Nitrate & Nitrite Free Smoky Paprika Salmon Cucumber Rounds
These little bites are everything you want in a no-fuss appetizer — cool, crisp cucumber rounds stacked with creamy smashed avocado and smoky, lemon-kissed salmon. The combination of textures is genuinely addictive, and the smoked paprika does serious heavy lifting, delivering that deep, almost campfire-like warmth without any cured or processed meats in sight. That matters more than it sounds: a lot of salmon-based snacks and spreads lean on smoked or cured fish that can carry hidden preservatives, but this recipe uses plain cooked salmon seasoned entirely with spices, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Every ingredient here is clean and straightforward, so you know exactly what you're eating. The avocado spread comes together in minutes with just a fork, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of paprika — no blender, no fuss. Finish with a scatter of fresh chives and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat, and you've got a platter that looks like it took way more effort than it did. These are ideal for entertaining or just treating yourself to something that feels a little fancy on a Tuesday.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the rounds
- 1 large english cucumber
For the topping
- 8 oz cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the spread
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the cucumber into rounds about 1/4 inch thick and arrange them in a single layer on a large platter or baking sheet — you should get about 20–24 rounds.
- 2
In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork until mostly smooth with a few small chunks remaining. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika until combined.
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