Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad with Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning
Recipe posted in: Flex Meals & Snacks, Lunches & Dinners, Main Courses, Sides, Snacks
Craving all the flavors of your favorite bagel but want to keep it light? Say hello to your new obsession: Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad with Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning! This no-cook, low-carb wonder packs all the magic of a bagel shop breakfast—smoky salmon, creamy cheese, zesty onion, and that iconic everything seasoning—into a fresh, crisp, and totally satisfying salad. Perfect for a quick lunch, an elegant brunch vibe, or even a snack that feels a little fancy, this recipe is as fun to eat as it is to make!
A Bagel-Inspired Salad That’s Big on Flavor, Not Calories
This recipe takes inspiration from the beloved everything bagel with lox and cream cheese, transforming it into a low-calorie salad with just 109 calories per serving. Thanks to ingredients like smoked salmon and whipped cream cheese, it’s packed with protein and flavor, while crisp cucumber slices and red onion bring crunch and freshness.
Each serving counts as one PowerFuel, one Extra and one Vegetable on the Nutrisystem plan, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious food while staying on track with their goals.
What’s in the Salad?
This salad combines simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in minutes:
- English cucumber: Thinly sliced for the perfect fresh, crunchy base
- Smoked salmon: Rich in protein and heart-healthy omega-3s
- Whipped cream cheese: Lighter than the traditional version but just as creamy
- Red onion: Adds sharpness and a pop of color
- Chives: For a mild oniony bite and a hint of green
- Everything bagel seasoning: A savory blend of sesame seeds, garlic, onion, poppy seeds and salt that ties it all together
This combination creates a dish that’s savory, creamy, crisp and completely satisfying. It’s a little salty, a little tangy, and packed with contrasting textures in the best way.
How to Make It
Making this smoked salmon cucumber salad couldn’t be easier. Start by thinly slicing the cucumber with a mandolin or sharp knife to create delicate, even rounds. Add them to a bowl with chopped smoked salmon, a couple tablespoons of whipped cream cheese, thin slices of red onion, fresh chopped chives and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning.
Gently toss everything together until well combined. The cream cheese softens as it mixes, coating the cucumber slices and smoked salmon with a luscious, savory layer of flavor. You can also place everything in a container with a lid and give it a few shakes to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Serve it right away, or let it chill in the fridge for a few minutes so the flavors can meld. Either way, it’s ready in under 10 minutes—no cooking required.
What to Serve with Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad
This dish is great on its own, but it also makes a beautiful addition to a larger meal. Try pairing it with:
- Enjoy it as a topping on a fiber-rich bagel, such as the Honey Wheat Bagel from Nutrisystem.
- For some extra crunch, pair it with some healthy crackers like whole grain crisps or these Sweet Potato Crackers.
- For a protein boost and a more filling plate, enjoy it with a hard-boiled egg.
- Add healthy fats and creaminess with avocado slices.
- To round out a light lunch or brunch, serve it over mixed greens.
- It also works beautifully as part of a brunch spread with other favorites like egg muffins, fruit salad or yogurt parfaits.
Customization Ideas: Make It Your Own
One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Add avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy, buttery element that pairs perfectly with smoked salmon.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese: If you’re looking to lighten things up even more, a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute.
- Try flavored cream cheese: Swap in herbed or veggie cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Add capers: For a briny pop that complements the smoked salmon.
- Swap the herbs: Try dill, parsley or green onion in place of chives if that’s what you have on hand.
- Use spiralized cucumber: For a fun, noodle-like texture.
This recipe is incredibly flexible and forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it!
A Perfect Salad for Warmer Weather
This smoked salmon cucumber salad is ideal for spring and summer when cucumbers are at their peak and lighter meals are especially appealing. It’s cool and refreshing—perfect for warm days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Bring it to a picnic, serve it at brunch or whip it up for an easy weeknight dinner on the patio. You can even meal prep it by slicing the veggies and portioning the ingredients ahead of time, then assembling just before eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No cooking required: It comes together in minutes without turning on the stove.
- Low in calories, high in flavor: You get all the satisfaction of an everything bagel and lox, minus the carbs and heaviness.
- Nutrisystem-friendly: It fits perfectly into your meal plan.
- Versatile: Great as a light lunch, appetizer, snack or side dish.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble just before serving, or chill it for later.
This Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad with Cream Cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning is everything you want in a quick, nutritious meal—cool, creamy, crunchy and bursting with savory flavor. Whether you’re following Nutrisystem, watching your carbs or just craving something different, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s proof that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Give it a try and discover a new favorite go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Servings: 2
Calories per Serving: 109
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable
Ingredients:
- 1 English cucumber
- 4 oz. smoked salmon, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. whipped cream cheese
- ¼ red onion, sliced thin
- 2 tsp. fresh chives, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. everything bagel seasoning
Directions:
- Thinly slice the cucumber using a sharp knife or mandolin for even, delicate pieces.
- In a mixing bowl or lidded container, combine the cucumber slices, smoked salmon, whipped cream cheese, red onion, chives and everything bagel seasoning.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined, or secure the lid and give it a good shake to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Serve immediately or chill for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.