Smoked salmon is the perfect food to serve for lunch, dinner or at a party. Read on for 23 delicious sides for smoked salmon when you’re looking to create a complete meal!.
My husband started making a delicious smoked salmon on our grill a few years ago. During the summer months, I ask him to make it for dinner at least twice every month. It is to-die-for delicious and makes my taste buds do a happy dance every time. We make it for guests a lot, as well.
Always on the lookout for great sides to go with smoked salmon when we serve it as a main dish There is a complete list of all the best salmon side dishes below, so you can make everyone happy.
Smoked salmon is a delicacy that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Its rich, smoky flavor pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile ingredient for appetizers, main courses, and more. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the best pairings for smoked salmon to help you make mouthwatering recipes
Appetizers and Starters
Smoked salmon is a natural fit for appetizers and starters. Its silky texture and savory taste make it perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. Some tasty pairings for smoked salmon appetizers include:
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Cream cheese – A classic! Mix in some fresh dill or capers for extra flavor.
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Goat cheese – The tanginess contrasts nicely with the smoky fish.
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Avocado – Creamy avocado is a satisfying topper for smoked salmon toasts.
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Cucumber – Cool, crisp cucumber slices accentuate the salmon’s richness.
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Capers – Briny capers cut through the fattiness of salmon.
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Red onion – Thin slices add pleasant bite
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Lemon wedges – A squeeze of lemon brightens up rich smoked salmon.
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Dill – Fresh dill’s grassy flavor complements smoked fish.
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Toast points or crackers – Crispy, neutral bread lets the salmon shine.
Salads
The luxurious texture of smoked salmon makes it ideal for salads. To highlight the flavor of the fish, opt for simple greens and acid components like lemon and vinegar. Smoked salmon salads center around the fish, with vegetables and other ingredients playing a supporting role. Delicious combinations include:
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Spinach salads with smoked salmon, avocado, tomato, and lemon vinaigrette.
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Mixed greens with thin slices of salmon, cucumbers, red onion, capers, and lemon-Dijon dressing.
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Cold pasta salads featuring whole wheat noodles, salmon, peas, parsley, and creamy dill dressing.
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Potato salad with chunks of tender salmon, red potatoes, scallions, parsley, and mustard vinaigrette.
Hearty Main Dishes
For a satisfying main course, pair smoked salmon with grains, pastas, or vegetables. The umami flavor of salmon stands up to bold seasonings and sauces as well. Full-flavored mains featuring smoked salmon include:
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Smoked salmon carbonara with peas and zucchini ribbons over fettuccine.
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Barley risotto made creamy with mascarpone cheese and mixed with flaked salmon.
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Veggie fried brown rice with kale, edamame, carrots, ginger, and salmon.
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Smoked salmon tacos on corn tortillas with avocado salsa and lime crema.
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Whole wheat linguine in vodka sauce with wilted spinach and salmon.
Brunch
Rich smoked salmon is right at home on a brunch table. Lox and bagels are a classic combination, but smoked salmon also pairs well with eggs, cheese, and bread. Elegant brunch dishes starring salmon include:
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Smoked salmon eggs benedict on English muffins with poached eggs and hollandaise.
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Frittatas with smoked salmon, dill, and goat cheese.
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Smoked salmon on toast with smashed avocado, poached eggs, and lemon zest.
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Savory salmon waffles or pancakes with scallion cream cheese.
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Bloody Marys garnished with salmon and cucumber skewers for refreshment.
Sandwiches
The versatility of smoked salmon makes it ideal for lunch sandwiches and wraps. Layering salmon between bread showcases its richness and pairs it with contrasting flavors and textures. Crave-worthy smoked salmon sandwiches feature combinations like:
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Smoked salmon, avocado, sprouts, and cucumber on pumpernickel.
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Cream cheese, lox, and red onion on an everything bagel.
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Salmon BLT on sourdough with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and lemon aioli.
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Smoked salmon club wrap with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
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Open-faced smoked salmon melt with monterey jack on rye.
