What does smoked salmon go best with? Delicious Pairings to Try!

Introduction

Smoked salmon, with its rich, velvety texture and distinct smoky flavor, is a true culinary delight. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the secret to making it even more delicious lies in the perfect pairings. But with so many choices out there, it can be hard to know what truly complements that savory goodness.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll break down the best accompaniments for smoked salmon, from classic breakfast staples to gourmet, healthy, and even unexpected combinations. Let’s dig in!

1. The Classic: Bagels, Cream Cheese, and Capers

One of the most iconic pairings with smoked salmon has to be the classic combination of a fresh bagel, slathered with cream cheese, topped with thinly sliced smoked salmon, and finished off with capers and red onions. The contrast between the smooth cream cheese and the smoky fish creates a flavor explosion, while the capers add just the right amount of tang.

Pro Tip: Try this with an everything bagel for a bit of extra flavor from the seasonings!

What You Need:

• Fresh bagels (everything, plain, or sesame work best)
• Cream cheese (go for full-fat or whipped for a lighter texture)
• Sliced red onion
• Capers
• Optionally, add some fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon

2. Gourmet Twist: Avocado Toast with Smoked Salmon

Avocado toast is a trendy favorite for many, but when you add smoked salmon to the mix, you elevate it to a whole new level. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the smoky, slightly salty salmon, creating a luxurious, healthy breakfast or snack.

How to Make It:

• Toast your favorite whole-grain or sourdough bread.
• Smash half an avocado onto the toast.
• Top with smoked salmo,n slices.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.

This pairing is not only delicious but also packed with healthy fats and nutrients, making it a great option for health-conscious foodies.

3. The Light and Fresh Option: Smoked Salmon Salad

For a fresh, light meal, a smoked salmo.n salad is a fantastic option. The smoky fish adds depth to crisp greens and light vinaigrettes. Plus, it’s super versatile – you can make it as simple or as fancy as you like!

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or a spring mix work well)
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Red onions
• Avocados
• Capers or olives
• A simple lemon vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper)

Pro Tip: Add a soft-boiled egg or some goat cheese for extra creaminess and protein!

4. Canapés and Appetizers: Smoked Salmon Crostini

Planning a party? Smoked salmon canapés are sure to impress your guests! One of the easiest (and most elegant) ways to serve smoked salmon is atop crispy crostini or crackers with a variety of toppings.

Crostini Toppings Ideas:

• Cream cheese or goat cheese
• Sliced cucumbers
• Fresh dill or chives
• Lemon zest
• Capers or pickled onions

These bite-sized snacks are simple to make, yet they look (and taste) like you spent hours preparing them. Perfect for cocktail parties or holiday gatherings!

5. Healthy Option: Quinoa Bowls with Smoked Salmon

If you’re looking for a nutritious meal that’s filling and balanced, a quinoa bowl with smoked-salmon might just hit the spot. The quinoa provides a hearty, protein-packed base, while the smoked-salmon adds a rich flavor that brings everything together.

Ingredients:

• Cooked quinoa (let it cool for a few minutes before assembling)
• Smoked salmon slices
• Sliced avocado
• Spinach or kale
• Cherry tomatoes
• Radishes for crunch
• A lemon-tahini dressing (mix tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper)

This bowl is great for lunch or dinner, offering a complete meal packed with proteins, healthy fats, and lots of vitamins. And the best part? It’s as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.

6. Smoked Salmon and Eggs: A Breakfast Classic

Eggs and smoked salmon go hand in hand, and there are a few delicious ways to enjoy them together. Whether it’s scrambled eggs with smoked salmon folded in, or an elegant eggs benedict topped with salmon instead of ham, you can’t go wrong.

Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon:

• Lightly scramble your eggs with a splash of cream or milk.
• Just before the eggs are fully cooked, gently fold in small pieces of smoked salmon.
• Serve with a sprinkle of fresh dill and cracked black pepper.

For something a bit fancier, swap out Canadian bacon for smoked salmoon on your eggs benedict. Top with hollandaise sauce, and you’ve got yourself a decadent brunch dish.

7. Smoked Salmon Pasta: A Decadent Dinner

For a rich and satisfying dinner, smoked-salmon can be the star ingredient in a creamy pasta dish. The smoky flavors balance perfectly with a light, creamy sauce, making it a fantastic option for an indulgent night in.

Ingredients:

• Fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
• Heavy cream
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Smoked salmoon, cut into strips
• Fresh parsley or dill
• Lemon zest

Simply cook the pasta and toss it with a creamy garlic sauce, folding in the smoked-salmoon right before serving. Garnish with herbs and lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

8. Perfect Drink Pairings for Smoked Salmon

No meal is complete without a great drink to complement the flavors of your dish. When it comes to smoked salmoon, crisp, light beverages tend to work best.

• White Wine: A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can enhance the smokiness without overwhelming your palate.
• Champagne: The bubbles in champagne help cut through the richness of smoked-salmoon, making it a great match.
• Light Beer: If you’re more of a beer fan, go for a pale ale or pilsner. Their light, refreshing qualities balance out the saltiness of the salmon.

Wrapping It Up: Elevate Your Smoked Salmon Experience

Smoked salmoon is as versatile as it is delicious, and the best pairings are all about balancing flavors and textures. Whether you’re indulging in a classic bagel breakfast, preparing an elegant appetizer, or whipping up a hearty dinner, these pairing ideas are sure to bring out the best in your smoked salmoon.

So, the next time you’re wondering, What does smoked salmoon go best with?, you’ll have plenty of tasty options to choose from. Happy eating!