This smoked salmon pate is jam-packed with delicious salmon flavor and really easy to make. Its perfect to top canapes, as part of a cheeseboard or in sandwiches.
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I have always quite liked smoked salmon pate but its not something I tend t have often. After that, when we went to see my parents a few years ago, they had a really good one from the store. My oldest son became obsessed with it, and we read a lot of it during our lunchtime visit.
I took note of the ingredients since this wasnt quite your usual spread. A quick look told me that it was made with fresh salmon as well as hot-smoked salmon, which gave it a much more real salmon flavor. The amount of fish compared to the other ingredients was dramatically higher than many other versions.
I took a mental note to try to recreate something at least close to it at some point. It took me a little while, but I am so pleased with the result. We all instantly loved this flavor-packed spread.
Salmon pâté is a smooth creamy spread made from salmon cream cheese, and various flavorings. It has a mousse-like texture and is commonly served as an appetizer with crackers or bread. The pink color and soft texture resembles pâté made from goose or duck liver, which is how it got its name, even though it contains no liver. Salmon pâté is easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is an elegant addition to any party platter.
What is Pâté?
Pâté broadly refers to highly flavorful meat spreads made from finely chopped, ground, or pureed ingredients. Traditional pâtés are made from liver, like the famous French duck or goose foie gras. The term pâté en terrine specifically indicates it is baked in a terrine mold. Other types of pâté may include pork, chicken, fish, or vegetables. The smooth, rich consistency comes from the main ingredient being finely processed along with butter or fat. Herbs, spices, alcohol, or cream often provide additional flavor.
History of Salmon Pâté
Salmon pâté adapts the French pâté style using more readily available canned salmon in place of liver It rose to popularity in America during the 1950s-60s. Canned salmon was a common staple, and creating an elegant salmon spread allowed home cooks to easily produce an appetizer with sophistication It became a staple at dinner parties and bridal showers. Refrigeration also enabled combining perishable cream cheese into the spread. The pretty pink color made it visually appealing garnished with greens, lemon slices, or cracked pepper. While classic French pâtés can be complex, salmon pâté struck the perfect balance of simple yet elegant.
Benefits of Salmon Pâté
Salmon pâté is a healthy and versatile choice for an appetizer because it has many benefits, such as:
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High in protein – Salmon provides a lean, complete protein that provides extended satiety.
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Omega-3s are good for you, and salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA.
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Low in mercury – Salmon has low mercury levels compared to larger fish.
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Quick prep time – Takes just 15 minutes to make with simple ingredients.
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Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepared 1-2 days in advance for parties.
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Budget friendly – Canned salmon keeps costs low.
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Fancy presentation – Elegant served on a platter with crackers or bread.
How to Make Classic Salmon Pâté
Salmon pâté comes together quickly with just a few simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz) salmon, drained and flaked
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp horseradish
- 1 tsp onion, grated
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Drain and flake canned salmon, discarding any bones.
- In a food processor, combine the salmon and remaining ingredients. Puree until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate 1-2 hours until chilled and set.
- Garnish with chopped fresh dill or parsley before serving with crackers.
Salmon Pâté Variations
While the classic recipe stays simple, there are many ways to customize salmon pâté:
- Fold in chopped fresh dill, parsley, chives, or tarragon.
- Add minced garlic, capers, or red onion for more flavor.
- Use hot-smoked salmon for a more intense smoky richness.
- Swap in neufchâtel or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Mix in lemon zest or a pinch of cayenne for extra zing.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream if avoiding dairy.
- For lower fat, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as the base.
- Top with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds before serving.
- Serve on cucumber or endive slices instead of crackers or bread.
The possibilities are endless! Tweak herbs, spices, and mix-ins to create your own signature version.
Presenting Your Salmon Spread
- Chill thoroughly before serving for optimal texture.
- Mold into a pyramid, oval, or fish shape on a serving platter.
- Keep paste-like texture; avoid thinning with milk or water.
- Top with fresh herbs, lemon slices, capers, salt, or pepper.
- Surround with crackers, bread slices, cucumber rounds or bagel chips.
- Place on a bed of lettuce leaves or fresh herbs.
- Nestle into hollowed tomatoes, bell peppers or artichokes.
- Pipe or spoon into endive leaves or celery stalks.
- Serve in a bowl with a spreader accompanied by crackers.
