From breakfast to brunch and lunch to dinner, smoked salmon does it all. Learn how to serve this versatile, brain-boosting, and elegant ingredient below.
Fresh salmon that has been brined or cured and then smoked in one of two ways is what smoked salmon is.
Now you’re probably thinking… that’s lox right? And WHERE ARE THE BAGELS? Not so fast. Although smoked salmon and lox look similar, lox is only salt-cured or brined, never cooked or smoked.
If you’ve never had smoked salmon before, this is your official invite to the world of this smooth, tasty, and moist ingredient that we can’t get enough of. And if you have, get ready to mix things up.
Smoked salmon is a healthy food that can be used in many different recipes. It’s easy to add smoked salmon to appetizers, main courses, and even desserts because its rich, smoky flavor goes well with so many other foods. As a seafood lover and passionate home cook, I wanted to share my favorite smoked salmon pairings with you to help you make your meals even better.
Quick and Easy Smoked Salmon Appetizers
As a welcome snack, having some quick and easy smoked salmon ready for your guests is a great way to start the night. Here are some of my go-to pairings for impressive yet fuss-free starters:
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Smoked salmon blinis – Top mini blini pancakes with a dollop of crème fraîche and a piece of smoked salmon, Garnish with dill and black pepper The nutty blinis beautifully complement the salmon’s flavor
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Spread a layer of cream cheese or goat cheese on a slice of baguette. Top with smoked salmon. Top with capers, red onion, and fresh dill. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, briny, and fresh flavors.
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Smoked salmon deviled eggs – Mix mashed egg yolks with sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and capers. Spoon the filling into halved hard-boiled eggs and top with smoked salmon. Elegant and delicious!
Salads and Vegetables
In addition to appetizers smoked salmon also pairs wonderfully with fresh salads and seasonal vegetables. The salmon adds a protein punch and savory depth to lighter dishes. Here are some of my favorite combinations
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Smoked salmon salad – Toss together mixed greens, sliced smoked salmon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette. The acid from the dressing perfectly cuts through the salmon’s richness.
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Roasted beets and smoked salmon – Complement earthy roasted beets and goat cheese with thinly sliced smoked salmon for a salad with amazing flavors and textures.
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Smoked salmon asparagus – Grill or roast asparagus until lightly charred, then top with sliced smoked salmon, a squeeze of lemon, and flaky sea salt. The smoky flavors marry so well together.
Grains and Potatoes
Hearty grains and starchy potatoes are fantastic bases for smoked salmon dishes, soaking up the richness and adding comfort and substance. For satisfying salmon meals, try pairing it with:
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Smoked salmon fried rice – Toss day-old rice with smoked salmon, frozen peas, scrambled eggs, green onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an easy weeknight dinner.
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Smoked salmon potato salad – Mix cubed boiled potatoes with smoked salmon, capers, red onion slivers, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill, and lemon juice for a potato salad with extra oomph.
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Smoked salmon risotto – Stir smoked salmon into creamy risotto right before serving. The cheesy rice makes the perfect bed for the salmon’s flavor. A squirt of lemon brightens it up.
Pasta
One of my all-time favorite pairings is smoked salmon with pasta. The luxurious salmon and silky noodles are a match made in heaven. Some delicious options include:
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Linguine carbonara with smoked salmon – Make a classic linguine carbonara, but replace half of the bacon with a few thin strips of smoked salmon for a briny twist.
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Smoked salmon fettuccine alfredo – Swap chicken for salmon in this rich, creamy pasta and finish it with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh dill. Pure comfort food.
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Farfalle with salmon and peas – Combine farfalle, smoked salmon, peas, cream, and white wine for an easy springtime meal. I like to add extra salmon for that pop of pink throughout.
Unexpected Sweet Treats
If you’re feeling adventurous, smoked salmon can also be incorporated into sweet dishes for an intriguing salty-sweet pairing. Here are some unique recipes to try:
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Smoked salmon bagels with cream cheese frosting – Top an everything bagel with cream cheese frosting instead of regular cream cheese, then add the smoked salmon. The sweetness pairs so well with the salmon!
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Smoked salmon cheesecake – Incorporate bits of smoked salmon into your next cheesecake for a savory spin on this classic dessert. Sounds weird but tastes amazing!
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Chocolate-covered smoked salmon – Melt some high-quality dark chocolate, dip small pieces of smoked salmon into it, and let it harden. An unconventional delight!
Toast with Soft Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon
Adding a thin slice of smoked salmon and a lot of flaky sea salt to your usual eggs and toast makes it much better for you and your brain. We opted for sourdough bread, but feel free to swap for multigrain or whole grain if you’d like.
Ingredients:
- 2 Slices Sourdough, toasted
- 4 Eggs
- Splash Milk
- 1/4 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 2 Slices Smoked Salmon
- Chives
Instructions:
- Add a splash of milk (about 3 Tablespoons) and kosher salt to a bowl with cracked eggs. Whisk the eggs for about 30 seconds, or until they are well mixed.
- Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once it begins to bubble, pour in egg mixture.
- Leave to cook for 30 to 60 seconds, or until a thin layer of cooked egg forms around the edges.
- Slowly stir, lift, and fold the eggs with a rubber or silicone spatula for about two minutes, or until they are almost set but still moist and fluffy. (TIP: Eggs will keep cooking a little, so don’t worry if they look a little runny on top.) ).
- Take it off the heat and split it right away between two pieces of toast. Add smoked salmon on top, salt and pepper to taste, and chives on top to finish.
READ MORE: 10 Brain Foods Everyone Should Be Eating
Smoked Salmon and Brie Cucumber Bites
Creamy cheese, crisp cucumbers, sharp dill — all rounded out by flavorful smoked salmon. A champ of an appetizer if we’ve ever seen one.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Wheel Brie, cut into small chunks
- 1 Tablespoon Capers, chopped
- 1/4 Cup Finely Diced Scallions
- 1 Clove Garlic, minced
- 3 Cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds (about 24 pieces)
- 2 Slices Smoked Salmon, cut into small pieces
- Dill
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- Layer brie chunks in the bottom of an oven-proof skillet. Bake 10-12 minutes, until cheese is almost bubbling.
- Add capers, scallions, and garlic. Incorporate into brie, then return to oven another 2-3 minutes.
- Put a little bit of the cheese mixture on top of each cucumber round. Then add smoked salmon and dill.
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Bagel | Blackstone Griddles
FAQ
What is smoked salmon best served on?
What kind of cheese goes well with smoked salmon?
What goes well with smoky salmon?
Dill and Lemon: The fresh and herbaceous notes of dill perfectly complement the smoky richness of the salmon, while a squeeze of lemon adds a vibrant burst of citrusy tang. Cream Cheese and Capers: The creamy and slightly tangy cream cheese provides a luscious backdrop for the smoky salmon, while the briny capers add a delightful pop of saltiness.
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.
What side dishes go with smoked salmon?
To make this dish even more special, you can add some fresh herbs like basil or mint. You could also add some crumbled feta cheese or diced avocado. Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. In conclusion, there are many delicious side dishes that go great with smoked salmon.
What can you eat with smoked salmon?
Here’s the short answer. The best dishes to serve with smoked salmon are arugula salad, lemon pasta, homemade bagels, cucumber sandwiches, and white asparagus. For more unique options, try seasoned Japanese rice, Greek quinoa salad, or a tropical mango salsa. You can also use the smoked salmon to make sushi. Ready? Let’s jump right in.