Cucumber sushi with avocado and smoked salmon is light, fresh, and full of clean flavors and contrasting textures. Crisp cucumber ribbons wrap a creamy layer of plain cream cheese, buttery slices of avocado, and savory smoked salmon for a roll that feels fancy but stays simple. It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, no rice or special skills needed, and it’s ready in minutes for a snack, brunch plate, or party platter. Serve chilled with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bright finish.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Sushi with Avocado and Smoked Salmon
- Bright, refreshing bite from raw cucumber with creamy, rich fillings.
- No rice or nori needed—light and low-carb by design.
- Fast to assemble: about 10–15 minutes once the cucumbers are sliced.
- Easy to scale up for guests or make single servings for lunch.
- Flexible: keep it simple or add small optional toppings like lemon or sesame seeds.
- Eye-catching presentation that looks like a gourmet appetizer with little effort.
- Great cold — perfect for hot days, picnics, or make-ahead party trays.
What Is Cucumber Sushi with Avocado and Smoked Salmon?
Cucumber sushi with avocado and smoked salmon is a no-rice roll built from thin cucumber strips used as the wrapper. Inside, plain cream cheese gives a smooth base that holds sliced avocado and smoked salmon. The taste is a bright mix of clean vegetal notes, rich avocado, and the smoky, salty character of salmon. Texture plays a key role: the cucumber stays crisp, cream cheese is silky, avocado is buttery, and smoked salmon is tender. The cooking method is assembly—no heat, just slicing and rolling—so the vibe is fresh, quick, and a little elegant. It works for weeknight dinners, light lunches, brunch spreads, or party hors d’oeuvres.
For more smoked salmon ideas and sandwiches that pair well with this roll, see these smoked salmon recipes for inspiration.
Ingredients for Cucumber Sushi with Avocado and Smoked Salmon
Main Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- Plain cream cheese (amount to taste, about 4–6 tablespoons recommended)
- Sliced avocado (1 ripe avocado, sliced thin)
- Smoked salmon (about 4–6 ounces, sliced)
Optional Garnish
- Lemon (optional) — wedges or a few drops of juice
- Sesame seeds (optional) — toasted or plain
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions, Healthy Swaps)
- Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and a thin skin. If using regular cucumbers, scoop seeds or peel for a better texture.
- Plain cream cheese: use reduced-fat cream cheese to lower calories, or a thick plain Greek yogurt spread as a lighter alternative (label as optional swap). Keep in mind yogurt is looser and may affect rolling.
- Avocado: pick a ripe but firm avocado so slices hold shape. If the avocado is too soft, chill it briefly before slicing.
- Smoked salmon: any cold-smoked salmon is fine. For budget options, use smoked trout or thinly sliced cooked salmon flakes (optional substitution).
- Lemon and sesame seeds: optional. Lemon adds brightness; sesame seeds add nuttiness and a professional look.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the cucumbers
Trim the ends and use a sharp knife or a mandoline to slice each cucumber lengthwise into thin strips. Aim for flexible, wide strips that will bend without breaking.
Visual cue: the slices should be translucent and pliable, not stiff or too thick.
Step 2 – Arrange the cucumber slices
Lay the cucumber slices side by side on a sushi mat or a clean kitchen towel, overlapping slightly to create a sheet long enough to roll. Make sure the shiny skin side faces down for a neat look.
Step 3 – Spread the cream cheese
Spread a thin, even layer of plain cream cheese across the cucumber sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch clear at the far edge to help seal the roll. Use just enough to bind the fillings without overpowering them.
Step 4 – Add avocado and smoked salmon
Place sliced avocado and smoked salmon in a single line across the cream cheese, closest to the edge nearest you. Keep the filling centered and even for neat rolls.
Pro cue: If your avocado tends to brown, add slices just before rolling or squeeze a little lemon on the avocado (optional).
Step 5 – Roll tightly
Use the mat or towel to lift and roll the cucumber away from you, pressing gently to make a tight cylinder and seal the edge with the cream cheese. Keep steady, and roll in one continuous motion.
Step 6 – Slice and serve
Slice the roll into bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for smooth edges. Arrange on a platter and finish with optional lemon and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Visual cue: Each piece should show neat layers of cucumber, cream cheese, avocado, and smoked salmon.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a very sharp knife or mandoline for clean, even cucumber slices. Uneven slices make rolling harder.
- Keep cucumber strips thin and flexible—too thick and the roll won’t close neatly.
- Don’t overfill. A thin line of avocado and salmon rolls tighter and looks cleaner.
- Chill the avocado slightly or add it at the last moment to avoid browning.
- Press the roll firmly but gently when sealing; too hard will squeeze out filling.
- Slice with a wet knife for smoother cuts and less sticking.
