Cucumber Everything Bagel Salad With Salmon [Cream Cheese]

This isn’t your average cucumber salad. It’s a viral sensation, thanks to the “cucumber guy,” Logan Moffitt. Logan has taken the internet by storm with his creative cucumber recipes, and this Everything Bagel Cucumber Salad is a standout.

Source: Logansfewd

I’ve been following Logan for years, and I’m always impressed by his innovative approach to food. This recipe is a testament to his creativity and culinary skills.

It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe, in particular, has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of TikTok users everywhere.

It’s the perfect marriage of fresh, crisp cucumbers, creamy herb and garlic cream cheese, and the savory, umami-packed flavors of everything bagel seasoning. 

And let’s not forget the luxurious addition of smoked salmon! This simple combination creates a salad that’s not only incredibly refreshing but also bursting with flavor and texture.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and can be easily assembled in a jar. This makes it perfect for meal prepping, picnics, or a quick and healthy lunch on the go. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

English Cucumber (1 large)

This recipe uses a single large English cucumber, providing a refreshing base for the salad. The long, slender shape of English cucumbers makes them perfect for slicing into ribbons or bite-sized pieces.

Unlike regular cucumbers, English cucumbers have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them ideal for eating raw in salads.

Whipped Cream Cheese (2 tablespoons)

Whipped cream cheese adds a creamy texture and a touch of tang to the salad. It helps bind the other ingredients together and creates a delightful contrast to the crisp cucumbers and savory everything bagel seasoning.

I always have whipped cream cheese on hand for bagels and toast, but one day I found myself craving something a little different. Looking through my fridge, I spotted the cream cheese and leftover smoked salmon, and this recipe was born!

Smoked Salmon (2 ounces, roughly chopped)

Smoked salmon adds a luxurious touch and a burst of umami flavor to the salad. The smoky notes perfectly complement the savory everything bagel seasoning.

I typically buy pre-sliced smoked salmon for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try smoking your own salmon at home!

Red Onion (¼ small onion, thinly sliced)

Red onion adds a bit of bite and a pop of color to the salad. The thin slices of red onion intermingle with the other ingredients, adding a subtle sweetness and a touch of sharp flavor.

One tip I learned from my grandma is to soak the red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to salads. This helps to mellow out the strong flavor of the raw onion.

Capers (1 ½ tablespoons, roughly chopped)

Capers add a briny and salty flavor to the salad. These tiny pickled flower buds pack a punch and elevate the overall taste profile.

I wasn’t always a fan of capers, but after trying them in a delicious chicken piccata dish a few years ago, I’ve grown to appreciate their unique flavor. They add a wonderful complexity to this salad.

Fresh Dill (2 tablespoons, chopped)

Fresh dill adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the salad. The delicate fronds of dill complement the other ingredients beautifully and provide a refreshing touch.

Fresh herbs are a great way to add life to any dish, and dill is one of my favorites. I love using it in everything from salads to soups to potato salad.

Everything Bagel Seasoning (½ tablespoon)

Everything bagel seasoning is the star of the show! This magical blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and salt adds a savory and flavorful layer to the salad. It’s what truly transforms this dish into an “everything bagel” experience.

I love to buy everything bagel seasoning in bulk because I use it on everything from avocado toast to roasted vegetables.

Salt & Pepper (Pinch to taste)

A pinch of salt and pepper helps to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. Seasoning to taste is key to creating a well-balanced and delicious salad.

Recipe Instructions

This recipe is so simple and refreshing that it’s become a staple in my kitchen. I love the way the creamy cream cheese balances the crisp cucumber, and the everything bagel seasoning adds a delicious crunch. 

First, I slice the cucumber into thin rounds. I then place the cucumber slices on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This is a little trick I learned from my mom; it helps to prevent the salad from getting watery. 

Next, I combine the whipped cream cheese with the everything bagel seasoning in a small bowl. I like to use a rubber spatula to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.

It’s important not to overmix the cream cheese, as this can make it too runny.

Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, I spread it over the cucumber slices. Then, I top the cucumbers with smoked salmon and a sprinkle of fresh dill. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine! 

Finally, I arrange the cucumber slices on a platter and serve them immediately. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so don’t wait too long to dig in!

Other Flavor Combos You Can Try

Mediterranean Magic: 

Swap the salmon for creamy feta cheese, add some briny Kalamata olives, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of fragrant olive oil. Sprinkle with fresh oregano and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Spicy Southwest: 

Replace the cream cheese with a dollop of creamy guacamole, then pile on black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Finish with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness.

Caprese Dreams: 

Swap the cream cheese for fresh mozzarella balls, add vibrant cherry tomatoes, and layer with fragrant basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil for a classic Italian flavor.

Asian Fusion: 

Create a creamy sauce using soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, rice wine vinegar, and peanut butter. Then add thinly sliced cucumbers, radishes, and carrots. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a delicious Asian-inspired twist.

Greek Yogurt Goodness: 

Replace the cream cheese with tangy Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and dill. Add cucumber slices, radishes, and red onion. Finish with a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar seasoning for an extra kick.

Avocado and Shrimp Sensation: 

Use mashed avocado as the base, then add cooked shrimp, cucumber slices, and red onion. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of chili flakes for a refreshing and flavorful salad.

Pesto Chicken Delight: 

Replace the salmon with shredded cooked chicken tossed in pesto, add cucumber slices, roasted red peppers, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ranch and Bacon: 

Spread ranch dressing instead of cream cheese, add cucumber slices, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for a classic, comforting flavor.

Hummus and Veggie: 

Use hummus as the base, add cucumber slices, shredded carrots, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of paprika and fresh parsley for a healthy and satisfying salad. 

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