The smell of smoked salmon takes me back to Sunday brunches at my grandparents’. As a kid, I loved those weekend meals. The spread of lox, capers, and bagels was always the highlight.
Smoked salmon makes any dish special with its smoky flavor. It’s perfect for dinner parties or quick weeknight meals. You can use it in breakfast dishes, pasta, salads, and more.
In this guide, we’ll share 15 delicious ideas for smoked salmon. You’ll find new ways to enjoy this tasty seafood. Get ready to explore new flavors and enhance your cooking.
Key Takeaways
- Smoked salmon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner.
- Common ingredients paired with smoked salmon include cream cheese, red onion, capers, dill, and lemon.
- Smoked salmon can be enjoyed in classic preparations like bagels and lox, as well as in creative pasta dishes, salads, and appetizers.
- Smoked salmon is a nutritious option, providing a good source of protein and heart-healthy fats.
- Proper storage and preparation techniques ensure the best quality and flavor of smoked salmon.
Table of Contents
You can begin by watching this helpful video from Chef Billy Parisi.
Classic Bagel and Lox: The Perfect Breakfast Combination
There’s nothing like a toasted bagel with scallion cream cheese, smoked salmon, and garnishes for breakfast. This combo, known as “bagel and lox,” is a favorite in New York. It’s a breakfast classic that always hits the spot.
Best Bagel Types for Smoked Salmon
The author loves homemade, hand-cut bagels for smoked salmon. Everything, plain, or sesame bagels work best. They offer a solid base that lets the salmon shine without getting lost.
Essential Toppings and Spreads
For the ultimate bagel and lox, start with cream cheese. Use plain or scallion-flavored. Add thin smoked salmon slices, capers, and red onion. Finish with dill and lemon for a burst of freshness.
How to Layer Your Bagel
To make the perfect bagel and lox, layer it right. Toast the bagel for a crispy outside and soft inside. Spread cream cheese on both halves. Then, add smoked salmon, capers, red onion, and dill. Close it up and enjoy.
“Bagels are better on the East Coast due to the water quality,” a belief shared by the author, though the validity of this claim remains uncertain.
In Los Angeles, New York Bagel & Deli in Santa Monica is the go-to for bagel and lox. It’s known for its authentic and tasty offerings.
Pasta Dishes Enhanced with Smoked Salmon
Make your pasta dishes better by adding smoked salmon. It brings rich, savory flavors to your meals. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, smoked salmon elevates your pasta.
Try smoked salmon with Alfredo sauce and linguine for a twist on a classic. The creamy sauce and smoky salmon are a perfect match. Or, mix pesto, smoked salmon, and penne pasta for a Mediterranean dish. These recipes are quick and delicious, perfect for busy nights.
Get creative with smoked salmon in your pasta recipes. It pairs well with many sauces and pasta shapes. Try different pasta and add ingredients like capers or lemon zest. The flavor of smoked salmon opens up endless possibilities.
Enhance your pasta with the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Choose from creamy Alfredo or zesty pesto. Either way, the savory salmon will delight your taste buds.
Creative Toast and Crostini Ideas
Smoked salmon toast is great for brunch, lunch, or as a party appetizer. Start with artisanal bread like sourdough or rye. These breads are sturdy and support the smoked salmon’s flavors well.
Spread Options Beyond Cream Cheese
While cream cheese is classic, try other spreads for more flavor. Whipped ricotta or cottage cheese are smooth and tangy. They pair well with the smoked salmon’s saltiness.
Garnish Combinations
- Red onion, thinly sliced, for a pop of flavor and crunch
- Capers, for a briny and salty accent
- Fresh dill, to provide a refreshing herbal note
- A squeeze of lemon juice, to brighten the overall dish
- Avocado slices, for a creamy and nutritious addition
These garnishes turn your smoked salmon toast into a delicious appetizer or light meal.
For a twist, top your smoked salmon toast with whipped ricotta and fresh herbs. The creamy ricotta and herbs enhance the crostini and smoked salmon flavors.
What to Eat with Smoked Salmon: Quick Appetizer Ideas
Smoked salmon is perfect for making elegant and easy appetizers. It’s great for cocktail parties or gatherings. You can make classic smoked salmon appetizers or try cucumber bites. These quick and tasty options will wow your guests.
