About This Recipe
All the everything-bagel vibes, none of the carbs. These crisp cucumber boats are piled high with whipped dill cream cheese, silky smoked salmon, and briny capers for a fresh, no-cook keto snack ready in 10 minutes. Perfect for parties, meal prep snacks, or a light lunch.
Category: Snack • Difficulty: Easy • Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- Persian cucumbers (2–3), halved lengthwise
- Full-fat cream cheese, softened
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice
- Garlic powder, pinch of salt
- Smoked salmon, sliced or ribboned
- Capers
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Thin red onion slivers (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp chopped dill, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
- Halve 2 Persian cucumbers lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop a shallow channel for the filling. Pat the interiors very dry with paper towels to keep the crunch.
- Spread the whipped cream cheese into each cucumber boat.
- Fold or ribbon smoked salmon over the top.
- Finish with capers, a few thin slivers of red onion (optional), and a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Drizzle with a touch of extra‑virgin olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately, or chill 10 minutes for extra set. Best enjoyed the day made.
Keto Focus
Classic bagel-and-lox made low-carb by swapping bread for crunchy cucumber boats. Full-fat cream cheese boosts satisfying fats, while salmon adds protein and omega‑3s. Each serving has just 6g net carbs—perfect for keto snacking or a light lunch. Tip: choose full‑fat dairy and check seasoning labels to avoid hidden sugars.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 13g
- Fat: 25g
- Total Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Net Carbs: 6g
Tips & Variations
- Avocado upgrade: add a few slices for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Fish swap: try smoked trout or gravlax for a twist; canned smoked salmon works in a pinch.
- Dairy-free: use a plant-based cream cheese and a splash of olive oil for richness.
- Mini bites: use mini cucumbers for appetizer-friendly, two-bite boats.
- Herb it up: chives or parsley pair beautifully with dill.
- Extra crunch: sprinkle toasted sesame seeds if you’re out of everything seasoning.
- Make-ahead: whip the cream cheese up to 3 days in advance; assemble just before serving so cucumbers stay crisp.