I love smoked salmon, and there are so many creative ways to enjoy it beyond the typical bagel or sandwich prep. It’s a fantastic ingredient when hosting large parties, especially for appetizers that can serve a large crowd. Whether you add it to a salad, top it on a bagel, or pair it with eggs, smoked salmon never fails to deliver incredible flavor and always satisfies. I’ve discovered some delicious ways to elevate smoked salmon, and trust me, they’re as tasty as they are impressive!
I find cold-smoked salmon ( lox style) to be the best and most versatile type of smoked salmon. It requires no cooking and is served cold, making it an easy and flavourful addition to many dishes. It is silky, smooth and delicate. It is mild and smokey in flavour, allowing it to pair well with a wide range of different ingredients. There are different regional smoked salmon and each unique in curing and smoking techniques. Some popular ones:
Nordic : its more lighlty smoked, it has a cleaner and fresher flavour
Nova Lox: mildily smoked, buttery and clean in flavour.
Scottish Smoked Salmon: dry cured, has a stronger flavour, firmer in texture.
Smoked Salmon: A Fun Twist on the Classic Bagel & Lox
We all love the classic Smoked Salmon on bagel! Instead of serving on a bagel you can use everything bagel spice to sprinkle on smoked salmon.
I recommend buying a good-quality smoked salmon. You can find a large portion at Costco. This is a simple prep: Place slices of smoked salmon on a nice serving plate.
Seasoning:
- Capers
- Shredded radish
- everything bagel spice
- good quality serving olive oil
Once you’ve plated the smoked salmon, sprinkle on some bagel seasoning for a flavorful crunch. Using a fine grater, shred fresh radish into a bowl, then scatter it over the salmon along with a handful of capers. Finally, drizzle high-quality olive oil on top—it enhances the dish beautifully, bringing all the flavors together for a fresh and vibrant bite.
Smoked Salmon on Nutty Crackers: A Perfect Crunchy & Savory Bite
Find a cracker with nuts and figs, rainforest crackers are a great brand some thing similar that is thin with a good crunch would be idea. Top it with a piece of salmon, herbs cream cheese, shredded radish, thinly sliced cucumber and some dill. This combo is hard to beat, there is texture, creaminess and some freshness.
Smoked Salmon Flavour Bomb: A Delicious Wrapped Delight
Take the smoked salmon and spread a layer of Boursin cheese over each slice, then roll them up tightly. Secure each roll with a toothpick and arrange them in a circular pattern on a round platter. Sprinkle capers and freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a burst of flavour. Slice cucumbers and neatly place them along the side of the platter, then finish with a drizzle of creamy herb yogurt dressing for a fresh and elegant touch.
Smoked Salmon & Caviar: Perfect on Pancakes or Potato Chips
Take crispy potato chips and top each one with a slice of smoked salmon, a dollop of thick sour cream, and a touch of fish roe. This simple yet elegant bite combines crunch, creaminess, and a burst of briny flavor—perfect for a stylish appetizer or a fun snack! Blini’s are small, delicate pancakes that serve as the perfect base for elegant appetizers. Cook them until golden and fluffy, then top each one with a slice of smoked salmon, a dollop of rich sour cream, and a spoonful of fish roe for a luxurious bite.
Smoked Salmon Blanket: A Luxurious Wrap of Flavour
Gently take a piece of smoked salmon, being careful not to tear it, and spread a layer of herbed cream cheese over the surface. Roll it into a tight log and place it on an elegant serving plate. Top with thinly sliced red onion and a sprinkle of capers for a burst of flavour and a beautiful presentation.
The Best Pairings for Smoked Salmon: Flavours That Elevate Every Bite
- Fennel is great paring with Salmon. Its crunchy, herbious and fresh. Thinly slice it and serve it on top of salmon with a splash of lemon juice.
- Lemon, Capers, Dill and Cream Fresh ( sour cream) is a perfect pairing with Salmon.
- Gerkins, Pickles and onions pair great with the creamy salmon
- Radish, horseradish, strong mustard, green apple or pickles diakon
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Smoked Salmon at Home
Salmon with cream cheese can be enjoyed with some good ham and grilled artichokes. The salt ham, grilled smokey artichokes, and buttery salmon is a great combo that compliments each other.
Salmon with lemon, capers, lettuce, herb mayo and fresh sourdough bread! The refreshing salmon alongside fresh sourdough bread and creamy mayo dip is a delicious combo and a great way to enjoy lunch! You can splash some lemon to brighten up the salmon.
Salmon on crostini with cream cheese and some roe fish eggs. The salty mix of fish eggs and creamy salmon is a decadent combo.
Pairing smoked salmon with a crisp green apple salad and a dollop of crème fraîche creates a beautifully balanced dish. The slight tartness of the fresh apple enhances the rich, smoky flavour of the salmon, while the smooth, creamy crème fraîche ties everything together. Each bite offers a perfect contrast of textures and flavours, making this combination both refreshing and indulgent.
Smoked salmon served over a bed of peppery arugula salad and then drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar creates a vibrant and well-balanced dish. The richness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the peppery and slightly bitter greens. Served with crisp, golden crostini on the side, this dish is both elegant and satisfying.
A soft brioche bun, generously spread with creamy cheese, topped with delicate smoked salmon, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh chives, which creates an irresistible bite. The buttery, slightly sweet and soft brioche complements the rich, velvety salmon, while the cream cheese adds a smooth tanginess. It would be even better if the break had poppy seeds or nuts that would add a delicious nuttiness. The chives provide a fresh, mild onion-like kick, making every mouthful deliciously balanced.
Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Asparagus, Peas & Fresh Dill
This is a delish dish, that is great for a large party or a night at home. A pasta like fusilli or linguini works well, to hold a creamy sauce like alfredo. You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce for a quick and convenient option, simply mixing it with the cooked pasta. Adding in smoked salmon, asparagus, peas, and fresh dill transforms it into a flavourful, satisfying meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Top it off with some grated lemon zest to cut the richness of the dish and drizzle on some good olive oil. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner, this dish is a crowd-pleaser!
Creamy Smoked Salmon Dip: A Flavour-Packed Appetizer
In a mixing bowl, add in one cup or more of softened cream cheese. Blend the softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy kick. Finely chop the smoked salmon—be generous with it! The ratio should be 60:40 of cream cheese to salmon for the perfect balance of creamy and smoky flavors. Fold in plenty of freshly chopped dill, chives, and a touch of minced garlic for extra depth. Simple yet incredibly delicious, this dip is packed with flavour and perfect for any occasion! Serve with a side of crunchy and nutty crackers.
Smoked salmon is very versatile and can be used in many ways. Whether you are enjoying it on artisan sourdough bread, on top of eggs or in a dip, the rich and smoky flavour elevates any dish. From delish appetizers or unique recipes, visit Heavenly Table, where great food meets inspiration!