Side Dishes
Alongside a beautifully cooked salmon fillet, side dishes should be simple to keep the focus on the fish. Baked potatoes, roasted veggies, and fresh green salads make fitting accompaniments. Complementary pairings include:
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Herb roasted baby potatoes
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Sauteed zucchini with lemon
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Steamed green beans with garlic
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Wild rice pilaf with pecans
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Spinach salad with mandarin oranges and shaved fennel
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Roasted brussels sprouts with parmesan
Desserts
While less common, smoked salmon can add richness and depth of flavor to desserts as well. Take care not to overpower sweets with too much fish. Subtle smoked salmon desserts include:
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Smoked salmon brownies or blondies with just a touch of finely minced fish.
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Cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and very light salmon flavor.
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Smoked salmon ice cream with cream cheese swirl.
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Salmon financiers or madeleines with just a hint of fish flavor.
Drinks
Briny, smoky salmon pairs wonderfully with bright, acidic drinks like white wines, citrus juices, and bloody Mary cocktails. Sip any of these with smoked fish:
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Dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay
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Lemonade with fresh mint
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Grapefruit juice spritzer
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Bloody Mary cocktail
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Moscow mule with ginger beer and lime
From elegant starters to satisfying mains and brunch, smoked salmon is an extremely versatile ingredient. With its rich texture and savory flavor, it pairs beautifully with creamy, crunchy, fresh, and acidic ingredients. Use this guide to discover endless delicious ways to enjoy smoked salmon.
FAQ About Smoked Salmon
Salmon is smoked in order to keep it from early spoilage. Smoking and curing salmon partially dehydrates it, slowing down the process of bacterial growth. This process can also add flavor to the fish.
Once salmon has been cured and dried, it is ready for the smoking process. Smoke at 225 degrees F for 45 minutes.
Crackers or toasted crostinis are often served with smoked salmon so that it can be stacked and eaten as a finger food.
- It only takes minutes to cook salmon fillets that you take out of the freezer. This frozen salmon that can be cooked in an air fryer will make busy weeknights easier without sacrificing taste. Perfect quick dinner to throw together at the last minute!.
- You can turn a Philadelphia sushi roll into a healthy salmon sushi bowl. You can eat it for lunch by yourself, as a healthy side dish, or serve it to a group of sushi fans.
- We’re going to show you how to make the best salmon recipe that you will ever eat. In less than 30 minutes, dinner will be ready, and everyone will love it.
Fruit Salad with a Twist
Learn how to make Fruit Salad step by step with a super-secret and surprising ingredient that will make your next summer party taste even better. Simply mix together your favorite fresh summer fruits to enjoy a naturally sweet salad. This salad is a hit at parties!.
It’s a very tasty Mediterranean Pasta Salad with pasta, crisp, fresh vegetables, and a light vinaigrette that comes straight from the Mediterranean! It’s the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ, a work potluck, or dinner at home.
Make cabbage steaks instead of grilled cabbage to take it to the next level. You can serve them with barbecue sauce, shaved Parmesan cheese, or just a pat of butter. Serve alongside any summer meal for the absolute perfect healthy side dish!.
People love this Caprese Pasta Salad recipe! You can serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or salad. The combination of Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and basil is absolute perfection!.
You can be sure that these are the best roasted vegetables recipe you will make. Get excited to enjoy a deliciously crispy, flavorful side dish. Roasted broccoli and carrots will turn veggie haters into veggie lovers!.
If you don’t have any of the vegetables listed, you can use any other vegetables you have on hand. Don’t forget to toss with fresh herbs and black pepper!.
There are tacos, ranch seasoning, and pasta in this tasty taco pasta salad recipe. You can eat both pasta salad and taco salad at the same time! It’s great for parties and as a side dish.
Replace rice with this veggie-packed Whole30 cauliflower rice side dish. It’s easy to make and prepared in 15 minutes. This recipe is full of flavor and texture from the herbs and mushrooms. It goes well with a lot of different meals to make a healthy dinner!
This Broccoli Salad is packed with crunchy, delicious ingredients and is not loaded heavily with mayo. It is the perfect dish to bring to your next potluck or gathering!.
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Bagel | Blackstone Griddles
FAQ
What is smoked salmon best served on?
What pairs nicely with salmon?
What kind of cheese goes well with smoked salmon?
What crackers go 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 to eat with smoked salmon?
If you want to create a heartier meal, then you should consider serving starchy side dishes along with your smoked salmon. Some excellent choices include pasta, brown rice, quinoa, barley, and farro. These foods contain complex carbohydrates that help supply energy to the body while keeping blood sugar levels stable. 3. Serve with Creamy Sauces