Posted on
by 
4 Comments These salmon rolls with cream cheese are a super easy snack that works perfectly as an appetizer, party bite, or even a light lunch. With smoked salmon, a creamy herb filling, and fresh avocado, these salmon rolls look impressive but take very little effort to make.
There’s something incredibly versatile about smoked salmon. It’s delicious on toast, in salads, or as part of a quick meal – and it really shines in these salmon rolls. In this recipe, the salmon is rolled around a smooth cream cheese filling and served with a flavorful ginger chili dipping sauce on the side. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious snacks don’t come any easier than these salmon rolls. I love serving them whenever I have friends around but I will also make them for myself when I have leftover smoked salmon. They’re super quick to make and easy to adjust in flavor.
Recipe Ingredients
These salmon rolls really only need a couple of ingredients, but you can add different thing to them if you want. Let me give you some ideas:
- smoked salmon – obviously the most important ingredient for the salmon rolls. Use a good source for the salmon. Quality does matter in this case.
- cream cheese – I like to use something like Philadelphia but make sure to use the firmer kind so it’s easier to roll. Use the cream cheese cold, that helps too. You can also use flavored cream cheese for a different taste. I like adding fresh chives, but you can also add other fresh herbs yourself.
- avocado – in the center of the salmon rolls you add a bit of avocado. You can also add a strip of bell pepper if you prefer.
Additional mix-is can include: chili powder, a little bit of crispy chili oil, ground paprika or dried herbs will work well too.
The Optional (But Highly Recommended) Sauce
While the salmon rolls are delicious on their own, the ginger chili sauce really takes them to the next level. It does take a little time to simmer and cool, but since the salmon rolls need to chill anyway, it fits perfectly into the prep time. The recipe makes more sauce than you’ll need, but leftovers are great as a dressing on a salad or glaze for other dishes. I love salmon anyway and make sure to check out the salmon cocktail or how to make gravlax.
How to Make Salmon Rolls
Making these salmon rolls with cream cheese is very easy to do. You first mix the cream cheese with whatever add-ins you like. In my cases I used fresh chives and just plain pepper and salt. Mix it so it is well combined. Place the slices of salmon in a large rectangle on a piece of plastic wrap. The plastic should be larger than the salmon slices as you will use it to wrap the salmon together tighly once the cream cheese is added.
Now you spread the cream cheese over the middle of the salmon slices. Leave a bit of space around the edges to prevent everything spilling out as soon as you start rolling. When you’ve spread it out you carefully roll the salmon lengthwise into a tight roll. Wrap the plastic around it as tightly as you can and place in the fridge for at least an hour to set.
You can easily make this roll in advance if you have guests over for snacks and drinks. The only thing left to do once they arrive is to cut the roll into pieces.
FAQ Salmon Rolls With Cream Cheese
Yes, salmon rolls are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the roll up to 24 hours in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Slice just before serving for the best presentation.
Salmon rolls with cream cheese will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days when stored airtight. Because they contain smoked salmon and cream cheese, they’re best eaten fresh.
Freezing salmon rolls is not recommended. Cream cheese and avocado don’t freeze well and may become watery or grainy once thawed, which affects both texture and flavor.
Chives are a classic and mild option, but dill, basil, parsley, or even a bit of oregano work well too. Feel free to mix and match herbs depending on the flavor profile you prefer.
Yes, you can easily leave out the avocado if you prefer. The salmon rolls will still be delicious with just smoked salmon and cream cheese. You could also replace the avocado with cucumber strips or arugula for a fresh crunch.
Salmon rolls are great on their own, but they pair beautifully with a dipping sauce, toasted bread, crackers, or a light salad. They also work well as part of a brunch or appetizer spread.
Absolutely. Herb or garlic cream cheese works very well in salmon rolls and saves time. If using flavored cream cheese, taste first and adjust the seasoning before adding extra herbs.
More Salmon Recipes
Easy Smoked Salmon Appetizer with Cream Cheese
Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
For the salmon rolls
- 200 grams smoked salmon sliced
- 100 grams cream cheese or just take natural cream cheese and add fresh herbs to taste
- 1 avocado sliced in thin strips
- 2 tbsp chives finely chopped
- salt and pepper
For the sauce
- 120 ml Water
- 120 ml Mirin or white wine vinegar
- ½ Red chili sliced
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger finely chopped
Instructions
- Take a bowl and mix the cream cheese with 1 tbsp chopped chives (or any other herbs you like). Add salt and pepper to taste100 grams cream cheese, 2 tbsp chives, salt and pepper
- Take some cling film and lay the slices of salmon on it. Let the salmon slices slighty overlap each other. On the salmon spread a thick layer of the cream cheese filling and finish off with the avocado strips in the center.200 grams smoked salmon, 1 avocado
- Roll up the salmon like a wrap and let it set for at least one hour in the fridge.
- Put a small pan on the stove and add all ingredients for the sauce. Bring to a boil and then let it simmer for another five minutes on low fire. Then turn off the fire and let the sauce cool down.120 ml Water, 120 ml Mirin, ½ Red chili, 1 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 3 cloves Garlic, 2 tbsp fresh ginger
- When the salmon rolls have set, cut them in slices of ± 2 cm (roughly one inch) thick.
- Serve these rolls on a big plate with a cup of the ginger chili sauce in the centre or ont the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
The perfect quick appetizer for Easter, parties or whenever you feel like it!
Yes! These are the perfect simple snack time treats. I love these!
A cool idea and lovely summer dish! Very fresh.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thnx Rosa. It’s good to be back…