Cucumber Smoked Salmon Salad (Tiktok Recipe)
Packed with protein and fresh flavors, this cucumber smoked salmon salad makes a simple yet impressive lunch, light dinner, or side dish.
This delicious recipe was inspired by the viral TikTok cucumber salad trend tagged by Logan with “sometimes you just need to eat an entire cucumber”. Thin slices of cucumbers are paired with a quick dressing and fresh herbs for a light lunch or crunchy side dish.
I am always on the lookout for quick, healthy meals that can be made in minutes. This viral cucumber salad is just that!
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
If you are looking for more cucumber salad inspiration, be sure to check out the original viral TikTok cucumber salad, tzatziki Greek cucumber salad, or my cucumber kimchi salad.
We recently returned from our annual fishing trip on the West Coast and luckily had an abundance of salmon in our catch. One of the first things we did was to put all of the Pinks we caught on the smoker!
Pink salmon is generally considered a lesser quality cut of fish, making it perfect for smoking! Not to worry if you don’t just happen to have a smoker at home — Costco has smoked salmon that is not only delicious, but also affordable.
Viral Cucumber Smoked Salmon Salad
The addition of smoked salmon to this crispy cucumber salad gives it a depth of flavor that you are sure to love. Not to mention added protein!
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the blog post for all of our favorite smoked salmon recipes.
Ingredients
Start with a few simple ingredients from the grocery store.
- Whole long English cucumber, sliced – You can use a mandoline for uniform slices. I like to cut the cucumber by hand for slightly thicker slices.
- Smoked salmon pieces – Rich, smoky, and buttery, we love using this cold smoked salmon recipe. Our Traeger smoked salmon recipe would be good too!
- Pickled red onion pieces – Tangy and slightly sweet, these can easily be made at home by placing a few slices of red onion in apple cider vinegar.
- Herb and garlic cream cheese, softened to room temperature – Other flavors of cream cheese may be used as well.
- Fresh dill, chopped – Light and aromatic, dill adds a fresh, slightly grassy note that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- Capers, fried – Salty, briny, and crispy, these little flavor bombs elevate every bite.
- Olive oil – Adds a silky richness and helps enhance all the ingredients’ natural flavors. Extra virgin or avocado works as well.
Instructions
1. Slice the cucumber into even rounds.
2. Drizzle oil onto a frying pan and toss capers. Cook on medium high for 5 minutes until fragrant.
3. Chop the onion and dill.
4. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumber, onion, dill, salmon, and capers.
6. Top with cream cheese and mix until everything is coated evenly.
Cucumber Salad Tips and Tricks
- For even, professional-looking cucumber slices, use a mandoline. If you prefer a heartier bite, hand-cut slightly thicker slices with a sharp knife. Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler to create elegant cucumber ribbons, perfect for dinner parties.
- Fry the capers. Frying capers adds a crispy texture and intensifies their flavor, making them a standout ingredient in the salad.
- To quickly pickle onions, use apple cider vinegar and place them in a jar. Ensure the onions are fully submerged and let them brine for at least 30 minutes for the best tangy flavor. Add a touch of lemon juice to brighten the pickled onions further.
- Mix herb and garlic cream cheese with a bit of sour cream for a creamier, tangier dressing. This blend pairs well with lemon zest and bagel seasoning for a unique twist.
- For a dinner party, turn this salad into easy-to-eat salmon cucumber bites. Top cucumber slices or ribbons with a dollop of cream cheese mixture, a piece of smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of dill and lemon zest.
- Serve fresh. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, served on a decorative serving plate. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, but note that the cucumber slices may lose some crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cucumber smoked salmon salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and add the cream cheese just before serving to keep everything crisp.
What’s the best type of cucumber to use?
English cucumbers are ideal because they have thin skin, fewer seeds, and a crisp texture that holds up well in salads.
Is there a substitute for smoked salmon?
You can substitute smoked salmon with other smoked fish, like trout, or try a vegetarian option, like smoked tofu.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can swap in Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a light vinaigrette for a less creamy version with a tangy twist.
How long does smoked salmon salad last in the fridge?
It will keep for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers may release water and soften over time — still tasty, just less crunchy!
Can I add extra ingredients to this salad?
Absolutely! Avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning are delicious additions that take this salad to the next level.
More smoked salmon recipes
Looking for more smoked salmon recipes? Be sure to check out these delicious creations…
- Smoked Salmon Pizza
- Smoked Salmon Roll Ups
- Cucumber Smoked Salmon Bites
- Smoked Salmon Sandwich
- Smoked Salmon Flatbread
- Cucumber Smoked Salmon Salad
- Smoked Salmon Spaghetti
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Keto Smoked Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Salad Recipe
- Cold Smoked Salmon
- Traeger Smoked Salmon
If you love this cucumber smoked salmon salad recipe, click the stars below to give it a five-star rating and leave a review! Please help me share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
Cucumber Smoked Salmon Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole long English cucumber sliced
- 2 oz smoked salmon pieces
- ⅛ cup pickled onions
- 2 Tbsp herb & garlic cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 2 tsp capers fried
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Slice the cucumber into even rounds.
- Drizzle oil onto a frying pan and toss capers. Cook on medium high for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Chop the onion and dill.
- Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumber, onion, dill, salmon, and capers.
- Top with cream cheese and mix until everything is coated evenly.
Notes
- For even, professional-looking cucumber slices, use a mandoline. If you prefer a heartier bite, hand-cut slightly thicker slices with a sharp knife. Alternatively, use a vegetable peeler to create elegant cucumber ribbons, perfect for dinner parties.
- Fry the capers. Frying capers adds a crispy texture and intensifies their flavor, making them a standout ingredient in the salad.
- To quickly pickle onions, use apple cider vinegar and place them in a jar. Ensure the onions are fully submerged and let them brine for at least 30 minutes for the best tangy flavor. Add a touch of lemon juice to brighten the pickled onions further.
- Mix herb and garlic cream cheese with a bit of sour cream for a creamier, tangier dressing. This blend pairs well with lemon zest and bagel seasoning for a unique twist.
- For a dinner party, turn this salad into easy-to-eat salmon cucumber bites. Top cucumber slices or ribbons with a dollop of cream cheese mixture, a piece of smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of dill and lemon zest.
- Serve fresh. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, served on a decorative serving plate. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days, but note that the cucumber slices may lose some crispness.
Nutrition
Awesome
Omg I added Greek yogurt cherry tomatoes cut in half and of course fresh cooked bacon bites and baby this was amazing…. Thanks
This is delicious. Easy to make.
So glad that you enjoyed!