As recently confessed, I have a mild tendency (cough) to become elevated around the holidays.
So, you can imagine my excitement when I happened to make these little festive appetizers on the day that we had our very first snowfall…
Yes indeed. It was a thing of beauty.
We woke to white – ground covered and branches hanging heavy. Our golden bouncing in the soft morning light, tail in motion and squeals of delight. (Our cat, managing to remain somewhat less moved). Two boys off to school in boots and broad smiles – waiting to turn the corner before throwing their first snowball.
Since there does not appear to be any shortage of appetizers served on (or with) bread, I wanted to provide some alternatives.
This is a low glycemic load appetizer that is extremely easy to pull together and full of nutrients. If my doggie could talk, she would also tell you that they are delicious. How do I know this? Because it took her about 4 seconds to demolition the entire tray while I turned my back to upload these photos (arghh….).
These bites would also make a nice option for anyone on a wheat or gluten restricted diet.
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250 grams smoked salmon
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1 English cucumber
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1 Tbsp lemon zest
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1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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A few slices purple onion for topping and decorating
Slice cucumber on a slight angle – about 1/4 inch thick. Place a piece of smoked salmon on each slice, rolling it in slightly.
how long before the time can this be prepared?
I really like the use of the cucumber as a bread alternative. These probably tasted so refreshing and savory.
ha-ha, love the kids reaction! sounds about right. Delighted that you & Mike enjoyed – so easy, yes? Thanks for letting me know you tried them Kristy – much appreciated ;0)
I agree with Linda, a perfect light snack. I’ll have to bookmark this recipe so I can make them during the holiday get togethers.
We made this for dinner tonight Kelly! Mike and I LOVED it. He even said it made him enjoy cucumbers. ;) The kids tried it, but the went for pitas and hummus instead. But you can bet Mike and I will eat it again. :)
ha-ha! Photo session nail painting is downright *fun* – thanks Reem!
Hi Sandi, thanks so much and, by all means, pin away!! ;0
hee-hee, what I didn’t say is that my golden (all goldens?) will eat virtually anything!! – (i deemed it an unnecessary disclosure ;0) – thanks so much for dropping in Stefanie.
Thanks Linda! I hope you enjoy them :)
These are so pretty and will make such a lovely presentation for the holidays! I like the lightness of the recipe too. It’s noted for a soon to make appetizer!!
Good to know that they’re golden approved ;) It’s unfortunate your dog got them, but they look absolutely beautiful! A nice change from crostinis and dips
Simple, yet soooo elegant! VERY pin-able, will have to come back & get it ;)
These look so delicious and fresh….
Beautiful…
Also I like the color of your nail paint :-)
ah, goldens… it’s so hard to stay angry at them! ;0
I’ll be sure to paint a full hand next time!- hee-hee!
I have a tendency to get extra giddy during the holidays as well. The cooking/baking, decorations, music, etc. make me oh so happy. These little appetizers look great and I can tell they’d be a hit at any get together. Sorry your pup ate the entire tray though! Sounds like something my dog would do as well, ha!
You shouldn’t have told me! I wouldn’t have noticed (it is hardly visible) and I’m sure no one did…
psst: we ALL eat too much bread :)
xo
you always light my spirit Kim…
Thanks Kristy… almost want snow… ha! I get it. I love it when it’s relatively mild a gorgeous blue day and stunning white – hard to beat – but the bitter cold, I can certainly do without!!
Light and tasty and so easy to pull togther (that’s my favourite part – hee-hee!)
Thanks Eva!! Have a great day.
I agree, we pretty much use it in place for sour cream across the board.
Thanks Angie – have a great day!
Thanks Karen – I appreciate you dropping by.
my cat is gaga for seafood! where would we be without our pets?!! ;0
ha-ha! painted my nails for the shoot but what’s hilarious (to me) is that I only painted my thumb and index finger (I don’t usually wear colour on my hands it just ends up chipping and looking a mess) i just do it for fun in photos and you can see that the other fingers in the shot are unpainted!! ;0 Have a great day Sissi –
Ha-ha, well, that’s a good thing in this case! Thanks so much for your kind words Mandy – have a great day :)
Indeed. Thanks Chris ;0
thanks Alyssa – I haven’t used sour cream in years and don’t find i miss it with the creamy, delicious nature of Greek yogurt. Thanks for stopping by!
so easy and yummy… thanks Kay!
thanks YUMMY
ha-ha… my dog certainly did (the whole tray I mean in one bite!) :)
thanks Jeanette – I am particularly appreciative of healthy bites that I can pull together quickly and easily.
