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20 Minutes Keto Snack - Zulay Kitchen

20 Minutes Keto Snack: Guilt-Free Low-Carb Bites in No Time!

In the ketogenic diet, fat is your friend, and carbohydrates are your enemy. It's a low-carb paradise. The problem? Finding tasty snacks that are low in carbs but still fill you up. So, in this blog, we will explore this best 20 Minutes Keto Snack, a recipe that will become your favorite whenever you want a keto-friendly snack that is also quick and tasty!

Why Keto Snacks Can Be Tricky (But Totally Worth It!)

Anyone who has attempted the ketogenic diet before knows how strange it can be in the beginning. I don't understand why you've forbidden chips. And bread—forever and ever? It can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to keto snacks. "What snacks are even allowed on a keto diet?" you may ask yourself as you stand in front of the refrigerator. Is it possible to find snacks that don't contain carbohydrates?

Well, don't worry! So long as you don't ruin your ketosis by giving in to those cravings, I'm here to help. To maintain your low-carb lifestyle, keto snacks should contain high-fat, protein-rich foods. And this recipe is a resounding yes for all of those things!

The Hero Ingredient: Smoked Salmon

A plate of smoked salmon to be used for Keto Snack.

Let’s talk about smoked salmon for a moment. Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it’s also a perfect match for the keto diet. Rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats (hello, omega-3s!), smoked salmon provides many nutrients with virtually zero carbs. It’s an elegant ingredient that makes any dish feel more special, even if you’re just whipping up a quick snack.

The Creamy Base: Cream Cheese and Mayo

Cream cheese and mayonnaise are two of keto’s greatest allies. Both are high in fat and low in carbs, giving this snack an incredibly creamy texture. Cream cheese adds richness, while mayo enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish. Combined with smoked salmon, they create the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and luxurious flavors. Trust me, this snack is as indulgent as it is keto-friendly.

Fresh Flavors: Chives, Lemon Zest, and Lettuce

To keep things light and fresh, we’re adding some chopped chives and lemon zest to the mix. Chives bring a mild onion flavor that complements the smoked salmon without overpowering, and the lemon zest adds a burst of citrusy brightness. The crunch of lettuce provides a nice contrast in texture and makes this snack extra refreshing. Lettuce has zero carbs, so it’s a no-brainer for any keto recipe.

Now that we’ve covered why this 20 Minutes Keto Snack is a keto star, let’s break down how to make it!

Ingredients

  • 200g smoked salmon (cut into small, uniform pieces)
  • 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups lettuce (for serving)
Ingredients to use for making Keto Snack

How to Make a Keto Snack?

Step 1: Prep Your Smoked Salmon

Begin by cutting your smoked salmon into small, bite-sized pieces. You want uniformity here so that every bite of this snack gets a little bit of everything—creamy, tangy, savory, and crunchy.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Goodness

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped fresh chives, lemon zest, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Zulay Says: Let the cream cheese sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before mixing. This makes it easier to work with and ensures the other ingredients blend seamlessly.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Develop

Once everything is mixed, allow the ingredients to sit for about 15 minutes. This lets the flavors really come together, making each bite packed with zest and richness. The smoked salmon will infuse its flavor into the creamy base, and the lemon zest will add just the right amount of zing.

Keto Snack on top of sliced baguette.

Step 4: Serve on Lettuce Leaves

Lay out your lettuce leaves on a serving plate. Spoon the salmon mixture generously on each leaf. This makes for a low-carb, crunchy vessel for your snack. Plus, serving it this way feels a bit fancy, doesn’t it?

Step 5: Enjoy!

That’s it—your delicious keto snack is ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re munching solo or sharing with a fellow keto friend, this snack is guaranteed to hit the spot. And the best part? It’s totally guilt-free and packed with flavor.

Why This Recipe Works for Keto?

High in Protein and Healthy Fats

Smoked salmon and cream cheese are keto gold. You’re getting the protein you need to fuel your body, plus the fats that keep you satisfied and in ketosis. Omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon also provide anti-inflammatory benefits, making this snack tasty and health-conscious.

Low in Carbs

Lettuce, chives, and lemon zest all come in with almost zero carbs, ensuring your snack doesn’t derail your daily carb count. Even the cream cheese and mayo are low-carb champions, so you can enjoy this snack without worrying about spiking your blood sugar.

Quick and Easy

We love a good snack that takes under 20 minutes to prepare, especially when it tastes this good. No complicated cooking techniques, no rare ingredients—just straightforward, delicious food that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.

Zulay's Final Thoughts

An easy, delicious, and utterly keto-friendly snack that you can prepare in just 20 minutes. No matter how much or how little experience you have with the ketogenic diet, this snack will quickly become a go-to. This keto snack has everything you could want and more; it's easy to make and even easier to eat.

Please share your experience with this recipe with us by commenting below! We would also be very interested in hearing about your keto snack ideas. Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and spread the keto love!

A plate of healthy Keto Snack.

FAQs About Keto Snacks:

Can I use any other types of seafood for this snack?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the smoked salmon with cooked shrimp or even crab meat for a different twist. Just make sure whatever seafood you choose is keto-friendly and low in carbs.

Can I prep this snack for a meal?

Yes! This snack is great for meal prep. You can make the smoked salmon mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce separate until you’re ready to serve so it doesn’t get soggy.

Is this snack gluten-free?

Totally! Since no grains are involved, this snack is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent option for those with gluten sensitivities.