Smoked Salmon Roll-Ups: The “Minimalist Sushi” Appetizer

The Structural Strategy: No-Bread vs. Tortilla

In contemporary culinary circles, the “No-Bread” smoked salmon roll-up (often called a Protein Pinwheel) has overtaken the classic tortilla wrap.

The Tortilla Method: Uses a flour or spinach wrap as a structural base. It’s heartier and easier to handle but hides the vibrant color of the fish.
The No-Bread Method: Uses the salmon itself as the outer wrap. This creates a keto-friendly, high-end “sushi” aesthetic that focuses on the silky texture of the fish.

Ingredients List

The Outer Shell:
- Smoked Salmon (8–10 oz): Look for wide, even slices (Cold-smoked/Lox style).
The “Herb-Lift” Cream Cheese:
- Whipped Cream Cheese (43 cup): Whipped is easier to spread without tearing the delicate fish.
- Lemon Zest (1 tsp).
- Fresh Chives or Dill (2 tbsp, finely minced).
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (for the outer crust).
The “Core” Crunch:
- English Cucumber: Sliced into very thin matchsticks (julienned).
- Avocado: Sliced into thin slivers.
- Optional: Capers or jalapeño slices for a “spike” of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per 3-4 pieces)

Based on a yield of approx. 16-20 slices.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	145 kcal
Total Fat	11g
Net Carbohydrates	3g
Protein	9g
Sodium	420mg

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Timing: The “Firming” Chill

Prep: 15 minutes.
Chilling (Crucial): 15 minutes in the freezer or 1 hour in the fridge. This ensures the cream cheese firms up enough to get those “clean,” circular slices.

Step-by-Step Instructions (The No-Bread Method)

Step 1: The Plastic Wrap Foundation

Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Sprinkle a generous amount of Everything Bagel Seasoning or minced dill directly onto the plastic.

Step 2: The Salmon Mosaic

Place your smoked salmon slices on top of the seasoning, overlapping the edges slightly to form a solid 8×10 inch rectangle.

Actionable Advice: Overlapping is the key. If there are gaps, the cream cheese will leak through, and the roll will fall apart when you try to slice it.

Step 3: The Gentle Spread

Spread a thin, even layer of the herbed cream cheese over the salmon. Leave about 21 inch of space at the very top edge to act as a “seal.”

Step 4: The Core Placement

Lay your cucumber matchsticks and avocado slivers in a neat horizontal line about 2 inches from the bottom edge (the side closest to you).

Step 5: The “Sushi-Style” Roll

Using the plastic wrap to lift the bottom edge, roll the salmon tightly over the vegetables. Continue rolling away from you until you have a firm “sausage” shape. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap like a candy wrapper to compress the roll.

Step 6: The Clean Cut

After chilling, use a non-serrated, very sharp knife. Wipe the blade with a damp cloth between every slice to prevent the cream cheese from smearing across the orange salmon.

3 Modern Plating Trends for 2026

Style	Presentation	Serving Suggestion
The “Stand-Up”	Place rolls vertically on a platter so the “spiral” faces up.	Top each with a single caper or a tiny sprig of dill.
The “Soy-Glaze”	Arrange horizontally and drizzle with a Citrus-Soy reduction.	Serves as a low-carb alternative to a Philadelphia Roll.
The “Grazing Board”	Scatter the rolls among cornichons, radishes, and rye crisps.	Provides a variety of textures for a larger party.