Smoked Salmon And Cream Cheese Roll-Ups

Are you on the hunt for an easy, elegant, and irresistibly delicious appetizer?
Smoked salmon and cream cheese roll-ups are a perfect choice! This quick recipe combines the smoky richness of salmon with the creamy tang of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday spread, or just looking for a light snack, these roll-ups are bound to impress.
What makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can serve these bite-sized treats as a fancy appetizer, a lunchbox addition, or even a healthy afternoon snack. Plus, they’re so simple to prepare that even kitchen novices can nail this recipe.
As the new year unfolds, this dish is a wonderful way to add flair to your gatherings. Imagine placing a platter of these roll-ups on the table – vibrant, colorful, and packed with flavor.
They’re sure to be the star of any event, and you’ll love how quickly they disappear!
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick and Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients and 15 minutes to create this crowd-pleaser.
- Flavorful: The combination of smoked salmon, tangy cream cheese, and fresh herbs is simply irresistible.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, this appetizer is as nutritious as it is delicious.
- Versatile: Great for parties, potlucks, or even meal prep. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste.
- No-Cook Recipe: Perfect for hot days or when you want to avoid turning on the stove.
Ingredient List
For the Roll-Ups
- Tortillas: 4 large flour tortillas (or gluten-free tortillas if preferred)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (1 block) softened
- Smoked Salmon: 6-8 oz thinly sliced
- Capers: 2 tbsp, drained (optional)
- Fresh Dill: 2 tbsp, chopped (substitute with parsley if desired)
- Lemon Zest: 1 tsp for added freshness
- Arugula or Spinach: 1 cup, fresh and washed
Optional Add-Ons
- Red Onion: ¼ small onion, thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness
- Cucumber: ½ cucumber, thinly sliced for crunch
Kitchen Tools Needed
To make these smoked salmon and cream cheese roll-ups, you’ll need:
- Cutting board: For prepping ingredients like fresh herbs or optional add-ons.
- Chef’s knife: To slice the roll-ups neatly.
- Spreading knife or offset spatula: For evenly spreading cream cheese onto the tortillas.
- Zester: For grating fresh lemon zest.
- Measuring spoons: To measure out ingredients like capers or dill.
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper: To roll and chill the tortillas for easier slicing.
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Instructions
- Prepare the Base
- Lay out the tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Ensure they’re at room temperature to prevent cracking.
- Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chopped dill and lemon zest. For extra creaminess, you can add a teaspoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
- Spread the Cream Cheese
- Using a spreading knife, evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. Ensure the edges are covered to help the roll stay intact.
- Layer the Ingredients
- Lay thin slices of smoked salmon across the cream cheese layer, leaving about 1 inch at the top of the tortilla uncovered (this makes rolling easier).
- Add a sprinkle of capers and a few slices of red onion or cucumber if using. Top with a handful of arugula or spinach for added freshness.
- Roll Tightly
- Starting at the bottom edge, roll the tortilla tightly, pressing gently as you go. Use the uncovered edge to seal the roll.
- Chill
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the rolls hold their shape when sliced.
- Slice and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately!

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Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality smoked salmon and fresh herbs elevate the flavor.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before spreading. This ensures smooth application and prevents tearing the tortilla.
- Don’t Overfill: A light layer of each ingredient prevents the roll-ups from becoming messy or difficult to slice.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the rolls makes them firmer and easier to cut cleanly.
- Customize the Recipe: Add horseradish, wasabi mayo, or a touch of garlic powder to the cream cheese for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different greens or veggies.
- Serve Fresh: These roll-ups taste best when served fresh, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Tortillas: Swap flour tortillas with gluten-free, whole wheat, or spinach wraps for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
- Smoked Salmon: Use gravlax, cooked salmon, or even deli-style turkey or ham for a non-seafood variation.
- Cream Cheese: Substitute with flavored cream cheese (like garlic and herb or chive), Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Fresh Herbs: Try parsley, chives, or basil instead of dill for a different flavor profile.
- Greens: Replace arugula or spinach with lettuce, kale, or mixed greens.
- Capers: If you’re not a fan of capers, try finely chopped olives or omit them entirely.
- Add-ins: Experiment with julienned carrots, bell peppers, or avocado slices to add crunch or creaminess.
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Serving Suggestions
- Appetizer Platter: Serve the roll-ups alongside crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or a selection of dips like hummus or tzatziki.
- Snack Boxes: Include them in bento boxes with nuts, fruit, and cheese for a balanced snack.
- Brunch Spread: Pair with bagels, croissants, or mini quiches for a luxurious brunch setup.
- Party Presentation: Arrange the roll-ups on a platter and garnish with lemon wedges and sprigs of dill for an eye-catching presentation.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Place leftover roll-ups in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: These roll-ups don’t freeze well, as the cream cheese and salmon may alter in texture once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.
- Reheating: Reheating is not necessary as these are served cold. Simply remove them from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to bring them to room temperature.

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FAQ
1. Can I make smoked salmon roll-ups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them up to 4-6 hours in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to slice and serve.
2. Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the smoked salmon with thinly sliced roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or marinated tofu for a vegetarian version.
3. Can I use store-bought flavored cream cheese?
Of course! Store-bought flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb or onion and chive works well and saves time.
4. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
Ensure your greens are dry and don’t overload the filling. You can also spread the cream cheese edge-to-edge on the tortilla to create a barrier that keeps moisture from soaking in.
5. Can I use something other than tortillas?
Yes! Try using lavash bread, seaweed sheets (nori), or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
With these tips, variations, and storage suggestions, your smoked salmon and cream cheese roll-ups will always be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this flavorful and versatile recipe!

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Spreading knife or offset spatula
- Zester
- Measuring spoons
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups
- Tortillas: 4 large flour tortillas or gluten-free tortillas if preferred
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz 1 block softened
- Smoked Salmon: 6-8 oz thinly sliced
- Capers: 2 tbsp drained (optional)
- Fresh Dill: 2 tbsp chopped (substitute with parsley if desired)
- Lemon Zest: 1 tsp for added freshness
- Arugula or Spinach: 1 cup fresh and washed
Optional Add-Ons
- Red Onion: ¼ small onion thinly sliced for a touch of sharpness
- Cucumber: ½ cucumber thinly sliced for crunch
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Lay out the tortillas on a clean, flat surface. Ensure they’re at room temperature to prevent cracking.
Make the Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with chopped dill and lemon zest. For extra creaminess, you can add a teaspoon of heavy cream or Greek yogurt.
Spread the Cream Cheese
- Using a spreading knife, evenly spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tortilla. Ensure the edges are covered to help the roll stay intact.
Layer the Ingredients
- Lay thin slices of smoked salmon across the cream cheese layer, leaving about 1 inch at the top of the tortilla uncovered (this makes rolling easier).
- Add a sprinkle of capers and a few slices of red onion or cucumber if using. Top with a handful of arugula or spinach for added freshness.
Roll Tightly
- Starting at the bottom edge, roll the tortilla tightly, pressing gently as you go. Use the uncovered edge to seal the roll.
Chill
- Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the rolls hold their shape when sliced.
Slice and Serve
- Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into 1-inch pieces. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately!
Notes
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.