Nitrate & Nitrite Free Smoked Salmon Lettuce Cups with Avocado & Cucumber

Smoked salmon is one of those ingredients that can feel like a minefield when you're trying to avoid curing additives — many commercial versions rely on nitrates or nitrites as preservatives, so sourcing matters. This recipe leans on naturally cured or additive-free smoked salmon, letting the fish's clean, briny flavor do all the heavy lifting without anything extra hiding in the mix. Crisp butter lettuce cups cradle a bright, fresh filling of creamy avocado and cool cucumber, all tied together with a zippy lemon-olive oil dressing that takes seconds to whisk up. Fresh dill and chives add a pop of herby flavor that makes the whole thing feel like something you'd order at a nice restaurant. The assembly is straightforward — no cooking required beyond a quick toss and drizzle — so it comes together fast and looks genuinely impressive on a platter. Optional capers add a punchy, salty finish that plays beautifully against the richness of the avocado. Whether you're serving these as a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, they're the kind of recipe that proves eating clean doesn't mean eating boring.

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