The cucumber bite is a favorite. Just slice cucumbers, add sour cream, smoked salmon, and everything bagel seasoning. It’s a light and tasty treat.
For another fancy cocktail party snack, serve smoked salmon on crackers or toasted bread. Use cream cheese or labneh for a soft base. Add capers, diced red onion, or lemon juice for extra flavor.
The secret to great smoked salmon appetizers is using top-notch smoked salmon. Pair it with flavors and textures that match. With a few ingredients and little prep, you’ll impress everyone with your platter.
Fresh Salad Combinations featuring Smoked Salmon
Make your salad better by adding smoked salmon. It brings a rich flavor that contrasts well with the crisp greens and veggies. You can choose from light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings for a tasty and healthy meal.
Light Dressing Options
For a tangy touch, try a simple vinaigrette. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a bit of honey or maple syrup. The lemon’s acidity and the olive oil’s richness go great with the smoky salmon.
Complementary Greens and Vegetables
Start with mixed greens like spinach, arugula, or kale. Add fresh veggies like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. For crunch, toss in sunflower seeds or almonds.
For a heartier salad, add avocado, radishes, and a lemon-dill dressing. The cool greens, rich salmon, and tangy dressing make for a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Value (per serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed greens | 6 cups | 62 calories, 4g carbs, 3g fiber, 3g protein |
| Smoked salmon | 3.5 ounces | 199 calories, 15g protein, 11g fat |
| Feta cheese | 1/4 cup | 80 calories, 6g fat, 4g protein |
| Cucumber | 2 cups, diced | 30 calories, 7g carbs, 2g fiber |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 1/2 cups, halved | 37 calories, 9g carbs, 2g fiber |
| Red onion | 1 small, sliced | 19 calories, 4g carbs, 1g fiber |
| Sunflower seeds | 1 tbsp | 51 calories, 3g fat, 2g protein |
| Soft-boiled eggs | 4, sliced | 274 calories, 22g protein, 18g fat |
| Olive oil | 4 tbsp | 480 calories, 54g fat |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | 12 calories, 3g carbs |
| Garlic | 1 tsp, minced | 4 calories, 1g carbs |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 calories, 0g nutrients |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp | 0 calories, 0g nutrients |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp | 32 calories, 1g carbs, 1g protein |
This smoked salmon salad is a satisfying and healthy meal. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Enjoy it as a refreshing lunch or dinner.
Brunch-worthy Egg Dishes
Make your brunch special with delicious smoked salmon egg dishes. Start with a smoked salmon and dill breakfast hash. It has tender potatoes, smoky salmon, and fresh herbs. Or, try a Dutch baby pancake with flaky salmon, cream cheese, and capers.
These dishes are great for weekend brunches or holiday meals. Enjoy a creamy smoked salmon quiche with a custard filling and salty-sweet salmon. These dishes will wow your guests with their taste and beauty.
| Dish | Ingredients | Cooking Time | Nutrition (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoked Salmon and Dill Breakfast Hash |
| 25-35 minutes |
|
These smoked salmon egg dishes are perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a big crowd or just two, they’ll make your brunch memorable. Add flavor and beauty to your weekend or holiday meals.
Unique Dips and Spreads for Entertaining
Make your next party special with delicious smoked salmon dips and spreads. These creamy, tasty options are more than just bagel and lox. They show how versatile this seafood can be.
Hot vs Cold Dip Variations
Try a creamy smoked salmon cobbler for a rich hot dip. It has flaky smoked salmon in a creamy cheese base, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs. Serve it warm with bagel chips or crostini for a great dip.
For a cool dip, a smoked salmon dip with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, horseradish, lemon, and dill is perfect. It’s refreshing and goes well with vegetable crudités or crackers.
Best Dipping Accompaniments
- Bagel chips
- Crostini
- Vegetable crudités (carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes)
- Artisanal crackers (water crackers, Ritz crackers)
Choose a warm or cool dip for your next event. Smoked salmon dips and spreads will make your party memorable and get everyone talking.
European-Inspired Smoked Salmon Pairings
Take your smoked salmon to the next level with these elegant European pairings. Enjoy the light taste of gravlax, a Scandinavian-style salmon, with a zesty dill and mustard sauce. Or, try the smoky tea-smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and a tangy lemon butter.
