The Ultimate Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups (Easy High Protein Snack!)
Imagine all the savory, creamy, and utterly delicious flavors of your favorite everything bagel with lox and cream cheese, but transformed into an elegant, beautiful, and secretly healthy roll-up that looks like a gourmet sushi roll. That, my friends, is the fresh, genius magic of these Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups. This is, without…
Imagine all the savory, creamy, and utterly delicious flavors of your favorite everything bagel with lox and cream cheese, but transformed into an elegant, beautiful, and secretly healthy roll-up that looks like a gourmet sushi roll. That, my friends, is the fresh, genius magic of these Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups. This is, without a doubt, the most impressive and satisfying no-cook, high-protein snack or lunch you will make.
I promise you, there is no greater no-cook triumph than slicing into this beautiful log and revealing the perfect pinwheel of creamy scallion cream cheese, buttery avocado, and crisp cucumber. The everything bagel seasoning on the outside provides the most incredible crunch and savory flavor. It’s a low-carb, high-protein powerhouse that tastes like the most decadent treat.
Get ready to create your new favorite lunch, a recipe so simple, stunning, and delicious, you’ll be making it for quick lunches, fancy brunches, and party appetizers alike.
Why These Roll-Ups Will Be Your New Go-To Snack
You are going to be completely obsessed with how much flavor you can pack into a 15-minute, no-cook recipe. This is a true game-changer. Here’s why:
- A High-Protein, Low-Carb Powerhouse: Packed with protein and healthy omega-3s from the salmon, this is an incredibly satisfying snack that will keep you full and energized for hours, without the carbs of a bagel.
- Completely No-Cook and Ready in 15 Minutes: This is the ultimate fast, fresh meal. It’s a matter of simple assembly, making it perfect for a busy day when you don’t want to cook.
- Incredibly Elegant and Impressive: The beautiful pinwheel cross-section looks like a fancy sushi roll or an appetizer from a high-end caterer. It’s guaranteed to impress.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | 249 kcal per serving |
| Course | Appetizer, Lunch, Snack |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / No-Cook |
Your Simple, Fresh Shopping List
This elegant, no-cook recipe comes together with just a handful of high-quality ingredients.
→ For the Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups
- 2 Tbsp everything bagel seasoning blend → The secret to the savory, crunchy exterior!
- 1 lb smoked salmon → Thinly sliced, lox-style salmon is perfect here. This will be our “wrap.”
- ¾ cup whipped cream cheese → Or regular cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
- 2 scallions → Thinly sliced, for a fresh, mild oniony bite in our cream cheese.
- 2 tsp fresh lemon zest → Adds a wonderful brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 medium ripe avocado → Peeled and cut into thin strips.
- 1 small cucumber → Cut into thin, crunchy matchsticks.
- 1 medium jalapeño pepper → Very thinly sliced, for a spicy kick on top.
- Low-sodium soy sauce → Optional, but delicious for dipping!
Let’s Get Rolling! Your No-Cook Guide
Ready for the most elegant, easy lunch of your life? Let’s get assembling!
Part 1: The Savory Salmon Carpet
- Prepare Your Workspace: Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap (about 20 inches long) on your counter. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning blend all over the plastic wrap in an even layer.
- Create the Salmon Rectangle: Carefully lay out the thin slices of smoked salmon on top of the seasoning, overlapping the pieces slightly. Your goal is to create a solid, gap-free rectangle of salmon that is roughly 18×6 inches.
Part 2: The Creamy Filling and Assembly
- Make the Scallion Cream Cheese: In a small bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, thinly sliced scallions, and fresh lemon zest. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Spread the Filling: Using a spatula, spread the scallion cream cheese mixture in a thin, even layer over the entire surface of the salmon rectangle.
- Add the Veggies: About 2 inches from the bottom long edge of your rectangle, lay out the avocado strips and cucumber matchsticks in a neat line across the entire length of the salmon.
Part 3: Roll, Slice, and Serve!
