Smoked salmon is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Its rich smoky flavor pairs well with many flavors and ingredients. When considering what to pair with smoked salmon, there are several delicious options to choose from.
Here are 15 of my favorite pairings for smoked salmon
1. Avocado Toast
Creamy, nutritious avocado toast is a perfect complement to smoked salmon The avocado’s smooth texture and healthy fats pair beautifully with the bold, savory flavors of the salmon Together they create a delightful balance on top of the crispy toast. This combo makes for a satisfying meal or snack any time of day.
2. Cucumber Salad
A light cucumber salad tossed in a yogurt dressing adds a refreshing crunch and brightness to balance the rich smoked salmon. The cool crispness of the cucumbers paired with the dilled salmon makes for a tasty blend of flavors and textures.
3. Cream Cheese
A schmear of cream cheese on a bagel or cracker topped with smoked salmon offers a tangy, rich counterpoint to the fish’s smokiness. Consider mixing herbs, lemon, or capers into the cream cheese spread for extra dimension.
4. Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers with fresh mozzarella, basil, tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic reduction lend freshness and acidity to complement the salmon. The interplay of creamy cheese, herby basil, juicy tomatoes and smoky fish is a winner.
5. Quinoa Salad
A protein-packed quinoa salad with lots of fresh veggies and citrusy dressing paired with smoked salmon makes for a nutritious, tasty and balanced meal. The mix of flavors and heartiness stands up well to the salmon.
6. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are a classic accompaniment to smoked salmon, offering a creamy, rich counterbalance. Eggs spiked with mustard, mayo and paprika offer just the right tangy note to pair with the fish.
7. Blini Pancakes
Buttery buckwheat blini pancakes are the perfect base for smoked salmon, topped with sour cream and caviar for an elegant accompaniment. Their mild flavor allows the salmon to shine.
8. Asparagus
Grilled or roasted asparagus spears lend an earthy flavor and pleasant crunch that complements the rich fattiness of smoked salmon. A drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt and pepper is all they need.
9. Potato Pancakes
Crispy, golden potato pancakes or latkes fried up with some onions make a customary and delicious side for smoked salmon. Their hearty savoriness stands up well to the fish.
10. Pickled Vegetables
Pickled veggies like kimchi, sauerkraut or tangy quick pickles add a brightness that cuts through the salmon’s richness. Their crunchy texture also contrasts the fish’s silkiness.
11. Bagels and Lox
Putting smoked salmon or lox on a toasted bagel with cream cheese is a beloved, traditional pairing. Play with different toasting methods and bagel flavors to complement the salmon.
12. Frittata
A vegetable-packed frittata with some cheese makes a satisfying accompaniment for brunch or dinner. The fluffy egg base soaks up the salmon’s smoky flavors.
13. Beet Salad
Beets roasted or boiled then sliced over arugula or spinach with goat cheese offer vibrant color and earthy sweetness that complements smoked salmon beautifully.
14. Dill Potatoes
Buttery, tender potatoes tossed in chopped fresh dill offer an aromatic, savory side for smoked salmon. For extra richness, serve them with a dollop of creamy garlic aioli.
15. Pasta
Toss smoked salmon into hot pasta dressed simply with olive oil, lemon juice, fresh parsley, tomatoes or peas for a no-fuss, tasty salmon pasta dish. Lemon zest in the pasta adds brightness.
In addition to composed dishes, smoked salmon also pairs well with simple sides like crusty bread, mixed greens, steamed vegetables, grains and fresh herbs. Playing with different textures, colors, acidity levels and flavors will keep your salmon dishes exciting. With so many possibilities, you could enjoy smoked salmon several times a week and never get bored!
How to Serve Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon may be best known as a bagel topping, but it deserves credit for all it can do beyond breakfast. The rich flavor and meaty texture of Provisions smoked wild salmon plays well with a wide variety of flavors and ingredients. These firm, flaky retort-packed fillets are similar to hot-smoked salmon. The fillets are delicious on their own, topped with fresh herbs or paired with creamy cheese; in a light grain salad or a seafood stew; or in tacos, pastas and scattered over pizzas. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with eating it right out of the pouch with a slice of crusty bread, either.
