Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe

The smoked salmon pinwheels are a delightful and elegant appetizer. They are a perfect combination of flavorful smoked salmon, creamy cheese, and refreshing cucumber. These pinwheels are not only delicious, but also visually stunning, making them a show-stopping addition to any gathering or party. The little touch of capers and red onions add a pop of flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.

Photos of Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe

The key ingredient in this recipe is smoked salmon. It's usually found in the chilled section of the supermarket near the fresh fish. Ensure to get 'cold smoked salmon' as it's softer and more delicate compared to the 'hot smoked' variety. Another ingredient you might not readily have at home is capers, these are usually found in the pickles and condiments aisle. They add a tangy, briny flavor that complements the salmon beautifully.

Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Ingredients

Smoked salmon: This is the star of the dish. It's rich, flavorful and pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.

Cream cheese: It provides a creamy base that binds the ingredients together.

Cucumber: This gives a refreshing crunch, contrasting the soft salmon and cream cheese.

Red onion: It adds a slight sharpness and bite, balancing out the rich flavors.

Capers: These add a tangy, briny note that complements the salmon.

Lemon: It brightens up the dish, adding a zesty freshness.

One reader, Katuscha Corley says:

I recently tried the smoked salmon pinwheels recipe and it was a hit! The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory smoked salmon, and zesty lemon made for a delightful appetizer. The pinwheels were easy to make and looked impressive on the table. I'll definitely be making these again!

Katuscha Corley

Techniques Required for Making Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

How to assemble the pinwheels: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a work surface and arrange the slices of salmon in an overlapping fashion to create a rectangle. Spread the cream cheese over the salmon, then lay the cucumber along one side of the rectangle. Roll the salmon up tightly around the cucumber sticks using the plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm for at least 30 minutes.

How to slice the pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 16 ½-inch thick slices.

How to serve the pinwheels: Sprinkle with red onion and capers, then serve with lemon slices.

How To Make Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

These smoked salmon pinwheels are low carb and great for a keto appetizer made with smoked salmon, cucumber tossed in flavorful herbs and spices.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking:

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total: 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozcold smoked salmon,thinly sliced
4ozcream cheese,⅓ less fat
¼medium cucumber,cut into matchsticks
2tbspred onion,finely chopped
2tbspcapers,drained
½lemon,thinly sliced

Instructions

Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a work surface.
Arrange the slices of salmon in an overlapping fashion to create a rectangle about 6 inches wide by 12 inches long.
Gently spread the cream cheese over the salmon trying not to dislodge any of the pieces. Lay the cucumber along one side of the rectangle about ½ inch from the edge.
Using the plastic wrap, roll the salmon up tightly around the cucumber sticks. Refrigerate until firm for at least 30 minutes.
Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 16 ½-inch thick slices.
Sprinkle with red onion and capers then serve with lemon slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 170.63kcal
Fat: 12.24g
Saturated Fat: 6.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.60g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.00g
Carbohydrates: 3.05g
Fiber: 0.50g
Sugar: 1.57g
Protein: 12.38g
Cholesterol: 44.23mg
Sodium: 586.10mg
Calcium: 41.17mg
Potassium: 179.42mg
Iron: 0.76mg
Vitamin A: 119.62µg
Vitamin C: 4.82mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

When spreading the cream cheese over the smoked salmon, it's best to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature first. This will make it easier to spread without tearing the delicate salmon. Also, when cutting the pinwheels, use a sharp, thin-bladed knife and make sure the roll is well chilled. This will ensure clean, neat slices.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment before starting to save time and ensure a smooth cooking process.

Use pre-sliced smoked salmon: Opt for pre-sliced smoked salmon to save time on preparation and ensure consistent slices for the pinwheels.

Chill the roll: Place the rolled pinwheels in the freezer for a shorter time to firm up, allowing for quicker slicing and serving.

Multi-task: While the pinwheels are chilling, prepare the garnishes and set the table to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Sharp knife: Use a sharp knife to easily and cleanly slice through the pinwheels, saving time and ensuring neat, professional-looking servings.

Substitute Ingredients For Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe

smoked salmon - Substitute with smoked trout: Smoked trout has a similar smoky flavor and delicate texture that works well in pinwheel recipes.
cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese offers a tangy and creamy alternative that pairs well with the other ingredients in the pinwheels.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Thinly sliced zucchini can provide a similar crunch and freshness to the pinwheels.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder flavor compared to red onions and can complement the other flavors without overpowering them.
capers - Substitute with dill pickles: Chopped dill pickles can provide a tangy and briny flavor similar to capers in the pinwheels.
lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can add a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice in the recipe.

