Plot twist! Just when you thought the viral cucumber salad couldn’t get any better, the Philly roll version shows up to absolutely slay. This is pure sushi genius deconstructed into the crunchiest, creamiest bowl of addiction you’ve ever tasted.
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and that perfect cucumber crunch? It’s like your favorite sushi spot discovered TikTok and decided to break the internet.
This has seriously become our go-to for dinner parties and girl dinner – guests think we spent hours on this elegant appetizer, but it literally takes five minutes to throw together.
The best part? You get all those rich, creamy Philly roll flavors without feeling stuffed. Trust us, once you try this lighter take on the classic roll, you’ll be making it all all of the time.
🔪 What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Whipped cream cheese – creamy base; whisk with acid for smooth texture
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice – adds tang and brightness
- Sea salt – enhances flavor
- Cucumber – thinly sliced; English or Persian preferred
- Red onion – sliced thin for bite
- Scallions – sliced for freshness
- Smoked salmon – torn into bite-sized pieces
- Chili flakes – for a kick
- Sesame seeds (optional) – garnish for texture and flavor
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife or mandoline
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk the whipped cream cheese, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and sea salt until smooth. - Add Cucumber
Gently toss the sliced cucumber in the dressing to coat evenly. - Mix the Veggies & Salmon
Fold in red onion, scallions, and smoked salmon. - Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with chili flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra scallions. Serve immediately.
💡 Meat Nerd Tips
- Use thin-skinned cucumbers (English or Persian) for best texture
- Whisk cream cheese first to avoid lumps when mixing
- Slice everything evenly for great presentation and balance
- Taste after adding salmon – it adds salt
- Fold gently to keep the salmon from breaking apart
🔁 Variations & Swaps
- No smoked salmon? Try cooked shrimp or flaked baked salmon
- Vegetarian? Omit salmon entirely
- Extra toppings? Add avocado, pickled ginger, or furikake
- Spicy alternative: Use wasabi or sriracha instead of chili flakes
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based cream cheese
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Rice bowls or veggie sushi rolls
- Lettuce cups for low-carb wraps
- Miso soup and edamame for a complete meal
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-ahead: Whisk the cream cheese dressing in advance and store covered up to 1 day
- Store: Best served fresh; leftovers keep in the fridge 1 day (cucumbers will release water)
Have you tried this recipe? Do us a favor and rate the recipe card with the ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ and drop a comment to help out the next reader.
Philly Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe
Recommended Equipment
- Knife or Mandoline slicer
- cutting board
- Colander, for optional sweating of the cucumber
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Philly Roll Cucumber Salad
- 6 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or a pinch of Kosher salt
- 4 cups English cucumber (about 2 large English Cucumbers)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- 4 ounces smoked salmon torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/8 teaspoon chili flakes or to taste
Garnish:
- toasted sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
Instructions
- Wash and dry your cucumber. Using a knife or a mandoline, slice it into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick).
- Optional Cucumber Sweating: Place the cucumber slices in a colander. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt and toss. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the whipped cream cheese, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sliced cucumber and toss gently to coat. Fold in the red onion, scallions, and smoked salmon.
- Sprinkle with chili flakes and taste for seasoning.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and extra scallions if desired.
Nutrition
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❓Recipe FAQs
Yes, just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together before serving.
Yes, but soften it first and whisk well with the vinegar or lemon juice. It really helps if you take a moment to pulse it in a food blender or whip with a handheld mixer.
Yes! It’s low-carb and high in healthy fats from the salmon and cream cheese.
The big differnece between a Philly roll and a Cali roll is a Philly has salmon and California has crab (kani).
Want crisp cucumbers? Take the time to sweat them – this one set (15 mintues) is the difference between crisp and fresh and soggy and bland.