Here are some of our favorite ideas and recipes for serving smoked salmon.
Photo by Amy Kumler
When you’re trying to get out of a breakfast rut, smoked salmon is your ally. Toss it into your usual scrambled eggs and top with chives. Pile it on toast that you’ve spread with cream cheese, or, if you have a few extra minutes in your morning, try it with poached eggs and greens for a deluxe take on a bagel sandwich. Smoked salmon’s plentiful protein—along with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D—will keep you satisfied till lunchtime or beyond.
Kimi Werners Wild Salmon Omelet. Photo by Thomas J. Story
Smoked salmon is a brunch staple for a reason. It elevates everything it’s served with, whether you add the fish to a big fat omelet or pan-sear it in salmon cakes to pair with a green salad. Or, for a smoked-salmon platter, lay out the salmon pieces with other brunch fixings—like cucumbers, hard-cooked eggs, capers, tomatoes, red onions, dill, cream cheese, and bagels or toast—so people can help themselves.
Photo by Amy Kumler
That salad or veggie sandwich you make for lunch on autopilot every week can instantly become more appealing—and nutritious—with the addition of smoked salmon. For workday desk lunches or a weekend picnic, try adding salmon to a four bean salad, a cucumber, avocado and tomato salad or a tangle of soba noodles. If you’re off for a hike, take two minutes and pack up this salmon wrap. In camp? Stir smoked salmon into hearty Tsampa Soup for a satisfying midday meal. Have a little more time? Put together a tangy, gingery take on ceviche, using smoked salmon instead of the usual raw fish.
Wild Salmon Spread. Photo by Amy Kumler
Salmon with cream cheese on a cracker is the classic. There’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes it’s fun to break out of the box and go for salmon spring rolls with lots of fresh herbs, or addictive, crunchy Salmon Hush Puppies with Chimichurri Tartar Sauce. For a twist on the smoked-salmon cracker, try this Wild Salmon Spread (one of Provisions’ most popular recipes ever).
Photo by Amy Kumler
Photo by Amy Kumler
Ways to Serve Smoked Salmon for a Party
Smoked salmon makes for easy main dishes that seem like they took a lot of work. Add hunks of it to mixed-seafood tacos and top with seasonal vegetables (like watermelon radishes, above), or check out recipes like our decadent Puff Pastry Salmon Turnover or Wild Salmon Chanterelle Pizza. Or go all out and pair it with other seafoods in a festive Feast of 7 Fishes Seafood Soup or a piping hot bowl of cioppino.
Blanched spring vegetables with Provisions Wild Sockeye. Photo by Thomas J. Story
The BEST SMOKED SALMON on a Pellet Grill | Traeger Ironwood 885
FAQ
FAQ
What is a good accompaniment to smoked salmon?
A nice mixed green salad with tomatoes, onions and smoked salmon with a nice balsamic dressing is a summertime favorite of mine on days that are too hot to cook, but its also nice midwinter treat. A sesame orange ginger dressing works nicely too.
What does smoked salmon match with?
Smoked salmon goes well with bagels and cream cheese, in a quiche or with scrambled eggs, or on a goat cheese-smeared cracker as a classy canapé.
What meals can I make with smoked salmon?
- Beetroot rosti with green yogurt & smoked salmon. …
- Smoked salmon & lemon risotto. …
- Smoked salmon with beetroot & vodka crème fraîche. …
- Smoked salmon with prawns, horseradish cream & lime vinaigrette. …
- Smoked salmon with chilli & lime dressing. …
- Smoked salmon, quinoa & dill lunch pot.
What does smoked salmon go on?
It is often used in pâtés, quiches and pasta sauces. Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon mixed in is another popular dish. Smoked salmon salad is a strong-flavored salad, with ingredients such as iceberg lettuce, boiled eggs, tomato, olives, capers and leeks, and with flavored yogurt as a condiment.