Cucumber Cups Filled With Herbed Yogurt And Smoked Salmon
Delightful cucumber cups filled with herbed yogurt and smoked salmon offer a fresh, savory appetizer with vibrant flavors ideal for entertaining or light snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the yogurt in a fine sieve set over a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill overnight.
- Cut the cucumber crosswise into sixteen 3/4-inch pieces.
- Use a melon ball cutter to scoop out the centers of the cucumber pieces, forming 1/4-inch thick cups.
- Sprinkle the cucumber cups with salt and let them drain, inverted, on paper towels for 10 minutes.
- Mix the drained yogurt with minced scallions, minced dill, and sliced smoked salmon.
- Fill each cucumber cup with the herbed yogurt and smoked salmon mixture.
- Garnish with dill sprigs and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt. If you don't have fresh dill, you can substitute it with fresh parsley or chives. To enhance the flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the yogurt mixture. Make sure to drain the cucumber cups well to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These cucumber cups make a delightful appetizer for parties or gatherings. They pair beautifully with a chilled white wine or a light cocktail. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a salad or as part of a platter with other seafood recipes like Filet De Atun. Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges for added flair.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cucumber cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid stacking them to maintain their shape. The filling can be stored separately if you plan to serve them later. For best results, fill the cucumber cups just before serving to keep them crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cucumber Cups Filled With Herbed Yogurt And Smoked Salmon contains roughly 27 calories, with 2g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herbed yogurt and smoked salmon filling a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it's best to prepare the cucumber cups just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
What can I substitute for smoked salmon?
If you're looking for alternatives to smoked salmon, try using cooked shrimp or crab meat for a different flavor profile. You could also use sliced avocado for a vegetarian option, which will still add a rich texture to the filling.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is inherently gluten-free as it uses fresh vegetables and yogurt. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, like seasoning or garnishes, are also gluten-free. Pair it with gluten-free crackers for a complete appetizer spread.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).