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The main dish, Light and fresh

Salmon and cucumber napoleon

This salmon and cucumber napoleon is a cold, ring-molded dish layering smoked salmon, crisp cucumber, and dill cream cheese, serving 6. It takes 40 minutes of active work, all done the morning of for same-day serving, with a final drizzle of olive oil right before guests eat. It's easy, about €5.50 per person, and the key is salting the cucumber well so the plate stays dry.

A pretty napoleon of salmon, cucumber, and dill cream cheese, assembled in the morning so all that's left to do is serve.

Salmon and cucumber napoleon
For
6 people
Work
40 min
Total time
50 min
Prep
Prepared the same day
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€5.50
Calories per person
350 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach

This napoleon plays on contrast, the crunch of cold cucumber, the softness of dill cream cheese, and the silkiness of smoked salmon. Built in three layers inside a ring mold, it holds its shape beautifully when sliced and looks impressive on the plate without any real pastry skill required. It's a dish that feels light and refreshing without being heavy, perfect when you want something elegant with zero cooking.

Serve it in spring or summer, for a dinner with friends on the patio or a family meal where you'd rather skip last minute cooking. It fits well into a light menu, paired with a heartier starter before and a fruity dessert after. Mon Chou likes this kind of dish precisely because it comes together ahead of time and asks nothing of you once guests are at the table.

The schedule

What happens when, so you can be with your guests instead of in the kitchen.

  1. The day before Nothing to do
  2. The same day 4 steps, 10 min
  3. Before the guests arrive Nothing to do
  4. When it's time to serve 2 steps

In the morning, salt and drain the cucumber, whip up the herbed cream cheese, and build the napoleons inside their rings before covering them with plastic wrap and chilling. Right before guests arrive, there's nothing left to do, everything just waits in the fridge. At serving time, gently unmold each napoleon and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh dill.

The ingredients

6 people

Fish counter

  • Smoked salmon slices 450 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Cucumbers 2
  • Dill 1 bunch
  • Chives 1 bunch
  • Lemon 1

Dairy

  • Herb and garlic cream cheese 300 g

Pantry

  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 2 tbsp
  • Fleur de seloften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Fish, Lactose

The recipe, moment by moment

The same dayDuring the day, whenever you get a moment.

  1. Slice the cucumbers into very thin rounds with a mandoline, salt them lightly, and let them drain on paper towels. 10 min

    About 10 minutes, then pat them dry, the cucumber stays crisp and dry.

  2. Mix the cream cheese with chopped dill and chives, lemon zest, a little lemon juice, and pepper.

    Whisk the cream cheese well, it turns light and spreads easily.

  3. Assemble the napoleons in pastry rings, alternating cucumber, cream cheese, and salmon in three layers.

    Press each layer down with the back of a spoon, it helps the napoleon hold together when sliced.

  4. Cover and keep them in the fridge until serving.

    Press plastic wrap directly onto the top, the salmon won't dry out.

When it's time to serveThe final touches, right in front of your guests.

  1. Gently unmold the napoleons onto the plates.

    Warm the ring for a few seconds between your hands, it slides off on its own.

  2. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a little lemon zest, and sprigs of dill.

    The drizzle of oil adds shine and the fruity note that finishes the dish.

Our tips to get it right

  • Use a mandoline for thin, even cucumber slices, that's what gives the napoleon its clean, stacked look.
  • Pick thicker slices of smoked salmon rather than paper thin ones that tear apart during assembly.
  • Take the napoleons out of the fridge right before unmolding, the chill helps the cream cheese hold its shape while you slice through the ring.

The variations

  • Swap the smoked salmon for smoked trout, it's milder and just as easy to work with in thin slices.
  • For a fish free version, use thin slices of avocado and slow roasted tomato instead of the salmon.
  • To save time, skip the rings and layer everything straight into small glasses with a spoon instead.

What to serve it with

  • A baby greens salad with hazelnut oil
  • Rye bread or warm blinis
  • A dry white wine or sparkling lemon water

Storage

Assembled napoleons keep up to 24 hours in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap. This dish doesn't freeze well, the cucumber and cream cheese would lose their texture. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, no reheating needed.

Questions about this recipe

Can I use something other than pastry rings?

Yes, round cookie cutters or even small clear glasses work just as well. What matters is having a container that lets you press each layer firmly so the napoleon holds together when sliced.

How do I keep the cream cheese from being too stiff when sliced?

Whip the cream cheese well before assembling so it stays soft even when cold. If it comes out of the fridge too firm, let the napoleons sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

Can this dish be made for more than 6 people?

Yes, just double the ingredients and assemble more rings. Assembly takes a bit longer, but the recipe scales up easily.

What cream cheese should I use if I can't find the herb version?

Plain cream cheese works fine, just add a bit more chopped dill and chives to get the same flavor. Adjust the salt since flavored versions are sometimes already seasoned.

Can a salmon and cucumber napoleon be made ahead?

Yes, during the day. The recipe needs 40 min of work in total, split up like this, the same day, 4 steps, when it's time to serve, 2 steps.

How long does it take to make a salmon and cucumber napoleon?

Allow 50 min in total, including resting and cooking time, of which 40 min is actual work. The recipe is rated "easy".

How many calories are in a salmon and cucumber napoleon?

About 350 kcal per person, for a recipe meant for 6 people. The calories are calculated by Kiloach, your kilo coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a salmon and cucumber napoleon cost?

About €5.50 per person, that's €33.00 for 6 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains fish, lactose. Remember to ask your guests about their allergies before putting your menu together.

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