Salmon and Arugula Pinwheels

Salmon and arugula pinwheels are elegant and fresh snacks, perfect for an appetizer or aperitif. Here’s how to prepare them.

Ingredients

• 4-5 slices of crustless sandwich bread
• 200 g of smoked salmon
• 100 g of cream cheese (you can use Philadelphia or similar)
• Fresh arugula as needed
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper

Preparation

1. Lay out the sandwich bread slices on a work surface and gently roll with a rolling pin to make them slightly thinner.
2. Spread the cream cheese evenly over each slice of bread, ensuring to cover the entire surface.
3. Distribute a layer of smoked salmon over the cream cheese.
4. Season the salmon with a bit of lemon juice and a grind of black pepper to taste.
5. Add a layer of arugula on top of the salmon, not too dense but evenly distributed.
6. Roll up the filled bread gently yet tightly, to form a cylinder.
7. Wrap the roll in cling film and refrigerate for at least one hour, so that it becomes firm and easier to cut.
8. Remove the cling film and cut the roll into slices about 2 cm thick, creating the pinwheels.
9. Arrange the pinwheels on a serving plate and serve.

Curiosity

The combination of salmon and cream cheese is popular in many cultures, including Italian, where it is often used as a filling for various appetizers and aperitifs. The arugula, with its slightly spicy and peppery flavor, adds character and nicely contrasts with the sweetness of the smoked salmon.

If you want a more pronounced Italian touch, you might add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on the salmon before rolling up the pinwheel or sprinkle the pinwheels with fine flakes of Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano before serving.