This Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels recipe is an easy and creamy appetizer, which is made with smoked salmon and cream cheese. It’s the perfect party appetizer, ready in about 15 minutes plus chilling time.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels Ingredients
- 10 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3 teaspoons creamy horseradish sauce
- 2 teaspoons fresh chopped dill
- 2 finely sliced green onions
- ½ lemon (juice and zest)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces pre-sliced smoked salmon
How To Make Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, creamy horseradish sauce, fresh dill, green onions, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with black pepper and mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Create the salmon layer: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap flat on a clean work surface. Arrange the slices of smoked salmon on the plastic wrap, overlapping them slightly to form a solid rectangular sheet with no gaps.
- Spread the filling: Gently spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the salmon sheet, leaving about a 1-inch border along the bottom edge.
- Roll the salmon log: Starting from the top edge, use the plastic wrap to help lift and guide the salmon, rolling it into a tight log.
- Chill the log: Once rolled, wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure it. Place the salmon log in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set and firm up.
- Slice and serve: Once chilled, unwrap the log and place it on a cutting board. Use a very sharp knife to slice it into 1-inch thick pinwheels. Serve cold.
Recipe Tips
- How do you get clean, perfect slices? The 5-hour chilling time is not optional! It’s the most important step to ensure the cream cheese is firm enough to slice cleanly. Using a very sharp, thin knife also helps. Wiping the blade clean between cuts can prevent smearing.
- What’s the best way to lay out the salmon? The key is to slightly overlap each slice of smoked salmon, both on the long and short sides. This creates a solid “wrap” that prevents the creamy filling from squeezing out.
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, this is the perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can make the log a full day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Simply slice and serve when you’re ready.
- My cream cheese is too stiff to spread. It’s crucial to let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before you start. If you’re short on time, you can unwrap it and microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it quickly.
What To Serve With Salmon Pinwheels
These pinwheels are a fantastic standalone appetizer. For a more substantial platter, serve them with:
- Assorted crackers (like water crackers or seeded crisps)
- Sliced cucumber rounds
- A small bowl of capers and extra lemon wedges for garnish
How To Store Salmon Pinwheels
- Refrigerate: Store the pinwheels in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 2 days, as the salmon can become slightly watery over time.
Salmon Pinwheels Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 117kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 304mg
- Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes. If you don’t care for the zesty bite of horseradish, you can substitute it with an equal amount of softened cream cheese mixed with finely chopped chives for a milder flavor.
Chilling is the most critical step. It allows the cream cheese filling to become very firm. This is what holds the pinwheel’s shape and allows you to slice the log into clean, beautiful rounds without the filling squishing out.
Absolutely. For a different style, you can spread the cream cheese filling on a large flour tortilla, layer the smoked salmon on top, and then roll it up tightly. Chill and slice as directed.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Chimichurri Salmon Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe
Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Course: AppetizersCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy15
servings15
minutes117
kcalA creamy and savory no-bake appetizer featuring a dill and horseradish cream cheese filling rolled up in silky smoked salmon.
Ingredients
10 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tsp creamy horseradish sauce
2 tsp fresh chopped dill
2 finely sliced green onions
½ lemon (juice and zest)
Pepper, to taste
12 oz pre-sliced smoked salmon
Directions
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, horseradish, dill, green onions, lemon juice, zest, and pepper.
- On a large piece of plastic wrap, lay out the smoked salmon slices, overlapping them slightly to form a solid rectangle.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the salmon, leaving a 1-inch border at the bottom.
- Use the plastic wrap to help you roll the salmon tightly into a log.
- Wrap the log securely in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours until firm.
- Unwrap and use a very sharp knife to cut into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
Notes
- The 5-hour refrigeration step is mandatory for the pinwheels to set properly for slicing.
- For the best results, use pre-sliced cold-smoked salmon (lox-style) as it’s pliable and easy to roll.
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth, easy-to-spread filling.
