Emulsifier Free Whole30 Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rounds
Crisp cucumber rounds topped with silky cashew cream and delicate smoked salmon make for a bite that feels genuinely elegant without any fuss. The cashew cream is the real star here — raw cashews blended with fresh lemon juice, chives, and dill create a luscious, spreadable base that mimics the richness of cream cheese without relying on any dairy or store-bought emulsifiers. That matters because most packaged creamy spreads and dips are loaded with additives like lecithin or carrageenan that can be hard to avoid; here, the creaminess comes entirely from whole cashews and a little patience with the food processor. Smoked salmon brings a savory, briny depth that pairs beautifully with the cool crunch of English cucumber, and optional capers and fresh dill on top add a bright, herby finish. These are the kind of appetizers that disappear fast at a party, and nobody needs to know how simple they were to put together. Assembly is straightforward — slice, spoon, top, and serve — making this a low-stress option that still looks impressive on a platter.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cashew cream
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in cold water for at least 2 hours, then drained and rinsed
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water, plus more as needed
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the rounds
- 2 large english cucumbers, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 4 oz smoked salmon, torn into small pieces
For serving
- fresh dill sprigs, for serving (optional)
- capers, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Drain and rinse the soaked cashews, then add them to a food processor along with the lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, chives, dill, salt, and black pepper. Process until very smooth and spreadable, about 2–3 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. If the cream is too thick to spread, add water 1 tsp at a time until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- 2
Arrange the cucumber rounds in a single layer on a serving platter.
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