too warm? never… yes, we all like crackers, a little too much is the problem :)
healthfulness? sure it is! Sounds like you had a good Thanksgiving! :0
sushi made easy :)
ha-ha, well, she sure gets a lot of ‘tastes’ – that girl is fast!! Thanks Anne ;0
What a great idea to put these on cucumbers! I know WE eat too much bread so this is a great way to cut back and still have tasty little bites. Of course you can’t beat smoked salmon with a touch of dill, but I love the addition of the yogurt. HUM – sounds like I love this appetizers! :) Enjoy your snow and PLEASE keep it up north! :)
~~~We woke to white – ground covered and branches hanging heavy. Our golden bouncing in the soft morning light, tail in motion and squeals of delight.~~~
Kelly, you Amaaaaze me w/ your creativity in EVERTHING you do :) My Inner Chick
Kell
Oh Kelly! These look really, really, really good. I love smoked salmon and I’m all for eliminating the bread from time to time. (Right after carb loading at Thanksgiving would be about the time.) ;) This dish is so pretty too! Well, I’m glad that your little golden enjoyed these…LOL. I can totally imagine that. My dog growing up would have done the same thing! And I have a feeling one of our cats would as well. And I love your description of the first snowy day. It almost makes me wish we had snow…almost.
Smoked salmon is one of my favorites and your inventive appetizer will be another way to enjoy it! Ditto on the comments about creating something “light” — thank you!
These little hors d’œuvres are gorgeous, Kelly. Just a bright mix of colour. And I love that you didn’t put them on a carb. What a nice light recipe.
These looks gorgeous! And I love that you used greek yogurt. The uses for it are endless!!
ha-ha! I think it is sometimes too cold for my system too… it’s all part of the denial to celebrate and pretend you actually embrace all that winter has to offer!! ;0
Love the idea of skipping the bread or toast as the base for these elegant appetizers…. I haven’t yet done it for a dinner party, but will definitely include them on our next entertaining
I must confess I’m more like your cat when it comes to snow – this Brazilian just cannot quite “get” the excitement – way too cold for my system ;-)
I would love those too. They look so appetizing.
These will be a perfect for all of the upcoming parties or a lovely way to start a meal.
Haha, your dog has quite the refined palate! Similarly, my cat loves Proscuitto :) These sound perfect for a light appetizer the next time I have people over.
Congratulations for the beautiful photos and presentation! This appetizer sounds luscious. It’s so rare to see such light and healthy dishes on a Winter table… Even the colours on your photo make it look lighter. And you probably know I’m a huge fan of dill with seafood and fish. Your lovely nail polish and the ring add even more sophistication to this elegant appetizer!
Ah, a soy free vegan, now that’s a challenge! Beans, beans, beans :)
Thanks for dropping by beauty! :)
Loving the simplicity of these flavourful canapés – the lovely fresh crunch of the cucumber with the salmon and yoghurt mixture. I should definitely not be left alone near that plate.
:-) Mandy
Love the simplicity of this recipe … thanks so much!
Gorgeous, how’s a doggy to resist? :) These sound fabulous!
I like that you use greek yogurt insead of sour cream or creme frache here. These canapes would be perfect for entertaining any time of the year!
Your Smoked Salmon Canapés looks amazing. I haven’t had smocked salmon in such a long time. I love it
These are so pretty! Perfect for a party! How funny about your dog!
wow this looks so fresh and delicious. i love the combo of greek yogurt and dill! ps – i wish i could eat edamame! unfortunately i’m soy free…~~
Yum!
These are a piece of art. But I’d still eat it in one bite!
What a nice light appetizer for the holidays – full of flavor yet low carb.
Hi Kelly – still no sign of snow here… much too warm, but I’ll be pleased as punch when there is! These little appetisers look beautiful – I did something similar back when I was a kid with slices of cucumber. Smooshed some cream cheese on top and served them up as some little canapés… of course, nowhere near as neat and pretty as these :) I do like a good cracker, though this is a wonderful (and way healthier, since I can easily wade through like 30 of the things) alternative for people who can’t take gluten and the like!
Absolutely beautiful dish and fantastic pics. I love the colors and the healthfulness (is that a word?) of this dish, especially after the gorge fest of Thanksgiving.
These are so fresh and tasty looking. It reminds me of when I get sushi and it comes wrapped in cucumber.
Stella has good taste! These are so pretty and light, Kelly. I really love smoked salmon with a dab of dill. So much more refreshing on a crunchy cuke than on cocktail bread! Perfect and festive for the upcoming holiday parties! : )