Pairings for Salmon Pâté
- Crackers – whole wheat, rice, water cracker
- Baguette, sourdough, rye or pumpernickel bread
- Sliced apples, pears or cucumber
- Radishes, carrots, celery, jicama sticks
- Crostini
- Pita chips
- Bell pepper slices
- Endive or romaine lettuce cups
For variety, provide 2-3 different cracker or vegetable pairings. Offer gluten-free options and cut vegetables into slices or sticks for scooping.
Storing and Freezing Salmon Pâté
Leftover salmon pâté can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days. The spread can also be frozen for longer term storage. To freeze:
- Double wrap prepared spread in plastic wrap, squeezing out air.
- Place in freezer bag or airtight container.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in fridge before serving.
The pâté may separate slightly upon thawing but retains excellent flavor.
Salmon pâté is a timeless classic that will never go out of style. The silky texture and versatile flavor pairings make it a stellar addition to any appetizer spread. Follow the basic recipe, then get creative with herbs, spices, and garnishes. Chill thoroughly before serving mounded on a platter with crackers and fresh vegetables. Surround with lemon slices and fresh dill or parsley for a vibrant presentation. Let guests Spread on the Love with this easy yet elegant appetizer!
What makes this pate different
From what you read above, you may have guessed that this smoked salmon pate is very different from most others because it has a lot of fish in it. You also use both fresh and smoked salmon in this. The combination both adds to the flavor and texture.
For some reason, pureed smoked salmon can taste too salty or slimy. The fresh salmon really balances that out. The end result is a pate where salmon is the star, not creaminess.
All you have to do to make this pate is put everything in a food processor and blend it until it’s smooth.
You could buy salmon that’s already cooked, or even salmon that’s been canned would probably work. I poached my own salmon for this. But poaching is really quick and easy to make so I do recommend this if you can. I just buy slightly extra when getting salmon for another meal.
Using a mix of fresh and smoked salmon makes this a little more affordable without compromising the taste. If you want to save money, you can buy smoked salmon scraps instead of slices for this recipe since you’ll be blending them anyway.
Instead of mayonnaise, I used a little plain yogurt because I don’t like mayonnaise that you can taste. If you prefer, or dont have yogurt, then mayo would also work.
If you need to serve more or less people, this is easy to change, and the flavors are also simple to change. Instead of paprika, try a little dill. Up the lemon, if you like, or try lime instead.
This smoked salmon pate has a great depth of flavor and is all about the salmon. It doesn’t have any creamy filler. Its easy to make, spreadable and perfect for appetizers, lunch and more. Enjoy!.
Try these other Scottish favorites:
- Cullen skink (smoked haddock chowder)
- Hággis that is easier to make, but still has all the flavor of the traditional dish.
- Cranachan (a classic, easy raspberry, oatmeal and cream dessert)
- 2 oz poached salmon (see more below)
- 2 oz smoked salmon (can use offcuts/pieces)
- 2 tablespoon cream cheese
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon yogurt (can also use mayonnaise)
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
- Put everything in a food processor and pulse it a few times to make it smooth. If you need to, scrape down the sides and pulse again to make sure everything is mixed.
- Put it on a dish to serve, or cover it and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it (it will last for a couple of days).
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Carolines Cooking Amazon store.
Salmon pate (Best First Fish Dish)
FAQ
What is salmon pâté made of?
What is fish pate made of?
Is salmon pate good for you?
Where can I get salmon pate?
What is a smoked salmon Pate?
This smoked salmon pate is jam-packed with delicious salmon flavor and really easy to make. It’s perfect to top canapes, as part of a cheeseboard or in sandwiches. This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.
Is smoked salmon good for you?
Salmon is a source of high-quality protein, magnesium, and selenium. In addition, it provides healthy fatty acids for the body. It contains large amounts of omega 3, which prevents cardiovascular diseases, has anti-inflammatory properties, and prevents certain types of Cancer.
How do you make Salmon Pâté?
In a medium bowl, mix together salmon, cream cheese, horseradish, lemon juice, and onion. Chill if necessary until firm enough to handle, then form into a ball. Roll in parsley and pecans if desired. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with assorted crackers. A creamy salmon pâté flavored with onion, horseradish, lemon juice, and parsley.
Is Salmon Pâté healthy?
Healthy always depends on your definition, but I consider salmon pâté a healthy choice in itself. It is pretty low in calories (112 kcal for one serving as a starter), low carb and high in fat and protein – and with lots of good fat from the salmon. This makes it a great keto dish. To keep it a healthy option, be careful what you serve next to it.