This cucumber salad is
This cucumber salad is 🤤🤤 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Adrianne MG on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 20 min
Cost: $13.52 total, $3.38 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 English Cucumber (large, washed and sliced thin)
- 4 oz Smoked Salmon (cut into small cubes)
- 1 Tbsp Capers (drained)
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (regular or light)
- 1 tsp Jalapeño (finely minced or jalapeño paste)
- 2 Tbsp Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp Everything‑but‑the‑Bagel Seasoning (store‑bought blend)
- 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed from half a lemon)
- a pinch MSG (optional, for umami boost)
Instructions
Wash and Prepare Cucumber
Rinse the cucumber under cold water, pat dry, and set aside on a cutting board.
Time: PT2M
Slice Cucumber Thinly
Using a mandolin (with guard), slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick.
Time: PT3M
Make Spicy Jalapeño Mayo
In a mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, minced jalapeño, lemon juice, everything‑but‑the‑bagel seasoning, and a pinch of MSG. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Cube Smoked Salmon
Cut the smoked salmon into bite‑size cubes (about ½ inch).
Time: PT2M
Assemble and Coat
Place the cucumber slices in a large zip‑top bag. Add the salmon cubes, capers, dollops of softened cream cheese, and the prepared jalapeño mayo. Seal the bag, removing excess air, and gently shake until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Transfer the coated cucumber bites to a serving platter. Serve immediately while the cucumber is crisp.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb
Allergens: Fish, Dairy, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Cucumber: Zucchini
- Instead of Smoked Salmon: Lox, Gravlax, Cooked salmon
- Instead of Capers: Chopped green olives
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Jalapeño: Sriracha, chipotle in adobo
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Everything‑but‑the‑Bagel Seasoning: Sesame seed mix, Poppy seed blend
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice, Apple cider vinegar (small amount)
- Instead of MSG: Soy sauce (tiny amount)
Equipment Needed
- Mandolin Slicer
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Zip‑Top Bag
- Spoon or Small Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice cucumber thinly with a mandolin using the safety guard.
- Shake the ingredients in the zip‑top bag until evenly coated without breaking the cucumber slices.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a squeeze bottle for the jalapeño mayo to drizzle evenly over each bite.
- A tiny pinch of fresh dill adds a bright herbal note without overpowering the flavors.
- Serve on a chilled platter to keep the cucumber crisp longer.
Troubleshooting
Cucumber slices become soggy.
Pat the slices dry with paper towels after slicing and keep them in a single layer before adding the sauce.
Mayo coating is too thick.
Thin the mayo with a teaspoon of water or extra lemon juice until a pourable consistency is achieved.
Salmon pieces break apart during shaking.
Add the salmon last and shake gently, or toss the salmon with the mayo in the bowl before adding cucumber slices.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the cucumber slices separate from the mayo if storing longer to avoid sogginess.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Best served within 1 hour of assembly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the jalapeño mayo up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge.
- Slice the cucumber and keep the rounds in a bowl of ice water, then pat dry before assembling.
- Store the smoked salmon cubes separately and combine only when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance of smoked salmon in American brunch cuisine?
Smoked salmon has become a staple of American brunches, especially in coastal regions, where it is prized for its delicate flavor and convenience. It often appears alongside bagels, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, reflecting a blend of Jewish deli traditions and modern health‑focused eating.
How does the use of everything‑but‑the‑bagel seasoning reflect contemporary American flavor trends?
Everything‑but‑the‑bagel seasoning combines sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, and salt, offering a crunchy, umami‑rich finish. Its popularity mirrors the American love for bold, multi‑textured toppings that add instant flavor without extra prep.
What traditional regional variations of cucumber‑based appetizers exist in American cuisine?
In the Midwest, cucumber slices are often paired with dill and sour cream; on the West Coast, they appear in sushi rolls or with avocado; while in the Northeast, cucumber and smoked salmon are classic bagel toppings. This recipe blends the Northeast’s salmon‑cucumber pairing with a modern, spicy mayo twist.
During which occasions is a dish like Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites traditionally served in the United States?
These bites are popular at brunches, holiday brunch buffets, cocktail parties, and summer garden gatherings. Their bite‑size format makes them ideal for finger‑food stations and elegant appetizers.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional smoked salmon cucumber appetizers, and what are acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include high‑quality smoked salmon, fresh cucumber, plain mayonnaise, lemon juice, and capers. Acceptable substitutes are lox or gravlax for salmon, zucchini for cucumber, Greek yogurt for mayo, and chopped green olives for capers.
What other American dishes pair well with Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites?
They pair nicely with classic brunch items like avocado toast, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, and a mimosa or sparkling water with citrus. For a dinner setting, serve alongside a light mixed green salad or a chilled cucumber‑mint soup.
How has the modern use of spicy jalapeño mayo evolved in American appetizers?
Spicy jalapeño mayo reflects the growing influence of Mexican flavors in mainstream American cooking. It adds heat and creaminess, updating traditional salmon‑cucumber pairings for diners who enjoy a mild kick.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites?
Common errors include slicing the cucumber too thick, which makes it soggy; over‑shaking the bag, which can tear the cucumber slices; and using too much mayo, which overwhelms the delicate flavors. Follow the recommended slice thickness and shake gently.
Why does this recipe use a zip‑top bag for coating instead of a traditional bowl?
The zip‑top bag allows the ingredients to be tossed and coated evenly without crushing the delicate cucumber slices. It also minimizes mess and ensures every bite receives a uniform layer of jalapeño mayo.
What does the YouTube channel Adrianne MG specialize in?
The YouTube channel Adrianne MG focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with modern twists. Adrianne often highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients and provides clear, step‑by‑step tutorials for busy home cooks.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
