If you’re looking for a deliciously simple yet impressive dish, this Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe will quickly become your go-to for lunch or a light snack. Packed with creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a vibrant lemon-green onion cream cheese filling, all wrapped in savory smoked salmon coated with Everything But The Bagel seasoning, these roll ups are bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re serving guests or just craving something fresh and satisfying, this recipe comes together in minutes with minimal fuss but maximum wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that blend perfectly to create a refreshing and flavorful roll up. Each item plays a special role, from creamy textures to bright, zesty notes and that irresistible savory crunch from the seasoning.
- Smoked salmon (8 oz.): The star of the dish, rich and silky, providing that perfect smoky seafood flavor.
- Whipped cream cheese (½ cup): Adds lush creaminess and a mild tang that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Green onion (2 Tbsp, thinly sliced): Offers a gentle sharpness and fresh bite within the cream cheese mix.
- Lemon zest (2 tsp): Brightens up the cream cheese with lively citrus notes.
- Persian cucumber (1 small, thin strips): Brings crunch and fresh coolness to balance the richness.
- Avocado (½, sliced thin): Creamy and smooth, adding body and a buttery flavor.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (EBTB): A savory blend of sesame seeds, garlic, and salt that adds a delightful crunch and savoriness.
- Optional Citrus Soy Sauce:
- Soy sauce (2 Tbsp): Salty, umami-rich base for the dipping sauce.
- Lemon juice (2 Tbsp): Adds zing and acidity.
- Water (1 Tbsp): Lightens the sauce for perfect balance.
- Green onion (1 Tbsp, thinly sliced): A fresh finish for the sauce’s flavor and appearance.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Soy Sauce (Optional)
Start by mixing together the soy sauce, lemon juice, water, and green onion in a small bowl. Chill this tangy, umami-packed dipping sauce in the refrigerator while you assemble the roll ups. This sauce adds a bright, zesty punch that complements the smoky salmon wonderfully, but if you prefer, the roll ups are perfectly delightful on their own or served with your favorite crackers.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, stir together whipped cream cheese, thinly sliced green onions, and lemon zest until smooth and well combined. This filling is the luscious heart of the roll ups, delivering freshness and a creamy tang that plays beautifully against the smoky salmon.
Step 3: Assemble the Salmon Roll
Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on your counter and generously sprinkle it with Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. Then overlap the smoked salmon slices on top to create a neat rectangle. Spreading the cream cheese mixture evenly over the salmon prepares a rich base for the fresh cucumber and avocado inside the roll.
Step 4: Add the Fresh Veggies and Roll
Carefully arrange thin strips of Persian cucumber and avocado down the center of the salmon rectangle. Using the plastic wrap, gently but firmly roll the salmon over the filling, continuing until the roll is fully sealed. This method helps keep everything tight and neat, so each slice showcases a colorful, flavorful cross-section.
Step 5: Chill and Slice
Place the rolled salmon in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to firm it up, which makes slicing much easier. When ready, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife, taking care to keep the roll intact and the layers visible.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delightful smoked salmon roll ups with the chilled citrus soy sauce on the side, or enjoy smaller slices atop your favorite crackers for an elegant appetizer or satisfying snack.
How to Serve Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of fresh flavor and elegance, sprinkle finely chopped fresh dill or chives on top of each roll up slice. A light drizzle of extra lemon juice or a touch of olive oil can enhance the brightness and richness simultaneously, bringing out the best in every bite.
Side Dishes
This Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like mixed green salads, lightly dressed kale slaw, or even a simple bowl of quinoa salad. These sides complement the smoky and creamy roll ups without overpowering their delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these roll ups on a beautiful wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a stunning presentation when entertaining. Alternatively, you can thread smaller, bite-size pieces onto cocktail picks for easy party finger foods that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover smoked salmon roll ups, store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days without losing their texture or flavor.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t recommended for this dish due to the delicate texture of the avocado and cream cheese, you can prepare just the cream cheese filling and the seasoned salmon separately ahead of time and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer, allow refrigerated roll ups to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped cream cheese?
Absolutely! Regular cream cheese works well but whipping it slightly before mixing with the lemon and green onions will help maintain that light, creamy texture that makes the roll ups so delightful.
What if I don’t have Everything But The Bagel seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with a mixture of black and white sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and a pinch of salt to mimic the savory crunch and flavor profile of the bagel seasoning.
Is there a way to make these roll ups vegan?
You could try swapping the smoked salmon for thinly sliced smoked carrot or beets and use vegan cream cheese. The textures and flavors will differ, but it can be a creative, plant-based twist.
How thin should I slice the cucumber and avocado?
Thin slices work best, about 1/8 inch thick, so they’re easy to roll without breaking and provide just enough freshness and crunch without overpowering the smoothness of the cream cheese and salmon.
Can I make this recipe for more servings?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and assemble the rolls in larger rectangles or multiple smaller ones. They work wonderfully for hosting or family meals alike.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Easy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe as much as I do. It manages to be both wonderfully simple and incredibly impressive, perfect for any occasion when you want a tasty, fresh, and elegant meal or snack in a flash. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to!
PrintEasy Smoked Salmon Roll Ups Recipe
These easy smoked salmon roll ups are a delicious and elegant lunch or snack option, featuring a creamy lemon and green onion cream cheese filling combined with fresh cucumber and creamy avocado, all rolled in flavorful Everything But The Bagel seasoning. They come with an optional citrus soy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Lunch, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon Roll Ups
- 8 oz. smoked salmon
- ½ cup whipped cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp green onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 1 small Persian cucumber, sliced into thin strips
- ½ avocado, sliced into thin strips
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (EBTB) or black and white sesame seeds as alternative
Citrus Soy Sauce (Optional)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp green onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Citrus Soy Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, lemon juice, water, and sliced green onion. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the roll ups.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine whipped cream cheese, green onion, and lemon zest until smooth and well mixed. Set aside.
- Prepare the Roll Base: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean counter and sprinkle generously with Everything But The Bagel seasoning. Arrange smoked salmon slices over the seasoning in a slightly overlapping rectangular shape.
- Add the Filling and Veggies: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the salmon. Place cucumber and avocado strips in the center of the rectangle.
- Roll It Up: Using the plastic wrap to assist, carefully roll the salmon over the cucumber and avocado filling, continuing until the roll is fully formed.
- Chill to Set: Place the salmon roll in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the freezer and slice the roll to your preferred thickness. Serve with the citrus soy sauce or enjoy on crackers like Ritz or Milton’s Crispy Sea Salt.
Notes
- Black and white sesame seeds can be used instead of Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
- If you don’t want to use the citrus soy sauce, these roll ups are delicious when enjoyed on Ritz crackers or Milton’s Crispy Sea Salt Crackers.