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Perfect Mothers Day Cucumber and Salmon Tea Sandwiches

mothers day cucumber and salmon tea sandwiches - featured image

These elegant and easy-to-make tea sandwiches combine thinly sliced cucumber, smoked salmon, and a bright lemon-dill cream cheese spread for a light and indulgent treat perfect for Mother’s Day or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
  • 8 ounces smoked salmon slices
  • 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread: In a bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Slice the Cucumber: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice one English cucumber into paper-thin rounds. Pat slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture to prevent soggy sandwiches. This step should take 5-7 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Bread: Remove crusts from 12 slices of white sandwich bread. Lightly spread each slice with softened unsalted butter to act as a moisture barrier. Aim for a thin, even coating. This takes about 5 minutes.
  4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer (about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons) of the lemon-dill cream cheese mixture on six of the buttered bread slices. Layer thin slices of smoked salmon evenly over the cream cheese. Add a single layer of cucumber slices on top of the salmon. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side down. This step takes about 10 minutes.
  5. Cut and Serve: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut each sandwich into quarters or triangles. Wipe the knife blade with a damp towel between cuts to keep edges clean and neat. Arrange sandwiches on a platter and cover with a damp cloth if not serving immediately. Takes 5 minutes.

Notes

Pat cucumber slices dry to avoid soggy bread. Lightly butter bread slices to create a moisture barrier. Use a serrated knife for clean cuts. Chill sandwiches for 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors and improve slicing. Assemble just before serving to keep salmon fresh. Variations include swapping smoked salmon for avocado or turkey, using gluten-free bread, or adding horseradish mustard for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: tea sandwiches, cucumber, smoked salmon, lemon-dill cream cheese, Mother's Day recipe, easy sandwiches, elegant appetizers