Dairy-Free Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

These Dairy-Free Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are a fresh, protein-packed appetizer with creamy cashew cheese, smoky salmon, and crunchy cucumbers—easy & delicious!

If you’re looking for a snack that screams fancy brunch but takes zero effort, these Dairy-Free Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are about to be your new obsession. 

They’re fresh, creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor, all while being totally dairy-free. Because let’s be honest—sometimes we want to eat like we’re at a five-star hotel, even if we’re just standing over the kitchen counter in sweats.

Picture this: crisp cucumber rounds topped with a velvety layer of dairy-free cashew cheese, buttery smoked salmon, briny capers, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. 

It’s refreshing, protein-packed, and straight-up addictive. Plus, there’s zero cooking involved. (A win for lazy chefs everywhere.)

These little bites are perfect for quick snacks, boujee brunch boards, meal-prepped lunches, or impressing your friends when you “accidentally” host wine night. 

They’re light but satisfying, gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with healthy fats—so basically, they check all the boxes.

If you’re ready to level up your snack game with something ridiculously easy but ridiculously good, grab your cucumbers and let’s get stacking.

If you love easy healthy appetizers you may also want to try my Air Fryer Tuna Cakes or my Viral Cucumber Salad In A Jar.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE DAIRY-FREE SMOKED SALMON CUCUMBER BITES

Ridiculously Easy – No cooking, no mess—just slice, spread, and stack. Fancy without the effort.

Creamy, Crunchy, and Smoky – The cashew cheese is rich and smooth, the cucumbers add the perfect crunch, and the smoked salmon brings that deep, savory flavor.

Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free – Perfect for anyone avoiding dairy but still craving something creamy and indulgent.

High-Protein, Low-Carb Snack – Thanks to smoked salmon and cashew cheese, these little bites are light but filling—the perfect healthy snack.

Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re snacking solo, meal prepping, or impressing guests at brunch, these cucumber bites are a total crowd-pleaser.

Packed with Nutrients – Full of omega-3s from salmon, healthy fats from cashew cheese, and fresh goodness from cucumbers and dill.

Wine Night Approved – Pair with a crisp white wine or bubbly, and suddenly you’ve got a whole vibe.

They Look Fancy But Take 5 Minutes – No one has to know how effortless they actually are.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE SALMON APPETIZER BITES

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this perfect healthy appetizer (the exact measurements, nutrient information, step-by-step process and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the end of this post):

• Cucumbers – The crunchy, hydrating base that keeps this snack light and fresh.
• Spread ‘Em Cashew Cheese – A creamy, dairy-free cream cheese alternative that adds the perfect amount of richness. Can also use regular cream cheese if desired.
• Smoked Salmon – Buttery, savory, and loaded with protein and omega-3s.
• Capers – Tiny but mighty, these add briny, salty goodness to balance the flavors.
• Fresh Dill – Because everything is better with a pop of herby freshness.
• Optional – lemon juice, red onion, fresh chives, sour cream, greek yogurt, boursin cheese, herb cream cheese, lemon zest, dijon mustard, sesame seeds, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THIS DAIRY-FREE SALMON CUCUMBER APPETIZER

Slice the Cucumbers – Cut the cucumbers into thick, even rounds so they hold up as a base.

Spread the Cashew Cheese – Add a generous layer of Spread ‘Em Cashew Cheese on each cucumber slice.

Top with Smoked Salmon – Place a small folded piece of smoked salmon on top of each bite.

Garnish Like a Pro – Sprinkle with capers and fresh dill for that gourmet touch.

Serve & Enjoy – Season with salt and pepper and pop them on a platter and watch them disappear!

STORING LEFTOVER CUCUMBER SALMON APPETIZER RECIPE

Best When Fresh – These cucumber bites are best enjoyed right after assembling since cucumbers tend to release water and can get soggy over time.

Short-Term Storage – If you need to store leftovers, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Keep Ingredients Separate – For meal prep or make-ahead snacks, store the cucumber slices, cashew cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and dill separately and assemble just before serving to keep them fresh.

Pat Cucumbers Dry – If prepping in advance, lightly pat the cucumber slices with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before storing.

Avoid Freezing – These bites do not freeze well since cucumbers and cashew cheese don’t hold up to thawing.

Revive Before Serving – If stored for a few hours, drain any excess moisture, add a fresh sprinkle of dill, and they’re good to go!

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use Firm, Fresh Crisp Cucumbers – The crispier the cucumber, the better the crunch! Opt for English cucumbers for fewer seeds and less water content.

• Pat Cucumbers Dry – Before assembling, lightly pat the cucumber slices with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

• Spread the Cashew Cheese Generously – Don’t be shy! A thicker layer of Spread ‘Em cashew cheese keeps the smoked salmon in place and adds extra creaminess.

• Fold the Smoked Salmon for the Best Look – Instead of laying it flat, gently fold or twist the salmon on top of the cashew cheese for a more elevated, restaurant-style presentation.

• Use Fresh Dill for Maximum Flavor – Fresh dill complements the smoky salmon and briny capers way better than dried dill.

• Assemble Right Before Serving – Cucumbers can release moisture, so for the best texture, assemble these bites right before serving.

• Customize Your Toppings – Add a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, or even a dash of black pepper for a little extra flair.

• Make it a Meal – Want to level this up? Serve these bites over a bed of greens or inside lettuce wraps for a light, refreshing meal.

• Keep Ingredients Separate for Meal Prep – If prepping ahead, store cucumber slices, salmon, and toppings separately and assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.

FAQS

ARE THESE SMOKED SALMON BITES GOOD FOR MEAL PREP?

These salmon bites are best when fresh, but if you’re prepping ahead, store the ingredients separately and assemble right before eating to keep that crunchy cucumber texture.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT DAIRY-FREE CHEESE INSTEAD OF THE CASHEW CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE?

Yes! Any dairy-free cream cheese option works. You can also use whipped avocado or hummus for a different twist.

DO I NEED TO REMOVE THE SKIN FROM THE CUCUMBER IN THESE DAIRY-FREE SALMON BITES?

No! The thin skin of English cucumbers or mini cucumbers works perfectly and adds extra crunch. If using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel them.

CAN I MAKE THESE DAIRY-FREE SALMON CUCUMBER BITES FOR A HOLIDAY APPETIZER OR DINNER PARTY?

Absolutely! These salmon appetizers are the perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or brunch spreads.

​HOW DO I KEEP THE CUCUMBERS FROM GETTING WATERY?

Before assembling, pat the cucumber slices with a paper towel to remove excess water. This keeps them crisp longer.

Other Easy Appetizers You May Enjoy!

• Gluten Free Pizza Bites
• Strawberry Balsamic Whipped Feta
• Red Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
• Healthy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Cowboy Caviar
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Air Fryer Bakes Brie With Puff Pastry
• Truffle Hummus
• KFC Style Popcorn Chicken Recipe (Vegan)
• Pepperoni Pizza Dip
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Gnocchi
• Frozen Chicken Wings In The Air Fryer
• Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Red Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip

IF YOU TRIED THIS COLD-SMOKED SALMON RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT AND STAR REVIEW. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS SIMPLE APPETIZER ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails