balances the smokiness.
- Green onions, 2 sliced: Provide a fresh, mild bite and subtle color contrast.
- Lemon zest, 2 tsp, freshly zested: Brings a bright citrus note that lifts the entire roll up.
- Avocado, 1 medium, sliced: Creamy and smooth, it adds buttery richness and richness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Perfect for a salty, umami dip that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Jalapeño, 1 medium, sliced: Adds a lively, slightly spicy kick to each bite.
- Cucumber, 1 small, cut into matchsticks: Offers refreshing crunch and crisp texture to balance the softness.
How to Make Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by laying out a large sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly over the plastic wrap. This step creates a flavorful bed that will coat the outside of the roll ups, adding that irresistible crunch and savory punch.
Step 2: Layer the Salmon
Arrange the smoked salmon slices on top of the seasoned plastic wrap. Overlap them slightly to form a neat rectangle. This overlapping ensures your roll ups stay intact and every slice carries the salmon’s smoky goodness.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the whipped cream cheese, sliced green onions, and freshly grated lemon zest. This combination creates a smooth, tangy spread that perfectly complements the smoked salmon without overpowering it.
Step 4: Spread the Cream Cheese
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the salmon layer. Be generous but careful to keep the spread smooth, as this layer adds lusciousness and flavor to every bite.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Veggies and Avocado
Line up the avocado slices and cucumber matchsticks about two inches from the bottom edge of the salmon rectangle. These fresh, crisp ingredients bring essential texture contrasts, balancing the softness of the salmon and cream cheese.
Step 6: Roll it Up
With the help of the plastic wrap, carefully roll the salmon tightly from the bottom edge, encasing the avocado and cucumber inside. You want a snug log that holds its shape but isn’t too tight to squash the ingredients.
Step 7: Slice into Roll Ups
Once rolled, slice the log into approximately ¾-inch pieces. These bite-sized roll ups are perfect for snacking and sharing, making them incredibly easy to serve at gatherings.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Top each piece with a thin slice of jalapeño to add a little heat and vibrant color. Serve your roll ups on a platter alongside low-sodium soy sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavors with a salty umami touch.
How to Serve Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like jalapeño slices adds not just a pop of color but also a gentle spicy kick that wakes up the palate. For extra flair, sprinkle a few extra everything bagel spices or finely chopped fresh herbs such as dill or chives, which work beautifully with smoked salmon.
Side Dishes
These roll ups pair wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Consider serving alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a classic asparagus dish that celebrates spring’s bounty. Light crackers or thinly sliced rustic bread also complement the texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the roll ups in a circle on a decorative platter to make a festive centerpiece. Alternatively, place them atop endive leaves for elegant, individual servings. Adding small bowls of soy sauce, lemon wedges, and extra jalapeño slices invites guests to customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining the freshness of the salmon and cream cheese. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the delicate texture of smoked salmon and creamy avocado can become mushy or lose their flavor after thawing. For the best taste and texture, enjoy these roll ups fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature to preserve the freshness of the ingredients. Avoid reheating, as it will alter the texture and flavor, especially of the smoked salmon and cream cheese.
FAQs
Can I substitute the smoked salmon with another type of fish?
While smoked salmon is ideal for its flavor and texture, smoked trout or even thinly sliced cooked salmon could work. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly, but the creamy, fresh elements will still shine.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
Yes! You can use a dairy-free cream cheese option made from cashews, almonds, or coconut. These alternatives also blend well with the lemon zest and green onions to give a similar creamy texture and tang.
How spicy are these roll ups with the jalapeño?
The jalapeño adds a mild to moderate heat depending on how thick the slices are. If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds or omit the jalapeño altogether and try a milder pepper or just a fresh herb garnish.
Can I prepare these roll ups ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the roll ups a few hours before your event and keep them refrigerated covered in plastic wrap. Just add the jalapeño garnish and soy sauce dipping right before serving for the freshest presentation.
What is the best way to eat these roll ups?
The best way is to scoop them up with a pair of chopsticks or a small fork, dip lightly into the soy sauce, and enjoy the balanced layers of creamy, smoky, fresh, and spicy flavors all in one bite.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe—it’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just treating yourself to a bright, tasty snack, these roll ups are sure to become a favorite. Give them a try for your next celebration and watch them disappear fast! Your guests will thank you for the delicious, colorful bite of spring on a plate.
Print
Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
These Easter Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll Ups are a fresh, flavorful appetizer featuring smoky salmon layered with tangy cream cheese, green onions, and lemon zest, complemented by creamy avocado and crunchy cucumber. Finished with a spicy jalapeño kick and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, they are perfect for festive gatherings or light snacks.
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp everything bagel spice blend
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked salmon, sliced
- 3/4 cup whipped cream cheese, softened
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tsp lemon zest, freshly zested
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks
- 1 medium jalapeño, sliced
- low-sodium soy sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on a clean surface and evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning over the plastic wrap, creating a flavorful layer to season the salmon roll.
- Arrange the salmon: Place 1 pound of smoked salmon slices on top of the seasoned plastic wrap, overlapping the slices to form a rectangular shape that will serve as the wrapper for the filling.
- Mix the cream cheese filling: In a bowl, combine ¾ cup softened whipped cream cheese with the sliced green onions and freshly zested lemon zest. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and evenly blended, providing a zesty, creamy filling.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the smoked salmon rectangle, ensuring full coverage to enhance the roll’s flavor and texture.
- Add avocado and cucumber: Line up the sliced avocado and cucumber sticks about 2 inches from the bottom edge of the salmon layer to create a fresh, creamy, and crunchy contrast inside the roll.
- Roll the salmon log: Using the plastic wrap to assist, carefully roll the salmon layer into a tight log starting from the edge with the avocado and cucumber, ensuring the roll stays compact and the filling is enclosed.
- Slice the roll: Remove the plastic wrap from the rolled log and slice it into ¾-inch thick pieces to create individual bite-sized roll ups, perfect for serving.
- Garnish and serve: Top each roll-up piece with a slice of jalapeño for a spicy kick and arrange them on a serving plate. Serve with low-sodium soy sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use plastic wrap to ensure a tight, uniform roll without tearing the salmon.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity based on spice preference or omit for a milder version.
- These roll ups are best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 4 hours before serving.
- Substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- To make prep easier, slice avocado and cucumber uniformly to ensure consistent texture in each roll.
