Refreshing Cucumber Pinwheels Recipe
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Cucumber pinwheels with salmon and cream cheese are the perfect mix of easy and fancy without any stress. Cream cheese and salmon is a classic combo that always hits, but rolling it up into pinwheels somehow makes it even better. You only need 10 minutes to pull them together, and they look like you worked way harder than you did.
I’m always reaching for appetizers that feel special without taking over your whole day. My potato skins and creamy deviled eggs are longtime favorites, and as a salmon lover, I always make smoked salmon tartlets. Now, these smoked salmon and cream cheese cucumber pinwheels have a permanent spot too.
They’ve got that crunchy, creamy, smoky thing going on with just the right seasoning to bring it all together. They look gorgeous piled on a platter, but they’re easy enough for quick lunches, lunchbox treats, snacks, brunch spreads, picnics, and parties. Once you try them, you’ll be making them all year round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great for hosting: You can make these ahead of time, stash them in the fridge, and they’re good to go whenever guests show up.
- Easy to customize: Switch up the herbs, add some spice, or try a flavored cream cheese to match the vibe of whatever you’re hosting.
- Simple to serve: These little bites are perfect for grazing. No forks, no crumbs, no cleanup. Just grab and enjoy.
- Light but hits the spot
- Zero cooking involved
- Only 5 ingredients
How to Make Cucumber Pinwheels
A batch of cucumber pinwheels is a quick way to bring something fresh, light, and satisfying to the table. In just 10 minutes, simple ingredients come together for creamy, crunchy, smoky easy, flavorful bites that feel a little special without being fussy. Just assemble, chill until serving time, and you are good to go.
Scroll down to grab the printable recipe card with all the ingredients, measurements, and simple step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Cucumber: You can use any cucumber you have on hand, but English cucumbers work best. They have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a smooth, crisp bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Cream cheese: Stick with full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and smoothest texture. I usually grab Philadelphia, but any brand you like will work just fine.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a great savory kick that ties everything together. I like using Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel blend, but any good one will do.
- Dill
- Smoked salmon: Thinly sliced smoked salmon is perfect here because it adds flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making these cucumber pinwheels is as easy as it gets. Just follow the simple steps and you will have a no-fail appetizer ready to go.
Step 1: Prep the cucumber
Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips. Lay the first strip on a cutting board, then slightly overlap the next strip on top, continuing until you have a layered sheet.
If this sounds tricky, check the step-by-step photos above. Once you are done slicing, gently pat the cucumber strips dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Add the filling
Spread a layer of cream cheese over the cucumber sheet. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the cream cheese, then layer the smoked salmon on top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Step 3: Roll and slice
Starting at the end where you laid the last cucumber strip, gently fold it up about 1.5 to 2 inches. Keep rolling carefully until you have one long log. Slice into about 10 pieces to make individual pinwheels.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the pinwheels and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to come together.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Place on a serving platter, add a little extra dill on top if you like, and they are ready to enjoy.
Substitutions
Whether you’re out of an ingredient or just in the mood for something different, there are plenty of easy swaps that still taste amazing. Here are some simple ways to make this recipe work for you:
- Cucumber: Zucchini ribbons work well if you’re out of cucumbers. They’re a bit softer but still roll up easily and taste great.
- Cream cheese: Greek yogurt, goat cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone are all great options.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: Mix up a quick version with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Even plain garlic or onion powder will do in a pinch.
- Dill: If you don’t have fresh dill, try a little dried dill (just use less), or go with fresh chives or parsley for a milder flavor.
- Smoked salmon: Smoked trout, cooked shrimp, or crab meat make great stand-ins for salmon and still keep things flavorful.
Expert Tips
- Switch the protein: If seafood isn’t your thing, sliced turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, or even prosciutto all work great in these pinwheels.
- Store salmon properly: Keep smoked salmon tightly wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This helps maintain its soft texture and rich flavor.
- Slice cleanly: A sharp knife helps you get even, neat slices without squishing the cucumber, which makes your appetizers look extra polished.
- Add more flavor: Swap plain cream cheese for herbed cream cheese to add even more flavor. You can buy it ready-made or mix plain cream cheese with your favorite herbs and spices. You can also try spreads like spicy mayo, ranch, or even hummus for something different.
- Tweak the toppings: For a little extra flavor, add a few capers, some finely diced red onion, fresh lemon zest, or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top.
How to Store This Recipe
Cucumber pinwheels are at their best right after you make them. If you end up with leftovers, just pop them in a sealed container and refrigerate, they’ll hold up for about 2 days.
Planning ahead? Prep the cucumber with the cream cheese spread and chill that part first. Wait to add the salmon and toppings until just before serving so nothing gets soggy.
What to Serve with Cucumber Pinwheels
These salmon and cream cheese cucumber pinwheels make a light and refreshing starter, but they also fit right into a bigger meal. Pair them with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, a sweet and tangy carrot raisin salad, or a simple coleslaw for a balanced plate. Warm bread or a handful of crackers on the side adds the perfect bit of crunch.
They fit right into a brunch spread with dishes like breakfast sausage or a creamy quiche. You can also serve them as part of a party board alongside bacon-wrapped asparagus, basil tomato mozzarella skewers, garlic bread, and all your favorite finger foods.
More Appetizers To Try
Light and Creamy Cucumber Pinwheels Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole English cucumber
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 portion Everything Bagel Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dill fresh and chopped
- 4 ounces smoked salmon thinly sliced
Instructions
- Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to slice the cucumber lengthwise into thin strips. Lay the first strip on a cutting board, then slightly overlap the next strip on top, continuing until you have a layered sheet. If this sounds tricky, check the step-by-step photos above. Once you are done slicing, gently pat the cucumber strips dry with a paper towel.
- Spread a layer of cream cheese over the cucumber sheet. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over the cream cheese, then layer the smoked salmon on top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
- Starting at the end where you laid the last cucumber strip, gently fold it up about 1.5 to 2 inches. Keep rolling carefully until you have one long log. Slice into about 10 pieces to make individual pinwheels.
- Cover the pinwheels and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to come together.
- Place on a serving platter, add a little extra dill on top if you like, and they are ready to enjoy.
Notes
- If salmon isn’t your thing, sliced turkey, chicken, roast beef, ham, or even prosciutto all work great in these pinwheels.
- A sharp knife helps you get even, neat slices without squishing the cucumber, which makes your appetizers look extra polished.
- Swap plain cream cheese for herbed cream cheese to add even more flavor. You can buy it ready-made or mix plain cream cheese with your favorite herbs and spices.
- For a little extra flavor, add a few capers, some finely diced red onion, fresh lemon zest, or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top.
