Smoked Salmon Pinwheels are tasty little bites that are perfect for any gathering. They’re made with fresh cream cheese, smoked salmon, and crisp veggies, all rolled up in a soft tortilla.
These pinwheels are not just pretty on a platter; they’re super easy to make! I whip them up when friends come over, and they always disappear fast—like magic! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Salmon: This is the star of the pinwheels! If you can’t find smoked salmon, lox or even cooked salmon works, but it changes the final flavor profile. I love how smoked salmon adds a rich, earthy taste.
Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese makes the filling creamy but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese if you want a lighter or dairy-free option. Just ensure it’s nice and soft for easy spreading.
Dill and Chives: Fresh herbs brighten up the pinwheels. If you don’t have these on hand, you can use dry herbs, but go easy as dried herbs are stronger. I adore fresh herbs, so I always try to use them when possible!
Lemon Zest & Juice: These add a refreshing zing. If you want a different flavor, try lime juice or even a splash of vinegar. Personally, I find lemon is a classic match for salmon.
How Do I Make Perfectly Neat Pinwheels?
The key to beautifully sliced pinwheels is in how you roll and chill them. Here’s how to nail it:
- Lay your smoked salmon slices flat, slightly overlapping each other—this helps keep the filling contained.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly but don’t overdo it! A thin layer works best, so it rolls easily.
- Tightly roll the salmon from one edge. You want to keep it as uniform as possible!
- Chill the rolled pinwheel. This step firms it up and makes slicing easy. Don’t skip this!
- Use a sharp knife and slice gently to avoid squishing the pinwheels.
Remember to clean your knife between cuts; this keeps the pinwheels looking sharp and tidy!
How to Make Delicious Smoked Salmon Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) smoked salmon slices
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Capers, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh thyme or dill sprigs, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe calls for about 15 minutes of prep time plus at least 30 minutes for chilling. Altogether, you’ll spend about 45 minutes from start to finish, but don’t worry, most of that time is just waiting for the pinwheels to chill! Perfect for getting other things ready while they set.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Start by taking a medium bowl and mixing the softened cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped dill, and chives. Sprinkle in some freshly ground black pepper for added flavor. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. This will be your delicious filling!
2. Arrange the Smoked Salmon:
Next, lay out your smoked salmon slices on a clean surface. Overlap them slightly to create a large rectangle. This will help you create a beautiful rolled pinwheel that stays intact.
3. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the entire surface of the salmon. Make sure it covers the salmon well but use a light hand so it doesn’t get too messy!
4. Roll It Up:
Starting from one edge, carefully roll the salmon slices up tightly into a log shape. You want to keep it as even as possible for that perfect cut later!
5. Chill the Roll:
Wrap your rolled log in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chill time is key—it helps the roll firm up, making it easier to slice without squishing it!
6. Slice the Pinwheels:
Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap. Use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels. A clean knife for each cut helps keep your edges nice and sharp.
7. Plate and Garnish:
Arrange the pinwheels on a serving platter. You can garnish them with capers and a few fresh sprigs of herbs if you’d like—they add a lovely touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These Smoked Salmon Pinwheels can be served immediately or kept refrigerated until you’re ready to impress your guests. They’re light, fresh, and delectable!
Enjoy your elegant, creamy, and fresh-tasting Smoked Salmon Pinwheels! 🌟
Can I Use Gluten-Free Tortillas for These Pinwheels?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular ones if you need to make this dish gluten-free. Just make sure to choose a tortilla that rolls easily to hold your filling well.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh dill or chives, you can use dried herbs instead. Just use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs since they are more potent. Alternatively, feel free to leave them out for a simpler flavor.
Can I Make These Pinwheels in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours before serving. This way, they’ll stay fresh and are ready to slice right before your event.
How Should I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To enjoy them at their best, eat them chilled. If they seem a bit dry, a little spread of cream cheese on top can help revive them.