Salmon Cucumber Rolls
Updated Dec 04, 2025, Published Feb 29, 2020
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Light, Gluten-Free & Refreshing Appetizer
Eating Paleo means going back to basics – real, whole foods like meats, eggs, and vegetables.
Salmon cucumber rolls deliver a refreshing, healthy bite that works for brunches, light lunches, or appetizers at gatherings. By combining creamy avocado spread, crisp cucumber ribbons, and savory smoked salmon, this dish blends textures and flavors in a way that feels fresh and elegant.
Because it uses simple, whole-food ingredients and avoids gluten, it’s a smart choice for anyone following a gluten-free or paleo-friendly lifestyle. It also comes together quickly, making it ideal whether you want a last-minute snack or a made-ahead appetizer.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
- 1 ripe avocado (pitted and peeled)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh chives (or finely chopped herbs of choice)
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large English cucumber
- Smoked salmon (sliced)
Optional: A mandoline or vegetable peeler to create thin cucumber ribbons
What Makes This Dish Work
- The cucumber acts as a crisp, refreshing wrap — lighter than bread or tortillas — which keeps the dish low-carb, gluten-free, and naturally hydrating.
- The avocado-based spread adds luxurious creaminess and mild flavor, while the smoked salmon brings savory, slightly smoky richness and protein.
- Quick assembly and minimal prep make it ideal for last-minute hosting, busy evenings, or healthy snacking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a chilled appetizer on a platter — perfect for parties or light gatherings.
- Pair with a leafy green salad or fresh vegetable crudités for a balanced, fresh meal.
- Offer them at brunch, lunch, or as a light dinner option — they make a satisfying, yet gentle-on-the-digestive-system choice.
- Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper for a simple, elegant presentation.
Make Them Your Own
- Herb-forward twist: Add dill, basil, or tarragon instead of (or with) chives for a fresh herb flavor.
- Creamier base: Stir a bit of dairy-free yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese into the avocado mixture for a richer spread.
- Citrus boost: Mix in a splash of lime juice or zest along with the lemon for more brightness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the avocado spread for a subtle kick.
- Veggie variation: Add thin slices of bell pepper, carrot, or radish before rolling for extra crunch and color.
- Snack-size: Use smaller cucumber pieces or cut rolls into bite-sized segments for cocktail party servings.
Salmon cucumber rolls combine simplicity, freshness, and flavor in a dish that is as easy to prepare as it is enjoyable to eat. They suit a gluten-free, paleo, or light-eating lifestyle, and they adapt well to your personal flavor preferences.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer, lunch, or snack, they bring a clean, refreshing, and satisfying bite to the table — with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Salmon Cucumber Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 avocado, – pitted and peeled
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large English cucumber
- 4 ounces smoked salmon
Instructions
- Combine the avocado, lemon juice, chives, salt, and pepper in a food processor and pulse until blended. Turn the processor on constant speed and slowly drizzle in the olive oil.
- Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice the cucumber lengthwise into 8 thin strips.
- Spread the avocado mixture on each cucumber slice, then top each with a thin layer of smoked salmon and roll them up. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
