I was in the kitchen after the holidays, lacking the motivation to spend much time cooking and with the fridge nearly empty, but I found a pack of smoked salmon, a bit of goat cheese, and a small jar of caviar. I decided to whip up something quick that wouldn't take too long but would look nice and be suitable for a quiet winter evening when I still hadn't made up my mind to return to regular meals.
Quick Info
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: no baking or cooking required
Servings: 2 servings (4 rolls)
Difficulty: easy
Recipe Type: appetizer, quick snack, special occasion, suitable for a festive meal or when you want something special without much effort
Ingredients
200 g smoked salmon, thinly sliced fillets
50 g soft goat cheese
1 small bunch of green chives (thin stems)
1 small jar of caviar (you can use any type you have, it doesn't need to be very expensive)
2 lettuce leaves (green lettuce or any other leaf that holds the roll)
1 teaspoon oil (I use neutral oil or a slightly flavored one if I have it)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Juice from half a lime
Instructions
1. Finely chop the chives. It's important not to have large pieces, as you want them to mix well into the cheese spread and provide a fresh flavor.
2. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the chopped chives. Mix everything with a fork until it becomes a smooth cream. If desired, you can adjust the taste with more salt and lime, according to your preference.
3. Lay each slice of salmon on a flat plate. Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture on each slice.
4. Roll up the salmon fillets with the cream inside. They don’t need to be too tight, just enough to hold together without the cheese spilling out.
5. Cut the lettuce leaves into suitable pieces, one for each roll. Arrange them on a platter or plates.
6. Place each salmon roll "standing up" on a piece of lettuce.
7. Top each roll with a small teaspoon of caviar just before serving.
8. Serve immediately. If you like, you can garnish with some chopped chives on top.
Why I Make This Recipe Often
I make these salmon rolls when I want something that looks good without wasting time. They come together quickly, don’t dirty too many dishes, and look elegant enough for guests or for a cozy dinner for two. No cooking is required, and the ingredients are easy to find.
Tips and Variations
Tips
Use soft cheese, not dry or hard versions. The creamier the cheese, the easier it spreads on the salmon.
Let the salmon sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling; it's easier to work with.
Don’t spread too much cream on each slice of salmon, or it will spill out when you roll.
Caviar adds a salty flavor, so don’t overdo the salt in the cream.
Substitutions
You can also use plain cream cheese if you don’t have goat cheese.
If you don’t have lime, lemon juice will work too.
Caviar can be replaced with more affordable fish roe or even pike roe if you prefer.
Instead of chives, you can use very finely chopped green onions, but the flavor will be stronger.
Variations
You can add a bit of lime zest to the cream for a more intense flavor.
If you want something crunchy, place a thin strip of cucumber or radish in the middle of the roll.
For a vegetarian option, skip the salmon and just use salad and cream, but the taste will be different.
Serving Ideas
The rolls look great on a white platter, with a sprinkle of chives on top.
They can be served on thin slices of toasted bread.
If you want to make smaller portions, cut each roll in half.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of salmon should I use?
I use smoked salmon that is already thinly sliced. Raw or cooked salmon won’t work, as it doesn’t have the right texture for rolling.
Can the goat cheese be substituted with something else?
Yes, you can use plain cream cheese, but the flavor won’t be as intense. Goat cheese adds a nice acidity and freshness.
How long do the rolls last after preparation?
They are best served immediately. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can assemble everything an hour or two ahead, but don’t add the caviar until just before serving.
Can I use red roe instead of black caviar?
You can use any type of roe you have on hand, as long as it’s of good quality and not overly salty.
Can I make the rolls smaller?
Yes, if you want finger-food appetizers, cut the salmon fillets smaller or cut the final roll in half.
Nutritional Values
Approximately, for one serving (2 large rolls) you have about 180-200 kcal. Most of the calories come from the salmon (protein and healthy fats), the goat cheese adds fats and protein, while the caviar does not contribute significantly in volume. The macros are roughly: 14-15 g protein, 12-14 g fat, under 2 g carbohydrates per serving. All of these are rough estimates and can vary depending on the brand of ingredients.
