What to Serve with Smoked Salmon as an Appetizer: 15 Delicious Pairings

Smoked salmon is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of appetizers. When planning a menu, it’s important to consider what sides and accompaniments will best complement the smoky flavor of the salmon Here are 15 delicious options for what to serve with smoked salmon appetizers.

Creamy Dips and Spreads

Creamy dips and spreads pair perfectly with smoked salmon, providing a rich counterpoint to the fish’s smoky flavor. Popular choices include:

• Dill cream cheese – This classic pairing adds herbaceous notes. Mix cream cheese with lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt.

• Horseradish cream – The zesty kick of horseradish cuts through the salmon’s fattiness Whip horseradish into softened cream cheese or sour cream,

• Tzatziki – The cool cucumber yogurt dip offers a refreshing contrast Stir shredded cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon, and olive oil into Greek yogurt

• Smoked salmon mousse – For an elegant from-scratch dip, blend smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, and herbs in a food processor. Chill before serving.

• Goat cheese – The tanginess of goat cheese balances the salmon’s richness. Try a whipped goat cheese dip flavored with herbs and lemon zest.

Crispy Breads and Crackers

A crunchy, sturdy base is key for scooping up creamy dips and topping with smoked salmon. Good choices include:

• Crostini – Toast sliced baguette until crispy, then top with smoked salmon and accents like capers, red onion, dill, and lemon zest.

• Pita chips – Crisp triangles of pita bread hold up well to rich spreads and toppings.

• Crackers – Look for sturdy crackers like water crackers or Finnish rye crispbread.

• Blini – These petite buckwheat pancakes are a traditional Russian pairing with smoked salmon. Top them with a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream.

• Bagels – Go the classic brunch route by topping bagel chips or mini bagel halves with smoked salmon.

Fresh Vegetables

For lighter pairings, fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness. Try:

• Cucumber – Cool cucumber slices or crunchy spears complement smoked salmon nicely.

• Radishes – The peppery kick of radishes cuts through the salmon’s richness. Slice or cut into flower shapes.

• Fennel – The licorice notes of raw fennel bulb give the salmon an anise flavor contrast. Shave thinly with a mandoline.

• Bell peppers – Strips of colorful bell peppers make a crisp, sweet garnish for smoked salmon toasts.

• Cherry tomatoes – The sweet burst of cherry tomatoes balances the smoke and saltiness. Skewer or toss whole with vinaigrette.

Tangy Components

A touch of acidity helps cut through smoked salmon’s richness. Smart choices include:

• Lemon wedges – A squeeze of lemon is a simple, classic accent that brightens the salmon’s flavor.

• Pickled vegetables – Quick-pickled onions, cucumbers, or beets lend a tart crunch.

• Capers – Briny capers provide a salty, piquant counterpoint to rich smoked salmon.

• Cornichons – These tart French pickles have a similar effect to capers.

• Citrus zest – Finely grated lemon, lime, or orange zest gives brightness.

Herbs and Greens

Fresh herbs and greens contribute flavor and color. Ideas:

• Dill – This herb’s grassy flavor perfectly complements smoked salmon. Use sprigs for garnish.

• Chives– The subtle onion flavor of chives pairs well with salmon. Snip over toasts or blend into dips.

• Watercress – Pepper watercress leaves add bite when paired with smoked salmon.

• Arugula – The spicy, peppery greens stand up to the salmon’s richness.

• Frisée – Curly frisée lettuce gives a delicate bitterness that works with the smoke.

Elegant Bites

For passed appetizers, try these easy, impressive smoked salmon bites:

• Deviled eggs – Top halved hard boiled eggs with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, dill, and black pepper.

• Cucumber cups – Use a melon baller to scoop cucumber into cups for filling with smoked salmon mousse or dip.

• Smoked salmon rolls – Roll thinly sliced smoked salmon around asparagus spears or cucumber slices.

• Canapés – Top thin rounds of rye or pumpernickel bread with smoked salmon and accents like red onion slivers, capers, and dill sprigs.

• Blini stacks – Top petite blini pancakes with folds of smoked salmon and a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream.

Smoked salmon always makes an elegant, appetizing addition to a menu. With so many possible flavor pairings, you can craft the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and colors by thoughtfully considering what to serve alongside. Start with one of these tasty ideas for smoked salmon appetizers your guests will savor.