Emulsifier Free Paleo Smoky Paprika Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rounds
These elegant little bites are built entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients — cucumber, avocado, smoked salmon, fresh dill, capers — with absolutely nothing processed or synthetic holding them together. That matters more than it sounds, because so many packaged dips, spreads, and ready-made appetizers rely on emulsifiers to achieve that smooth, stable texture. Here, ripe avocado mashed with lemon juice, smoked paprika, and a kick of cayenne does all the work naturally, clinging beautifully to each cucumber round without any additives. The result is a spread that's rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful on its own terms. Layered with silky smoked salmon, bright dill, and briny capers, every bite delivers a satisfying contrast of cool crunch and bold, smoky depth. These are the kind of appetizers that disappear fast at a gathering, and nobody needs to know how effortlessly clean the ingredient list really is.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cucumber rounds
- 1 large english cucumber
For the avocado spread
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For topping
- 4 oz smoked salmon, torn into small pieces
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, drained
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the cucumber into rounds about 1/4-inch thick, discarding the ends. Arrange the rounds in a single layer on a large serving platter or cutting board.
- 2
Scoop the avocado flesh into a small mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mash with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining — the texture should be thick and spreadable, not runny.
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