Salmon sandwiches are a delicious and healthy lunch or dinner option. The flavor of the smoked or cooked salmon pairs perfectly with so many different toppings and ingredients. From creamy spreads to crunchy vegetables there are endless possibilities for customizing your salmon sandwich.
In this article, I’ll suggest 15 of my favorite topping ideas to elevate your salmon sandwich. With a combination of classic flavors and creative new combinations, you’ll find plenty of options to switch up this sandwich and keep it interesting.
Classic Salmon Sandwich Toppings
Some classic topping combinations just can’t be beat when it comes to salmon sandwiches These tried and true flavors complement the salmon perfectly.
1. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a popular spread for bagels with lox, so it makes sense to also use it on your smoked salmon sandwiches. The cool tanginess of the cream cheese balances the oily salmon. Use plain or chive cream cheese, or get creative and whip the cream cheese with lemon zest, capers, herbs or other mix-ins.
2. Sliced Cucumber
The cool crunch of cucumber slices or ribbons is so refreshing on a salmon sandwich. This veggie topping adds moisture without overpowering the salmon flavor.
3. Sliced Tomato
Like cucumber, ripe tomato slices or wedges provide moisture and a burst of freshness. The sweet juiciness balances the salty and rich salmon.
4. Shredded Lettuce
Crisp lettuce like butter or romaine adds a nice delicate crunch. Shredded lettuce gives you more surface area for soaking up any creamy sauces or spreads on the sandwich.
5. Capers
Briny capers are a classic accompaniment to smoked salmon flavors. Their sharp, tangy taste cuts through the salmon’s richness. Add whole capers or chopped up in a spread.
6. Fresh Dill
Fresh dill and smoked salmon are a tried and true combination. The grassy anise notes of fresh dill really sing with the salmon’s smokey flavor. Sprinkle chopped dill over your salmon sandwich or mix into any sauces or spreads.
7. Lemon
A squeeze of lemon juice over the salmon sandwich provides the perfect amount of bright acidity to balance the rich fattiness of the fish. Zest the lemon first to sprinkle the sandwich with tiny bits of intense lemon oil too.
8. Sliced Red Onion
Thin slices of red onion add bite, crunch and just a touch of spicy sweetness. Red onion gives salmon sandwiches more texture and flavor.
9. Capers
Briny capers are a classic accompaniment to smoked salmon flavors. Their sharp, tangy taste cuts through the salmon’s richness. Add whole capers or chopped up in a spread.
10. Fresh Dill
Fresh dill and smoked salmon are a tried and true combination. The grassy anise notes of fresh dill really sing with the salmon’s smokey flavor. Sprinkle chopped dill over your salmon sandwich or mix into any sauces or spreads.
Creative Salmon Sandwich Toppings
Once you’ve mastered the classic salmon sandwich combos, start to get creative with fun new ingredients! Here are some of my favorite unique topping ideas.
11. Whipped Feta Cheese
For a Greek twist, whip feta cheese with olive oil and lemon. The briny creaminess pairs so well with the salmon.
12. Sliced Avocado
Creamy, buttery avocado slices provide a luscious contrast to the smoked salmon. Mash the avocado first to use as a spread instead.
13. Quick-Pickled Onions
For an extra tangy crunch, top your sandwich with quick pickled red onions. They take just a few minutes to make by soaking thin sliced onions in vinegar.
14. Arugula
Peppery arugula gives your sandwich some spicy bite. Its distinct sharp herbal flavor stands up well against the rich salmon.
15. Bacon
Can’t go wrong by adding crispy cooked bacon crumbles or strips! The smoky bacon enhances the sandwich’s savory depth.
How to Assemble the Perfect Salmon Sandwich
Now for some tips on how to put it all together into sandwich perfection:
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Choose a hearty, rustic style bread that can stand up to the creamy, moist toppings like a baguette, ciabatta roll or rye.
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Lightly toast or grill the bread first to add crunch.
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Spread a layer of cream cheese, goat cheese, avocado or other creamy spread on one slice first.
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Layer thin slices or strips of smoked salmon on the bottom slice.
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Top with sliced veggies, fresh herbs, pickles or other toppings.
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Finish with a squeeze of lemon and/or drizzle of olive oil over everything.
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Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Top with the second slice of bread and enjoy!
With so many excellent topping options for salmon sandwiches, you could enjoy a different combination every day of the week and never get bored. The simple delicious flavor of smoked salmon also means you can let the quality ingredients shine without complicated recipes. Hopefully these ideas have inspired you to start crafting your own signature salmon sandwich creations.
How to make a smoked salmon sandwich
- Make the whipped goat’s cheese: In the bowl of a food processor, combine the goat’s cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. Alternatively, mix the ingredients together with a whisk in a small bowl until smooth.
- Assemble the sandwich: For extra texture, toast the bread in a hot pan until golden brown (this step is optional and great to do with day-old bread). Add a generous smear of the goat’s cheese then layer on the smoked salmon ribbons. Garnish with capers, thin slices of red onion and micro greens. Finish with a crack of black pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Can I make this ahead?
The sandwich can be made a few hours in advance, making it a great option for picnics or as a make-ahead lunch. Wrap in wax paper then keep in a cooler box until you’re ready to serve.
Salmon sandwich recipe – the BEST!
FAQ
What goes well in a salmon sandwich?
Spread the bread with butter, then top two slices with lettuce and cucumber. Top with the salmon chunks and sprinkle with lemon juice or vinegar.
What should I put on top of my salmon?
A creamy but slightly tangy sauce works really well with salmon, and it’s why sour cream-dill sauce over salmon is such a classic. Try mixing in curry powder, Sriracha, or scallions into yogurt or crème fraîche for an easy, elegant salmon topper.
What do you put in salmon sandwiches with mayonnaise?
Whisk mayonnaise, dill, and lemon zest together in a small bowl; divide and spread onto 2 toasted bread slices. Top each with 1 portion salmon, 2 tomato slices, 2 bacon strips, 1 lettuce leaf, and 1 remaining toasted bread slice.
What goes on a salmon patty sandwich?
Toppings: This recipe uses tomato, red onion, capers and fresh dill to round out the sandwich, but feel free to use whichever veggies and herbs you prefer.