Presenting Smoked Salmon Pinwheels for Maximum Appeal

Elevate the plating: When presenting the smoked salmon pinwheels, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a clean, white plate as the canvas for your creation, allowing the vibrant colors of the salmon and garnishes to stand out beautifully.
Incorporate artistic elements: Consider incorporating artistic elements into the plating, such as delicate swirls of sauce or strategically placed microgreens, to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the precision of each component's placement on the plate. Arrange the pinwheels in a visually pleasing manner, ensuring that each slice is uniform and neatly presented.
Highlight the freshness: Showcase the freshness of the ingredients by incorporating a pop of color with a sprig of dill or a sprinkle of finely chopped chives as a final garnish.
Create a balanced composition: Aim for a balanced composition on the plate, considering the placement of each element to create a visually appealing and harmonious arrangement.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the pinwheels to be the focal point while maintaining an overall sense of elegance and refinement in the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Plastic wrap: A thin plastic film used for wrapping and covering food items.
Sharp knife: A precise cutting tool used for slicing and dicing ingredients.
Refrigerator: An appliance used for keeping ingredients and prepared dishes cold and fresh.
Lemon squeezer: A tool used for extracting juice from lemons with ease.
Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing and combining ingredients.
Plastic wrap: A thin plastic film used for wrapping and covering food items.
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Sharp knife: A precise cutting tool used for slicing and dicing ingredients.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Lemon squeezer: A tool used for extracting juice from lemons with ease.
Refrigerator: An appliance used for keeping ingredients and prepared dishes cold and fresh.

Interesting Trivia About Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Smoked salmon pinwheels are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a light meal. They are not only delicious but also packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.

Is Making Smoked Salmon Pinwheels at Home Cost-Effective?

The smoked salmon pinwheels recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main cost lies in the smoked salmon, but the other ingredients are relatively affordable and can be used for multiple recipes. The versatility of the ingredients makes it a good investment. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30, depending on the quality of the smoked salmon and other ingredients.

Are Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Healthy or Unhealthy?

The smoked salmon pinwheels recipe is a relatively healthy appetizer option, but there are a few aspects to consider:

Smoked salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D. However, it is also high in sodium, which can be a concern for those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular issues.
Cream cheese is high in saturated fat and calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of heart disease if consumed in excess.
Cucumbers are low in calories and provide hydration, vitamins, and minerals.
Red onions contain antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Capers are low in calories and contain antioxidants, but they are also high in sodium.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use a reduced-fat cream cheese or substitute it with a healthier spread like hummus, mashed avocado, or Greek yogurt.
Increase the amount of cucumber and add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Use less smoked salmon or replace some of it with a lower-sodium alternative like cooked shrimp or crab meat.
Reduce the amount of capers or rinse them before use to remove some of the excess sodium.
Serve the pinwheels with whole-grain crackers or vegetable sticks instead of refined carbohydrates.

Editor's Thoughts on the Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe

The smoked salmon pinwheels recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy cream cheese complements the smoky salmon, while the crisp cucumber adds a refreshing crunch. The addition of tangy capers and zesty lemon brightens the dish, creating a well-balanced appetizer. The pinwheels are not only visually appealing but also easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for entertaining. Overall, this recipe offers a sophisticated and delicious option for any gathering.

Enhance Your Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mango Salsa: Create a refreshing mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to add a burst of tropical flavor to your smoked salmon pinwheels.

Grilled Asparagus: Grill some asparagus spears and drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a delicious and healthy side to accompany your smoked salmon pinwheels.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roast sweet potato wedges with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory side dish to complement the smoky flavor of the salmon pinwheels.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before threading them onto skewers and grilling to perfection.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich and savory sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender, then serve with creamy mashed potatoes.

Mango Coconut Panna Cotta: Create a silky smooth panna cotta infused with tropical mango and coconut flavors, topped with a fresh mango compote.

Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Smoked Salmon Pinwheels

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

Stuffed Chicken Breast: Create a flavorful filling with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to stuff inside the chicken breast. Bake until golden and serve with a light salad for a satisfying dinner.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Berry Parfait: Layer juicy mixed berries with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a refreshing and satisfying berry parfait that's perfect for a light and healthy dessert option.

Why trust this Smoked Salmon Pinwheels Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with smoked salmon, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture, perfectly complementing the smoky flavor. The addition of cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while red onion and capers contribute a burst of tangy and briny flavors. The touch of lemon brightens the dish, enhancing the overall taste. Trust in the quality of these ingredients to create a delectable and satisfying appetizer that will surely impress your guests.

Want to share your experience making these delightful Smoked Salmon Pinwheels or have any tips to enhance the recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's talk about this tasty appetizer!

FAQ:

Can I use hot smoked salmon instead of cold smoked salmon?

Yes, you can use hot smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. However, the texture and taste will be different from the original recipe.

Can I prepare the pinwheels in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to serve. This makes them a convenient and time-saving appetizer for gatherings.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with another type of cheese?

Certainly! You can experiment with different types of soft cheeses like goat cheese or Boursin for a unique twist. Just ensure the cheese is easily spreadable for the best results.

How long can I store the smoked salmon pinwheels?

The pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, for the freshest taste and texture, it's best to enjoy them within 24 hours of preparation.

Can I add other ingredients to the pinwheels?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the pinwheels with additional ingredients such as dill, chives, or even a sprinkle of black pepper to suit your taste preferences. Just be mindful not to overload the pinwheels to maintain their elegant presentation.