Storage and Reheating
The rolls are not suitable for long-term storage. If needed, they can be kept in the fridge for a maximum of 2-3 hours before serving, but the cheese mixture starts to release water and the lettuce wilts. Freezing or reheating is not recommended. Ideally, make and serve them immediately.
Quick Info
Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: no baking or cooking required
Servings: 2 servings (4 rolls)
Difficulty: easy
Recipe Type: appetizer, quick snack, special occasion, suitable for a festive meal or when you want something special without much effort
Ingredients
200 g smoked salmon, thinly sliced fillets
50 g soft goat cheese
1 small bunch of green chives (thin stems)
1 small jar of caviar (you can use any type you have, it doesn't need to be very expensive)
2 lettuce leaves (green lettuce or any other leaf that holds the roll)
1 teaspoon oil (I use neutral oil or a slightly flavored one if I have it)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Juice from half a lime
Instructions
1. Finely chop the chives. It's important not to have large pieces, as you want them to mix well into the cheese spread and provide a fresh flavor.
2. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese, oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the chopped chives. Mix everything with a fork until it becomes a smooth cream. If desired, you can adjust the taste with more salt and lime, according to your preference.
3. Lay each slice of salmon on a flat plate. Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture on each slice.
4. Roll up the salmon fillets with the cream inside. They don’t need to be too tight, just enough to hold together without the cheese spilling out.
5. Cut the lettuce leaves into suitable pieces, one for each roll. Arrange them on a platter or plates.
6. Place each salmon roll "standing up" on a piece of lettuce.
7. Top each roll with a small teaspoon of caviar just before serving.
8. Serve immediately. If you like, you can garnish with some chopped chives on top.
Why I Make This Recipe Often
I make these salmon rolls when I want something that looks good without wasting time. They come together quickly, don’t dirty too many dishes, and look elegant enough for guests or for a cozy dinner for two. No cooking is required, and the ingredients are easy to find.
Tips and Variations
Tips
Use soft cheese, not dry or hard versions. The creamier the cheese, the easier it spreads on the salmon.
Let the salmon sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling; it's easier to work with.
Don’t spread too much cream on each slice of salmon, or it will spill out when you roll.
Caviar adds a salty flavor, so don’t overdo the salt in the cream.
Substitutions
You can also use plain cream cheese if you don’t have goat cheese.
If you don’t have lime, lemon juice will work too.
Caviar can be replaced with more affordable fish roe or even pike roe if you prefer.
Instead of chives, you can use very finely chopped green onions, but the flavor will be stronger.
Variations
You can add a bit of lime zest to the cream for a more intense flavor.
If you want something crunchy, place a thin strip of cucumber or radish in the middle of the roll.
For a vegetarian option, skip the salmon and just use salad and cream, but the taste will be different.
Serving Ideas
The rolls look great on a white platter, with a sprinkle of chives on top.
They can be served on thin slices of toasted bread.
If you want to make smaller portions, cut each roll in half.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of salmon should I use?
I use smoked salmon that is already thinly sliced. Raw or cooked salmon won’t work, as it doesn’t have the right texture for rolling.
Can the goat cheese be substituted with something else?
Yes, you can use plain cream cheese, but the flavor won’t be as intense. Goat cheese adds a nice acidity and freshness.
How long do the rolls last after preparation?
They are best served immediately. If you want to prepare them in advance, you can assemble everything an hour or two ahead, but don’t add the caviar until just before serving.
Can I use red roe instead of black caviar?
You can use any type of roe you have on hand, as long as it’s of good quality and not overly salty.
Can I make the rolls smaller?
Yes, if you want finger-food appetizers, cut the salmon fillets smaller or cut the final roll in half.
Nutritional Values
Approximately, for one serving (2 large rolls) you have about 180-200 kcal. Most of the calories come from the salmon (protein and healthy fats), the goat cheese adds fats and protein, while the caviar does not contribute significantly in volume. The macros are roughly: 14-15 g protein, 12-14 g fat, under 2 g carbohydrates per serving. All of these are rough estimates and can vary depending on the brand of ingredients.
Storage and Reheating
The rolls are not suitable for long-term storage. If needed, they can be kept in the fridge for a maximum of 2-3 hours before serving, but the cheese mixture starts to release water and the lettuce wilts. Freezing or reheating is not recommended. Ideally, make and serve them immediately.