If you’ve ever craved something light but satisfying, you’ve probably already realized that smoked salmon is a total game-changer. When paired with crisp, fresh lettuce, creamy cream cheese, and a burst of fresh herbs, you’ve got a bite-sized delight that’s equal parts healthy, indulgent, and completely satisfying.
Smoked Salmon in Lettuce Wraps is one of those recipes that’s perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy lunch, a low-carb snack, or a light appetizer for a dinner party, these wraps are the answer. They come together in just a few minutes and pack a punch of flavor that makes each bite feel like a special treat.
What I love most about these wraps is how versatile they are. You can easily customize the fillings to your liking—swap out the cream cheese for avocado, add a touch of horseradish for heat, or even toss in some capers for an extra pop of briny flavor. Plus, the combination of the smoky salmon and the cool, crunchy lettuce makes for the perfect contrast in textures.
Personally, I came up with this recipe one afternoon when I was looking for something light but flavorful. I had some smoked salmon in the fridge and a bag of butter lettuce, and the rest just came together naturally. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would become one of my go-to meals. It’s easy to make, looks impressive, and tastes absolutely delicious. Now, I keep smoked salmon on hand just for these wraps!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in less than 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy lunches or quick snacks.
- Low-carb and healthy: These wraps are a fantastic option if you’re keeping things low-carb or keto, and they’re packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon.
- Light and refreshing: The cool lettuce and creamy filling balance out the smoky, salty salmon, creating a refreshing bite every time.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients, add your favorite toppings, or experiment with different flavors to make these wraps your own.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can assemble the fillings ahead of time and just wrap them up when you’re ready to eat.
- Impressive and elegant: Whether you’re serving these at a dinner party or for a special meal, these wraps look beautiful and taste even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need many ingredients to make these wraps, but the ones you use will make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Smoked salmon – The star of the show! I recommend using high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. It’s rich, slightly salty, and pairs perfectly with the freshness of the lettuce.
- Lettuce (butter or Romaine) – Soft, crisp leaves of butter lettuce work wonderfully for these wraps. Romaine can also work, but the delicate texture of butter lettuce gives the wraps a more refined feel.
- Cream cheese – This adds a creamy, tangy element to the wraps. You can use regular, light, or even dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer.
- Fresh dill – Dill and smoked salmon are a classic pairing, so don’t skip it! Fresh dill adds an herbaceous brightness that complements the richness of the salmon.
- Cucumber – A cool, crunchy cucumber adds a refreshing bite and balances out the rich salmon. You can either slice it thin or cut it into small matchsticks.
- Red onion – A few thin slices of red onion provide a subtle sharpness that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the cheese and the saltiness of the salmon.
- Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish and adds a nice zesty kick. You can also use lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus.
- Capers (optional) – These little briny morsels are a great addition if you like an extra pop of salty flavor.
- Black pepper – Freshly cracked pepper adds a little depth and heat, balancing the richness of the salmon.
(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making smoked salmon lettuce wraps is super simple and quick, so you’ll have them ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the lettuce
Start by washing and drying your lettuce leaves. You want the leaves to be intact, so handle them gently to avoid tearing. I love using butter lettuce for its soft, pliable leaves, but if you prefer something with a bit more crunch, Romaine works well too.
Carefully peel the leaves off and lay them flat on a clean surface. You’ll need 2–3 leaves per wrap, depending on their size. Make sure the leaves are large enough to hold the filling comfortably.
Step 2: Prepare the fillings
Now, let’s get the filling ready. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of black pepper. You can also add a little bit of salt, but be mindful since the smoked salmon can be quite salty already.
Once the cream cheese mixture is well combined, it’s time to prepare the other ingredients. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or cut it into matchsticks—whichever you prefer. You want the cucumber to be crisp and refreshing, so make sure the slices aren’t too thick. Thin, bite-sized pieces work best.
Next, slice the red onion into thin rings or half-rings. The onion adds a nice sharpness to contrast the creamy cheese and smoky salmon, so be sure to use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Step 3: Assemble the wraps
Now comes the fun part—assembling the wraps! Take each lettuce leaf and spread a little of the cream cheese mixture in the center. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out evenly, creating a small bed for the smoked salmon.
Place a slice of smoked salmon on top of the cream cheese. If the slices are large, you can fold them or cut them to fit the lettuce leaves. Next, add a few slices of cucumber and red onion for crunch and flavor.
If you’re using capers, now’s the time to add them. Just a few will do, as they’re quite salty. Garnish with fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon, and a crack of black pepper.
Step 4: Wrap it up
Once everything is added, gently fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling, like you would with a burrito. You can fold the bottom up as well to create a little pocket, or simply wrap it up like a taco. The lettuce holds everything together beautifully, and the wrap should stay intact when you bite into it.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Serve the smoked salmon lettuce wraps immediately, either as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. If you’re making them ahead of time, store the components separately and assemble them just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality smoked salmon: Since the salmon is the star of the dish, use the best quality you can find. Look for wild-caught, sustainably sourced options when possible.
- Customize the fillings: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, try swapping it for mashed avocado, hummus, or a light spread like Greek yogurt. You can also add extra toppings like sliced avocado or arugula for more flavor.
- Add a spicy kick: If you like a little heat, drizzle some sriracha sauce or add a few slices of fresh jalapeño to the wraps.
- For a fresh twist: Use other herbs like parsley or chives for a different flavor profile. Fresh basil also works well if you’re in the mood for something a bit different.
- Meal prep: You can prepare the filling ingredients in advance and store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat for the freshest, most satisfying result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these wraps ahead of time?
While these wraps are best when assembled fresh, you can prepare the fillings ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. The lettuce leaves should be wrapped tightly in a damp paper towel to keep them crisp, but they will soften over time, so it’s best to assemble the wraps just before serving.
Can I use different types of lettuce?
Yes! If you can’t find butter lettuce, you can use Romaine, iceberg, or even collard greens for a sturdier wrap. Just keep in mind that sturdier lettuce may not be as pliable, so you’ll need to work with it a little more carefully.
What other toppings can I add?
Feel free to get creative! You could add avocado slices, sliced tomatoes, microgreens, or even a drizzle of olive tapenade for a Mediterranean twist.
Can I make this recipe with smoked trout or other smoked fish?
Absolutely! Smoked trout, mackerel, or even smoked whitefish would work great in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning if the fish is saltier or more intensely flavored than smoked salmon.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the cream cheese for mashed avocado, a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, or hummus for a creamy filling without the dairy.
Smoked Salmon in Lettuce Wraps is one of those recipes that’s simple yet elegant, light yet satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you get a burst of fresh flavors and textures that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a show-stopping appetizer, these wraps will not disappoint. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear about your variations!
Smoked Salmon in Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 4 large butter lettuce leaves
- 100 g smoked salmon sliced
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Lettuce:
- Gently wash and pat dry the butter lettuce leaves. Arrange them on a plate, overlapping slightly to create a base for the fillings.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Place a few slices of smoked salmon onto each lettuce leaf. Add a couple of avocado slices on top. Sprinkle with fresh dill and drizzle with lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Carefully fold the sides of the lettuce over the fillings and roll up tightly. Serve immediately as a light lunch or appetizer.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or Greek yogurt on the lettuce before adding the fillings.
- These wraps can be customized with additional toppings such as capers, red onion slices, or cucumber ribbons.
- If preparing in advance, store the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