For a taste of Scandinavia, pair smoked salmon with traditional rye bread, a key part of smørrebrød. Spread it with “tooth butter” (thick butter) and top it with fresh veggies, fruits, or meats.
These pairings add a gourmet touch to smoked salmon, making it even more delicious. Try these unique combinations to find your new favorite way to enjoy this seafood.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas
Busy weeknights don’t mean you have to give up on taste or healthy food. Add the rich flavor of smoked salmon to your quick dinners. You can make old favorites better or try new, tasty mixes that everyone will love.
For a tasty and easy meal, mix smoked salmon with mayonnaise, like tuna salad. Spread it on toasted baguette and add creamy avocado for a great sandwich. Or, add diced smoked salmon to warm tomato soup for more protein and omega-3s.
Looking for something heartier? Try a creamy smoked salmon cobbler. It’s a twist on fish pie with a flaky dumpling topping. The filling has smoked salmon, veggies, and creamy sauce. It’s a hit, with a 4.5-star rating.
Choosing any quick smoked salmon recipe means you’re serving a healthy, tasty meal fast. Make your weeknights better with smoked salmon’s versatility.
Conclusion
Smoked salmon is a versatile ingredient that can make many dishes better. It’s great for breakfast, appetizers, and weeknight meals. Whether you’re having a big brunch or a simple dinner, smoked salmon can add elegance.
Try out different recipes to find your favorite ways to use smoked salmon. It’s perfect for bagels, pasta, salads, and dips. This fish can fit into many cuisines and styles.
When using smoked salmon, choose high-quality and fresh options. Look for brands like Marky’s for a variety of smoked salmon. With a bit of creativity, you can make simple ingredients into amazing dishes. These dishes will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Read More Helpful Articles Below :
How to Prepare Smoked Salmon: Easy Recipes and Serving Ideas
How Long Does Smoked Salmon Last – Storage Guide
Best Smoked Salmon on a Pellet Grill Made Easy
Easy Smoked Salmon and Philadelphia Cheese Recipe Ideas
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: You Need to Try
FAQ
What are some versatile ways to enjoy smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon is great for many meals. You can have it on a bagel for breakfast, in pasta for lunch, or as an appetizer. It’s also good in salads, on toast, and in egg dishes.
What are the best bagel types for smoked salmon?
The top bagels for smoked salmon are everything, plain, or sesame bagels.
What are the essential toppings and spreads for a classic bagel and lox?
For a classic bagel and lox, use scallion cream cheese, fresh dill, red onion, cucumbers, and capers.
How can smoked salmon be incorporated into pasta dishes?
Smoked salmon is perfect in pasta. Try it in Alfredo sauce with linguine or with pesto sauce and penne.
What types of bread work well for smoked salmon toast?
Sour dough or rye bread is great for smoked salmon toast.
What are some unique spread options beyond cream cheese for smoked salmon toast?
Try whipped ricotta or cottage cheese instead of cream cheese for a different taste.
What are some creative garnish combinations for smoked salmon toast?
Add red onion, capers, fresh dill, and a squeeze of lemon for a tasty garnish.
What are some quick and easy smoked salmon appetizer ideas?
Easy appetizers include cucumber-smoked salmon bites and smoked salmon on crackers with soft cheese.
How can smoked salmon be incorporated into fresh salads?
Add smoked salmon to salads with greens, tomatoes, onions, and a light dressing. Or, try a bigger salad with greens, cucumber, avocado, and lemon-dill dressing.
What are some unique smoked salmon egg dish ideas for brunch?
For brunch, try smoked salmon and dill breakfast hash or a Dutch baby pancake with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers.
What are some creative dips and spreads featuring smoked salmon for entertaining?
Make a cold smoked salmon dip with cream cheese, Greek yogurt, horseradish, lemon, and dill. Or, try a creamy smoked salmon cobbler.
What are some European-inspired smoked salmon pairings?
Try homemade gravlax with dill and mustard sauce or tea-smoked salmon with pickled cucumber and lemon butter.
What are some quick and easy weeknight dinner ideas featuring smoked salmon?
Use smoked salmon in a quick dinner like a smoked salmon salad, tomato soup, or a creamy smoked salmon cobbler.