- Roll It Tight!: Using the plastic wrap to help you lift, take the bottom edge of the salmon and begin to roll it tightly over the filling. Continue rolling, using the plastic wrap to guide you, until you have a snug, compact log. Keep it wrapped tightly in the plastic wrap.
- Slice and Serve: You can chill the log at this point to make it firmer, or slice it right away. Using a very sharp knife, cut the log into bite-sized pinwheels about ¾-inch thick.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Arrange the roll-ups on a platter so they are standing up, showing off their beautiful swirl. Top each roll with a thin slice of jalapeño and serve with soy sauce for dipping, if desired.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and sprinkle it all over with the everything bagel seasoning blend.
- Lay the smoked salmon slices on top of the seasoning, overlapping the pieces to create a solid rectangle roughly 18×6 inches.
- In a small bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, sliced scallions, and lemon zest. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the salmon.
- About 2 inches from the bottom edge, lay out the avocado strips and cucumber matchsticks in a line across the entire length of the salmon.
- Use the plastic wrap to help lift and tightly roll the salmon into a log over the filling. Keep it wrapped tightly in the plastic.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the log into bite-sized pieces about ¾-inch thick. Arrange them on a plate standing up.
- Top each roll with a thin slice of jalapeño and serve with soy sauce for dipping, if desired.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
These simple secrets will help make your beautiful and delicious snack a total success.
- Overlap Your Salmon. When creating your salmon “carpet,” make sure the slices overlap by about half an inch. This is crucial for creating a solid sheet that won’t fall apart when you roll and slice it.
- Use the Plastic Wrap! The plastic wrap is your best friend in this recipe. Use it not only to create your seasoned base but also to help you get a tight, clean, and compact roll without getting your hands messy.
- A Sharp Knife is a Must. For clean, beautiful slices that don’t squish, you need a very sharp knife. Wiping the blade clean between a few cuts can also help prevent smearing.
- The Make-Ahead Dream. This recipe is perfect for prepping ahead. You can make the entire log a day in advance, wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld, and it will be firm and easy to slice just before your guests arrive.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Customize. This is a fantastic base recipe! You could add some fresh dill to the cream cheese, swap the cucumber for crisp bell pepper strips, or leave out the jalapeño and top with more everything bagel seasoning.
Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Salmon Roll-Ups
This is a fantastic make-ahead appetizer or lunch prep solution.
- Refrigerator: The best way to store these is as a whole, unsliced log, wrapped very tightly in plastic wrap. The log will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Once sliced, leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and are best eaten within 2 days.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this recipe, as the texture of the cream cheese, avocado, and cucumber will not be pleasant upon thawing.
FAQs: Your Smoked Salmon Roll-Up Questions, Answered!
Can I make this if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
Yes! As the notes suggest, you can create the outer crust with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds (black, white, or a mix) or with savory Japanese furikake seasoning. It will have a different flavor but will be just as delicious and beautiful.
What’s the best kind of smoked salmon to use?
Thinly sliced, lox-style cold-smoked salmon is ideal for this recipe. It’s pliable and easy to layer and roll. You can usually find it in 4-ounce or 8-ounce packages in the refrigerated seafood section of your grocery store.
Is there a substitute for the scallion cream cheese?
For an even faster shortcut, you can buy a pre-made chive and onion cream cheese spread. A savory, herbed cheese spread like Boursin would also be a fantastic and delicious substitute.
How do I serve these for a party?
Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a large platter, standing up to show off the swirl. You can stick a festive toothpick in each one to make them easy for guests to grab. Serve the soy sauce and extra jalapeño slices in small bowls on the side.
Final Thoughts: Your Most Elegant, Easiest Lunch
There is nothing more satisfying than creating a meal that is elegant, incredibly delicious, and secretly took you only minutes to prepare. These Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roll-Ups are the epitome of a smart and sophisticated recipe. They are a celebration of fresh flavors and a perfect solution for a healthy, high-protein lunch or a show-stopping appetizer. I hope this becomes a new favorite in your no-cook recipe arsenal. Enjoy!
