Name: Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and blanched; Fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for garnish

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping, bright, and flavorful appetizer that effortlessly blends elegance with simplicity, let me introduce you to Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls. Imagine thin slices of luxurious smoked salmon wrapped around creamy, herby ricotta and tender asparagus, all bursting with the fresh cheer of lemon and basil. These salmon rolls make spring and summer gatherings feel effortless yet sophisticated, and they’re just as wonderful for a light lunch or fancy brunch with friends. Let’s dive into why this recipe will become a fast favorite in your kitchen!

Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s honestly amazing how these eight ingredients come together into something so much more than the sum of their parts! Each one is essential for balancing taste, texture, and color, and you’ll love how it all pops when you take your first bite.

Smoked Salmon: Choose high-quality, thinly sliced smoked salmon for that salty, buttery flavor and delicate texture that wraps just right.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, ricotta becomes the perfect filling base that lets the lemon and herbs shine through.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a vibrant splash of acidity that brightens everything up!
Lemon Zest: Don’t skip the zest—it packs even more zippy aroma and tangy flavor into every bite.
Fresh Basil: Finely chopped basil gives these rolls an unmistakable herbaceous lift.
Salt: Just enough to season and bring the ricotta mixture into perfect balance.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery backbone to the filling—freshly ground is always best.
Asparagus Spears: Blanched until just tender, asparagus adds crunch, color, and earthy character to the center of each roll.
Fresh Basil Leaves and Lemon Wedges (for garnish): These final flourishes make your platter truly pop on the table!

How to Make Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Lemon Basil Ricotta

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combine ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, finely chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to work the mixture until it’s ultra-smooth and the basil is evenly distributed. Take a quick taste—this is your chance to adjust the acidity or salt before you start assembling.

Step 2: Arrange the Smoked Salmon

Choose a clean cutting board or large platter, then lay your smoked salmon slices out flat and separated. If any are a little thick, gently flatten them with the back of your knife for more even rolling. Having them ready to go makes the next step a breeze.

Step 3: Spread the Ricotta Mixture

Using a small spoon or an offset spatula, spread a thin layer of your lemony ricotta mixture over each piece of smoked salmon, making sure to cover edge to edge. Don’t go too heavy—just enough so every bite gets a burst of creamy flavor.

Step 4: Add the Asparagus and Roll Tight

Place one blanched asparagus spear along one short end of each salmon slice. Starting at the asparagus end, gently roll the salmon up around the filling and veggie, keeping things snug but not too tight (you don’t want the filling to squeeze out). Repeat with all slices.

Step 5: Arrange and Garnish for Serving

Set each finished roll seam-side down on your serving platter. Now comes the fun part: garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and tuck in a few lemon wedges for a citrusy finishing touch right before serving.

How to Serve Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and bright lemon wedges aren’t just for looks—they invite guests to customize their rolls with an extra herby lift or a squeeze of tang. For even more color, you could scatter a few thinly sliced radishes or edible flowers across the platter!

Side Dishes

Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls pair especially well with crunchy crostini, a crisp green salad, or a chilled pasta salad with spring veggies. For a full brunch spread, add fresh fruit, herby potatoes, or a basket of artisan bread to complete the Mediterranean vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try slicing the rolls into bite-sized pieces and skewering them with decorative picks for an easy pass-around appetizer. Or place each roll atop a cucumber round for an extra fancy touch. Mixed in with other seafood appetizers, Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls make a truly eye-catching addition!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Salmon Rolls left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 24 hours without losing their zing, making them a great prep-ahead option.

Freezing

While Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them in a pinch. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic, then freeze in a single layer inside a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, though expect a slightly softer texture once defrosted.

Reheating

These rolls are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply remove them from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving, and they’ll be perfect for savoring!

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese in the filling?

Absolutely! While ricotta gives a beautiful creamy texture, you can easily swap in cream cheese or even a soft goat cheese for a tangier flavor. Just keep an eye on the saltiness if your cheese is already salty.

What’s the best way to blanch asparagus?

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the asparagus spears, and cook for about 2–3 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. Immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking and lock in that gorgeous color.

Can I make Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls ahead for a party?

Definitely! Assemble the rolls up to 4 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Hold off on garnishing until right before serving for the freshest look.

Are Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your smoked salmon is certified gluten-free. Just double-check labels if you have dietary concerns.

What wines pair well with these salmon rolls?

Light, zippy whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a dry sparkling wine are lovely companions to the bright citrus and herbal notes in Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a new appetizer that’s as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat, these Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls have your name on them. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that everyone will be talking about. Trust me—give them a whirl, and watch them disappear!

Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 8 rolls (about 4 servings) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the fresh flavors of smoked salmon, creamy ricotta, and zesty lemon basil in these elegant Salmon Rolls. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, these rolls are easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Smoked Salmon Rolls:

8 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
8 asparagus spears, trimmed and blanched
Fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble Salmon Rolls: Lay smoked salmon slices flat. Spread ricotta mixture on each slice. Place an asparagus spear at one end, then roll tightly.
Arrange and Garnish: Place salmon rolls seam-side down on a platter. Garnish with basil leaves and lemon wedges. Serve chilled or at room temperature.