Looking for an easy brunch or appetizer idea? This Smoked Salmon Platter is it! Easy to throw together in just 10-minutes and sure to impress! This beautiful board combines the richness of smoked salmon with the freshness of lemon, dill, cream cheese and your favorite veggies.
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Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a luxurious meal, this Smoked Salmon Platter is sure to be a hit!
You can use any type of salmon that you love for this recipe.
Cold smoked salmon (thin sliced and buttery), hot smoked salmon (flaky), and lox (not smoked, thin sliced) are all great options. You can even used this cooked “Everything Bagel” Seasoned Salmon on your platter.
Note: You’ll want about 2-3 ounces of salmon per person if serving this platter as an appetizer. If you plan on serving the smoked salmon as a main course, you may want to increase the portion size to around 4-6 ounces.
What to Serve with Smoked Salmon
Vegetables & Herbs
- Red onion
- Chives
- Capers
- Tomatoes
- Fresh dill sprigs
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced radishes
- Quick pickled onions
- Pickles
- Avocado
- Lemon wedges
Cheeses & Other Creamy Options
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Goat cheese
- Crème fraîche
Bread & Crunchy Options
- Crostini
- Water crackers
- Pumpernickel bread
- Bagels or mini bagels
More
- Hard boiled eggs – I like to make mine in the instant pot.
- Crab deviled eggs – These are like a California roll, in deviled egg form. So good!
- Caviar – If you’re feeling fancy!
- Everything bagel seasoning – You can buy this premade, or make your own!
How to Serve Smoked Salmon as an Appetizer
- Place bowls: Arrange bowls onto the platter in a varied pattern and fill them with your ingredients.
- Add salmon: Arrange the smoked salmon around the bowls.
- Fill in spaces: Fill in the empty spaces with crostini, crackers, breads, veggies, etc.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill, everything bagel seasoning, and capers throughout the board to add some visual interest.
- Serving: Be sure to add some small serving utensils for the capers, cream cheese, etc.
Tip: For the best flavor, allow the smoked salmon to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Prep Ahead Tips
- Bowl prep – Add the cream cheese, diced onions, etc. to the small bowls and cover with plastic wrap. Place in the fridge until just before you plan to serve.
- Veggies – Slice your vegetables and store them in an airtight container or ziploc bag, until ready to enjoy.
- Breads – Slice the breads and baguette for the crostini and store in ziploc bags. For the freshest flavor, wait to make the crostini until you plan to serve the board.
If you’re serving this smoked salmon appetizer platter as part of a brunch spread, I’d recommend pairing it with something sweet like Blackberry Muffins with Crumble Topping, Blackberry Goat Cheese or Baked Brie with Jam in Puff Pastry.
And don’t forget about the brunch cocktails! Some of my favorites are this Grapefruit Spritz, Blackberry Champagne Cocktail, and French 75. Or, try these Green Bloody Marys!
If you’re serving this lox platter as part of a spread at an evening cocktail party, you can round things out with a more hearty, filling appetizer recipe. Try these Filet Mignon Bites with Creamy Horseradish Sauce, Ham and Cheese Pinwheels, Prosciutto Wrapped Avocado, or Boiled Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce.
I also love serving this Cold Cucumber Soup on the side in little shot glasses. It’s a refreshing soup that can be made in just 10-minutes!
Cold Smoked Salmon vs. Hot Smoked Salmon
Cold smoked salmon: Smoked at a low temperature. Smooth, buttery texture, similar to raw salmon. Often comes pre-sliced. I’ve had good luck finding this variety at Costco. It comes with two packages, and you can easily freeze one if you’re not serving a large group.
Hot smoked salmon: Smoked at a higher temperature. Flaky texture, similar to baked salmon. Comes as a filet that can be flaked into pieces.
It’s fun to include both types of smoked salmon for variety and to please everyone’s taste!
Smoked Salmon vs. Lox
Smoked salmon: Cured or brined, then smoked at a high or low temperature (see above). This salmon has a smoky flavor that can vary in intensity.
Lox: Cured but typically not smoked. Smooth, silky texture, with a mild flavor. Lox is often sold thinly sliced.
FAQs
Yes, smoked salmon can be frozen for longer-term storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen smoked salmon can last for several months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before consuming.
Smoked salmon can be incorporated into dishes such as salads, pasta, quiches, or sandwiches. Try my smoked salmon dip or crispy rice sushi bites.
Salmon is known for being a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Smoked salmon retains many of these nutrients, making it a nutritious choice. However, it’s worth noting that smoked salmon can be high in sodium, so it’s advisable to consume it in moderation.
More Appetizer Ideas You’ll Love
- Crispy Rice Sushi Bites with Spicy Salmon
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Smoked Salmon Dip
- Hamachi Crudo
- Whipped Feta Dip
- Sausage Bites in White Wine with Creamy Mustard
More Platters Sure to Please
More Salmon Recipes to Try!
- Baked Miso Salmon
- 5-Ingredient Sheet Pan Salmon
- Everything Bagel Salmon
- Salmon Sushi Bowls with Spicy Mayo
- Easy Sous Vide Salmon
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What to Serve with Smoked Salmon
Ingredients
- Smoked Salmon (2-3 ounces per person)
Vegetables & Herbs
Cheeses & Other Creamy Options
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
- Goat cheese
- Crème fraîche
Bread & Crunchy Options
- Crostini
- Water crackers
- Pumpernickel bread
- Bagels or mini bagels
More
- Hard boiled eggs
- Crab deviled eggs
- Caviar
- Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Place bowls: Arrange bowls onto the platter in a varied pattern and fill them with your ingredients.
- Add salmon: Arrange the smoked salmon around the bowls.
- Fill in spaces: Fill in the empty spaces with crostini, crackers, breads, veggies, etc.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill, everything bagel seasoning, and capers throughout the board to add some visual interest.
- Serving: Be sure to add some small serving utensils for the capers, cream cheese, etc.
