Holiday Recipe Ideas to Try and Share: Tartlets with Salmon Mousse, Shrimp, and Cucumber
Welcome Back to the Holiday Recipe Series
Welcome back to our Holiday Recipe Series! In our last recipe, we celebrated Hanukkah with golden Potato Latkes with Sour Cream. Now we’re stepping into an elegant appetizer perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s celebrations, or any festive gathering—Tartlets with Salmon Mousse, Shrimp, and Cucumber.
These bite-sized tartlets are as beautiful as they are delicious. The creamy richness of salmon mousse pairs perfectly with tender shrimp and the refreshing crunch of cucumber. Arranged on a platter, they instantly elevate your holiday table with color and sophistication.
Why Tartlets Make the Perfect Party Food
Tartlets are versatile, bite-sized, and visually stunning. They can be made ahead of time, filled with a variety of flavors, and styled to look like gourmet appetizers without requiring hours of work. Their elegant appearance and luxurious flavors make them ideal for holiday entertaining.
Recipe: Tartlets with Salmon Mousse, Shrimp, and Cucumber
Yield: 12 tartlets
Serving Size: 2 tartlets
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for shrimp)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Tartlet Shells:
- 12 mini tartlet shells (store-bought or homemade)
- For Homemade click here for recipe https://cyrusramsey.com/holiday-recipe-ideas-to-try-and-share-homemade-tartlet-shells/
For the Salmon Mousse:
- 6 oz smoked salmon
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 12 small cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons
- Fresh dill sprigs, optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Mousse:
- In a food processor, blend smoked salmon, cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and dill until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer mousse to a piping bag fitted with a star tip for elegant presentation.
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- If using raw shrimp, quickly sauté them in a skillet with a touch of olive oil until pink and cooked through (about 2 minutes per side).
- Let cool completely before assembling.
- Assemble the Tartlets:
- Pipe salmon mousse into each tartlet shell, filling generously.
- Top with one shrimp and a slice of cucumber.
- Garnish with fresh dill sprigs for a festive finish.
- Serve:
- Arrange tartlets on a platter and serve chilled.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving of 2 tartlets)
- Calories: 190
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 11g
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the ingredients used.)
Elegant Bites That Impress
These Tartlets with Salmon Mousse, Shrimp, and Cucumber bring elegance and festive flair to your holiday table. They’re light yet flavorful, making them the perfect starter for any celebration. With their vibrant colors and creamy textures, they’ll have guests reaching for seconds in no time.
So, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or bringing a plate to a party, these tartlets are guaranteed to shine.
✨ Stay tuned as our Holiday Recipe Series continues with more festive appetizers to inspire your holiday cooking!