- If your cucumbers are watery, pat slices dry with paper towels before assembling.
Flavor Variations
- Optional: Add a thin smear of Dijon mustard under the cream cheese for a tangy kick.
- Optional: Sprinkle a few capers on the salmon for a briny contrast.
- Optional: Mix a small amount of lemon zest into the cream cheese for an aromatic lift.
- Optional: For a spicy version, add a few drops of sriracha to the cream cheese (works if you want heat).
- Optional: Swap plain cream cheese for herb cream cheese to add fresh herb notes.
- Optional: Top with finely chopped chives or dill for a bright, herbaceous finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled on a platter with lemon wedges and sesame seeds for garnish.
- Offer small forks or toothpicks for easy pickup at parties.
- Pair with a simple green salad or miso soup for a light lunch.
- Add to a brunch board with bagels, more smoked salmon, and sliced tomatoes.
- Plate alongside pickled ginger or cucumber salad for a sushi-style spread.
- Use as a low-carb appetizer at gatherings or serve with crackers for variety.
- Arrange pieces on a bed of baby greens for a pretty starter.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Make-ahead: Prepare cucumber slices and slice the avocado just before assembly. You can pre-slice smoked salmon and portion cream cheese into a piping bag or spreader to speed assembly.
- Storage: Once made, store rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Beyond that, cucumber may get softer and avocado may brown.
- Reheating: Do not heat—this is best served cold. Heating will break the texture of cucumber and avocado.
- Texture changes: The cucumber softens and may release water over time. For best texture, assemble within a few hours of serving.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Freezing is not recommended. Cucumbers and avocado both suffer severe texture loss when frozen, turning mushy when thawed.
- For longer storage, keep smoked salmon sealed in the coldest part of the fridge and assemble rolls fresh when ready to serve.
- If you need to prepare in advance, slice and store fillings separately (cucumber wrapped in a towel to remove excess moisture, salmon in an airtight bag, cream cheese chilled) and roll within a few hours.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium
—|—:|—:|—:|—:|—:
Approx. 150 | 8 g | 6 g | 10 g | 2 g | 450 mg
Estimates vary by brands and portions.
FAQ About Cucumber Sushi with Avocado and Smoked Salmon
Q: How do I stop the cucumber from cracking when I roll?
A: Slice cucumber thin and steady. If slices are stiff, shave them a bit thinner or chill briefly to increase flexibility.
Q: Can I use regular cream cheese with flavors?
A: Yes, but flavored cream cheese will change the taste. Use herb or garlic cream cheese as an optional variation.
Q: How long will leftovers stay fresh?
A: Best within 24 hours refrigerated. After that, texture and flavor decline.
Q: My avocado browns quickly. Any tips?
A: Add lemon juice to the avocado slices or assemble just before serving to limit browning.
Q: Can I substitute smoked salmon with raw fish?
A: No. This recipe uses smoked salmon. Using raw fish would require different handling and safety steps.
Q: Are these rolls suitable for kids?
A: Yes. They are mild and fresh; omit lemon or sesame seeds if you prefer simpler flavors.
Notes
- Use a clean, damp sushi mat or towel to keep the roll tight and even while rolling.
- For neat slices, chill the roll 10–15 minutes before cutting. This firms the filling and helps shape.
- Remove large cucumber seeds if they cause the slices to be too wet or weak.
- Serve with thin lemon wedges so guests can add brightness without overpowering the roll.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes to deepen flavor before sprinkling.
Troubleshooting
- Problem: Roll falls apart. Fix: Use thinner cucumber slices and less filling; spread cream cheese to the edge to seal.
- Problem: Cucumber too watery. Fix: Pat dry with paper towels and press lightly between towels to remove excess moisture.
- Problem: Avocado mushy or brown. Fix: Use a firmer avocado, chill before slicing, add lemon juice, and assemble just before serving.
- Problem: Knife sticks while slicing. Fix: Wipe the knife clean and wet with a little water between cuts for smooth slices.
- Problem: Pieces look uneven. Fix: Roll tightly and use a ruler or guide to slice evenly, or chill the roll briefly before cutting.
- Problem: Flavor too bland. Fix: Add a touch of lemon or a small sprinkle of salt to the cream cheese before spreading (optional tweak).
Final Thoughts
Cucumber sushi with avocado and smoked salmon is a quick, elegant dish that feels special but stays easy. It plays on contrast—crisp cucumber, silky cream cheese, buttery avocado, and smoky salmon—so you get a lot of flavor and texture from a small set of ingredients. Make it fresh, serve chilled, and enjoy a light dish that works for snacks, brunch, or a simple dinner. For another take on smoked salmon in roll form, try this related recipe: Smoked Salmon Sushi Rolls – Tastefulventure.