Spring Party Food: Lemon Dill Cream Cheese Smoked Salmon Appetizer

Spring is FINALLY here, although I'm not sure Colorado got the memo — it's supposed to snow this weekend. Either way, I’m ready to trade heavy, cozy meals for lighter, brighter eats.

Enter the perfect spring party food: lemon dill smoked salmon bites. They’re quick to put together, perfectly bite-sized, and packed with fresh flavors. Think cool cucumber, dilly cream cheese, and lightly smoked salmon — the kind of appetizer that looks fancy but is surprisingly low-effort.

Another perk? They travel well! I brought these to book club last week, and they held up very nicely (I was nervous driving across town, but you don't need to be). Our latest book was The Power. Have you read it? Let's talk if you have! And if you haven't, I HIGHLY recommend.

But I digress. Here's how to whip up this easy yet wow-worthy spring-inspired app.

Lemon Dill Cream Cheese Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 or 5 mini cucumbers

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened at room temperature

• 3 tbs Greek yogurt, strained if watery

• 1 clove garlic, minced finely

• 3 tbs fresh dill, chopped and divided

• 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 4 oz thinly sliced smoked salmon

Equipment

Frosting tip

Piping bag

Toothpicks or decorative skewers

Instructions

1. Prep the cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers. Then, slice them into discs around 1/4-inch thick. Set them in a single layer on a paper towel. Dab the tops with a separate paper towel.

2. Prep the lemon: Wash and dry the lemon. Zest it until you have around 1 tsp of lemon zest. Then, cut the lemon in half, and juice half of it. You can store the other half; you won't need it for this recipe.

3. Make the creamy dill spread: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, 2 tbs dill (reserve 1 tbs for garnish), lemon zest, lemon juice, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.

4. Transfer to piping bag: Prepare your piping bag by cutting the corner and inserting your piping tip. Then, transfer the cream cheese mixture into the bag.

5. Get the salmon ready: Cut or tear the salmon into slices similar in size and number to the prepped cucumber discs.

6. Assemble the bites: Place one slice of salmon on top of each cucumber slice. Pipe a generous dollop of dilly cream cheese onto each, using a toothpick or skewer to secure the cream cheese and fish into place.

7. Garnish & serve: For an extra pop, sprinkle the remaining 1 tbs of fresh dill and additional freshly ground black pepper over the top. Serve immediately, or store in a single layer in a food storage container, refrigerating until you're ready to eat.

Cheers to spring, fresh veggies, and warm weather get-togethers!