PARTNER POST: May 26 is National Pinot Grigio Day. We’re celebrating with Cavit Wines by sharing refreshing spring and summer recipes that pair perfectly with Pinot Grigio.
Check out how to make these easy, refreshing and summery cucumber bites topped with delicious smoked salmon mousse and paired with Pinot Grigio wine.
Memorial Day weekend is coming up!
It’s the unofficial beginning of the summer season. And I absolutely love everything about summer. The lazy days at the beach, movies at the park, concerts at the Pier, pool parties, and barbecues. And if you are anything like me, ice-cream every day. 
So why don’t start the long weekend celebrations next Friday with the first ever National Pinot Grigio Day?!? Cavit Wines is introducing this new wine holiday, and it’s the perfect way to kick off the warmer months to come.
I’m ready to toast with a refreshing glass of Pinot Grigio next to this healthy, laughably easy, and oh-so pretty appetizer. Check it out!
These tasty smoked salmon bites are great for your next summer party or picnic.
They are made with thick slices of cucumbers, cut into a fun flower shape, and topped with a rich and creamy smoked salmon mousse – made with ricotta cheese, a touch of lemon juice and a dash of Dijon mustard. Delicate and flavorful, all at the same time.
I simply love recipes that are fresh, easy and don’t take a lot of time to pull together. Who wants to spend too much time in a hot kitchen whipping up some complicated dish, when you can make this recipe in no time?!
So relax, kick off your shoes, pick up your glass of Pinot Grigio and jump in the fun (…or the pool in my case).
This is what summer should be all about!
Now, let’s talk about the wine without which no party is complete.
Cavit Pinot Grigio was first introduced in the United States back in 1977, from the Northern Italian regions of Trentino, Friuli and Veneto. These locations are not just recognized for their spectacular natural beauty, but also for their soil and climatic conditional that are ideal for vineyard cultivation.
Its balanced character and fruity aroma make Cavit Pinot Grigio a great match for my delicate smoked salmon bites, or any seafood dish really, enhancing its flavor and complementing each other.
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National Pinot Grigio Day: Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Pescatarian, Omnivore
Description
Elegant yet easy, these smoked salmon and ricotta bites are perfect for a summer gathering. Pair with crisp Pinot Grigio for a delightful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 4 oz (115 g) smoked salmon
- 1/2 cups (115 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cups (60 ml) whipping cream
- salt and pepper
- chives
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick slices. Optionally, use a cookie cutter slightly smaller than the slices to create a decorative shape.
- Alternatively, slice the cucumber lengthwise into paper-thin slices using a potato peeler. Roll the slices with one end folded under.
- Cut 3/4 of the salmon (3 oz) into small pieces. Reserve the remaining salmon for garnish.
- In a bowl, combine the salmon, ricotta cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Whip the whipping cream to soft peaks. Fold into the salmon mixture. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a large tip and pipe onto the cucumber slices or into the cucumber rolls.
- Top with a small salmon slice and chives.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For easier piping, use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off instead of a piping bag.
- If ricotta is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of milk or cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- To enhance flavor, use high-quality smoked salmon with a visible sheen and firm texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 bites
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 20
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cucumbers should I use for the smoked salmon cucumber bites?
It’s best to use English cucumbers for this recipe as they are longer, seedless, and have a thinner skin, making them perfect for slicing into flower shapes.
How can I achieve the right consistency for the smoked salmon mousse?
Make sure to blend the ricotta cheese thoroughly with the smoked salmon, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until it is smooth and creamy, which will ensure a nice texture for spreading.
Can I substitute the Dijon mustard in the smoked salmon mousse?
If you prefer, you can use a mild mustard or even a touch of horseradish for a different flavor, but keep in mind it will alter the taste profile slightly.
