I love a dish that’s appropriate for a summer party or a fancy brunch—but doesn’t require much more than tossing some ingredients into a food processor. Salmon mousse is one of those recipes: It looks sophisticated and tastes bright and savory, but it’s very approachable to prepare.
Keep this smoked salmon mousse on hand for gatherings that call for little nibbles (it’s nearly as easy as putting together a fruit and cheese board, but it will stand out in a table spread) or upgraded appetizers. But with its ease and the nutrients from the salmon, if you smear it on a bagel it doubles as a way to take a new spin on your snack routine or breakfast game.
Salmon Mousse Ingredients
- English cucumbers: These will make up the base of your salmon bites. English cucumbers are generally longer and thinner than their American counterparts, as well as sweeter and better for raw snacking.
- Cream cheese: Cream cheese is an essential component of the mousse’s base. It provides structure, creaminess and a little bit of tang.
- Smoked salmon or lox: Smoked salmon is often cured and always smoked; lox is only cured. If you’re craving that smoky, salty flavor, opt for smoked salmon.
- 2% milk: Since cream cheese is thicker, milk helps thin out the mousse and makes it more spreadable. We opt for 2% because it’s lighter than whole.
- Lemon-pepper seasoning: The zing of lemon and pepper brightens up the dish and provides more dimension as it plays up the salty, savory flavors of the salmon.
- Fresh dill: Salmon and dill are tried-and-true companions. Here, the dill is both blended into the mousse and used as a garnish.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped and folded into the mousse, the whipping cream will add lightness and fluffiness for a more classic mousse texture.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers
Step 2: Make the salmon mousse
Step 3: Prepare the smoked salmon canapés
Salmon Mousse Variations
- Up the spice: If you want a little heat, sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into the mousse, adjusting to taste. Just make sure to add it slowly, as a little bit of cayenne can contain a lot of spice.
- Try a culinary caper: Capers and smoked salmon have always been good friends; top the canapés with capers for an extra burst of saltiness. To play with the toppings more, try subbing chives for the dill.
- Horse around a bit: For a little more zing, mix in some horseradish. It’s spicy and sharp and will give your mousse a little more of a punch.
How to Store Salmon Mousse
Can you make salmon mousse ahead of time?
Salmon Mousse Tips
Can you make this recipe for salmon mousse with canned salmon?
Can I serve this salmon mousse with something other than cucumbers?
How should I serve the salmon mousse?
If you want to get fancy with your presentation, you can pipe the salmon mouse out of a piping bag. You can also dollop it into the cucumbers (or crackers) with a spoon, or spread it with a knife. If you’re treating it like a dip, it can just go into a bowl!