Smoked Salmon Pinwheels with Cream Cheese and Dill

Check out these simple and delicious Smoked Salmon Pinwheels — an elegant, satisfying appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

This version is adapted from a cookbook recipe and streamlined for simplicity. If you’re looking for a light, flavorful starter to bring to a dinner or to serve at a party, these pinwheels are a great choice. They combine smoked salmon with a creamy herbed cheese mixture and fresh herbs for bright, savory bites.

Recipe Notes

I made a few small changes to the original: I used whole wheat lavash instead of tortillas, substituted chopped green onion for red onion, and added fresh dill both into the spread and as a garnish on each pinwheel. These tweaks keep the flavor bright and the overall bite light.

The method is very straightforward: make the salmon-cheese spread, spread it evenly over the lavash or tortilla, roll tightly like a jelly roll, chill, then slice into rounds. The chilled rolls slice cleanly and display beautifully on a platter. You can prepare them several hours in advance, which makes them ideal for entertaining.

After rolling, chill the logs until firm so they cut into neat pinwheels. Arrange the sliced pinwheels on a serving platter and finish with a little sprig of fresh dill for an attractive presentation.

Skinny Smoked Salmon Pinwheel Appetizers Recipe

Author: Martha McKinnon | Simple Nourished Living

Summary: A tasty spread of reduced-fat cream cheese, garlic-herb cheese, capers, fresh dill and smoked salmon, spread on lavash or tortillas, rolled and sliced into pinwheels. This recipe makes an attractive, flavorful appetizer or snack and is also delicious served on crackers, crostini or cucumber slices.

Prep Time: 20 mins   |   Cook Time: 0 mins   |   Total: 20 mins   |   Servings: 48 pinwheels

Ingredients

• 4 ounces smoked salmon, cut into small pieces
• 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 package (about 5 ounces) light garlic and herb cheese spread (such as a light Boursin-style spread)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus extra small sprigs for garnish if desired
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 whole wheat lavash sheets (about 9 x 12 inches) or 8 flour tortillas (6 to 8-inch)

Instructions

1. Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces so it incorporates evenly into the spread.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened reduced-fat cream cheese and the garlic-herb cheese spread on low speed until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer or sturdy whisk works well.
3. Stir in the chopped green onions, drained capers, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice and the smoked salmon. Mix until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust lemon or dill if desired.
4. Divide the salmon mixture evenly among the lavash sheets or tortillas. Spread the mixture into an even layer over each sheet, leaving a little space at the edges if you prefer.
5. Roll each lavash or tortilla up tightly like a jelly roll. If needed, secure each roll with a toothpick while chilling.
6. Cover the rolls and refrigerate until well chilled and firm, at least 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling helps the rolls slice cleanly.
7. Remove the rolls from the refrigerator and slice each roll into approximately 3/8-inch thick pinwheels. Trim ends if necessary for an even presentation.
8. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on a serving platter. Top each pinwheel with a small sprig of fresh dill if desired.

Notes

• Serving size: 2 pinwheels
• This spread also works beautifully spooned onto crostini, plain crackers or cucumber slices for a lower-carb option.
• To make ahead: assemble, roll and refrigerate; slice just before serving for the freshest presentation.
• If you prefer a bolder onion flavor, use finely minced red onion in place of green onion, but reduce the amount to suit your taste.

Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 2 pinwheels   |   Calories: 57 kcal   |   Carbohydrates: 6 g   |   Protein: 3 g   |   Fat: 3 g

Additional approximate nutrition: Saturated Fat 0.5 g, Sodium 80 mg, Fiber 0.5 g, Sugar 0.3 g. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

These pinwheels are light, flavorful and visually appealing — perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks or as a quick, elegant appetizer. The combination of cream cheese and garlic-herb spread gives a creamy base while the capers, lemon and dill brighten the overall flavor and complement the smoked salmon beautifully.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American

Source: The New Holly Clegg Trim and Terrific Cookbook (adapted)

If you like smoked salmon pinwheels you might also enjoy:

• Scrambled Eggs with Salmon
• Skinny Salmon Stuffed Eggs
• Easy Glazed Salmon
• Salmon Cakes
• Open-Faced Salmon Salad Sandwich
• Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Peas