Smoked salmon is a delicacy enjoyed around the world. Its rich, smokey flavor pairs well with many foods and ingredients. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll quickly answer some common questions about what goes well with smoked salmon.
Does smoked salmon go with eggs?
Yes, smoked salmon goes very well with eggs! A classic pair is smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, adding flavor and protein to a morning meal. Smoked salmon also pairs nicely with poached, fried, or boiled eggs. The creaminess of the eggs balances the strong flavor of the salmon.
What kind of cheese goes with smoked salmon?
Tangy and creamy cheeses pair excellently with smoked salmon. Popular choices include cream cheese, goat cheese, feta, and ricotta. Spread the cheese on a bagel or toast and top with smoked salmon for an easy appetizer. Soft cheeses complement the texture of the fish.
What bread goes with smoked salmon?
Breads with texture and flavor pair well with rich smoked salmon. Baguettes, rye, sourdough, and pumpernickel all make excellent bases for smoked salmon sandwiches or toast. Their hearty textures stand up well to the bold fish. Whole grain breads are also a healthy accompaniment.
What vegetables go with smoked salmon?
Onions
Onions add crunch and flavor to pair with creamy smoked salmon. Red onions and scallions are popular choices, adding a fresh bite. Caramelized onions bring out the salmon’s sweetness.
Tomatoes
The acidity of tomatoes balances the fattiness of salmon. Sliced tomato makes a refreshing contrast in smoked salmon sandwiches and salads. Cherry tomatoes add pops of flavor, or try roasted tomatoes for depth.
Cucumbers
Crunchy, cool cucumbers complement smoked salmon’s richness. Try thin slices in sandwiches, larger chunks in salads, or cucumber yogurt sauce as a garnish for the fish. The wateriness of cucumbers also helps cut through the salmon’s oiliness.
Asparagus
The elegant taste of asparagus makes it a smoked salmon favorite. Blanched spears wrapped in salmon make an easy appetizer. Shaved asparagus salad or roasted asparagus pair nicely as salmon sides.
What fruits go well with smoked salmon?
Bright, acidic fruits help balance smoked salmon’s strong flavor.
- Lemon – A squeeze of lemon is a ubiquitous smoked salmon accompaniment. The tart juice cuts through the salmon’s oiliness.
- Lime – Lime adds a tropical twist to smoked salmon. Try slices or wedges for sandwiches and salads.
- Orange – Fresh orange segments brighten up smoked salmon plates. Orange juice and zest also pair well.
- Grapefruit – The slight bitterness of grapefruit complements smoked salmon. Add segments or a vinaigrette for kick.
What herbs and spices enhance smoked salmon?
Fresh herbs accentuate smoked salmon’s natural flavors without overpowering it. Dill is a customary pair, while tarragon, chives, parsley and fennel fronds also enliven smoked salmon. Capers, with their salty, pickled flavor, make a classic garnish. Horseradish adds bite, either grated fresh or in cream sauce. Black pepper, coriander, and mustard seeds provide zest. For heat, try a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes.
What oils and vinegars work with smoked salmon?
Rich, smooth oils let smoked salmon’s flavors shine:
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Walnut oil
- Sesame oil
Splash these versatile vinegars over smoked salmon:
- Rice vinegar
- White wine vinegar
- Champagne vinegar
- Sherry vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
What are some common smoked salmon appetizers and small plates?
Here are popular easy appetizers for serving smoked salmon:
- Smoked salmon blinis or crostini
- Smoked salmon deviled eggs
- Smoked salmon flatbread or pizza
- Smoked salmon tarts or puff pastry bundles
- Smoked salmon sushi rolls
- Smoked salmon dip or paté with crackers
- Smoked salmon carpaccio
What are good smoked salmon salad recipes?
Smoked salmon shines in these diverse, protein-packed salads:
- Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad – Romaine lettuce, smoked salmon, parmesan, croutons
- Smoked Salmon Cobb Salad – Greens, smoked salmon, egg, bacon, avocado, tomato
- Smoked Salmon & Arugula Salad – Arugula, smoked salmon, capers, red onion, lemon vinaigrette
- Smoked Salmon & Spinach Salad – Baby spinach, smoked salmon, strawberries, almonds, poppyseed dressing
- Asian Smoked Salmon Salad – Mixed greens, smoked salmon, mango, avocado, cabbage, ginger dressing
What are good smoked salmon sandwich combinations?
Pile smoked salmon high on these delicious sandwiches:
- Smoked Salmon BLT – Smoked salmon, bacon, lettuce, tomato
- Smoked Salmon Bagel – Smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers, everything bagel
- Smoked Salmon Melt – Smoked salmon, havarti, tomato, sourdough bread
- Smoked Salmon Club – Smoked salmon, turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato
- Smoked Salmon Wrap – Smoked salmon, hummus, cucumber, feta cheese, spinach wrap
What are great smoked salmon dinner ideas?
Make smoked salmon the star of these easy, elegant dinners:
- Smoked Salmon Pasta – Creamy smoked salmon linguine
- Smoked Salmon Risotto – Smoked salmon & asparagus risotto
- Smoked Salmon Tacos – Smoked salmon, cabbage, avocado, chipotle crema
- Smoked Salmon Stew – Hearty salmon & potato stew
- Smoked Salmon & Vegetables – Smoked salmon, roasted Brussels sprouts and squash
What are the best drinks to pair with smoked salmon?
These beverages complement and enhance the flavors of smoked salmon:
| Beverage | Pairing Notes |
|---|---|
| Sparkling wine | The bubbles cut through the salmon’s fat. Try champagne, prosecco, or cava. |
| Dry white wine | The acidity balances the richness. Good choices are sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or Chablis. |
| Dry rosé wine | Rosé’s berry flavors and crispness pair perfectly with salmon. |
| Wheat beer | The maltiness stands up to salmon’s smoke. Try hefeweizen, witbier, or wheat ale. |
| Earl grey tea | Bergamot’s citrus notes cut through salmon’s oil. English breakfast tea also pairs well. |
Conclusion
With its versatile flavor, rich texture, and nutritional benefits, smoked salmon can elevate everything from breakfasts to dinners. Eggs, cheese, greens, and citrus are classic pairings that bring out the best in smoked salmon. Creative salads, sandwiches, and main dishes all benefit from smoked salmon’s depth and umami. Sparkling wines, white wines, wheat beers, and Earl Grey tea make ideal smoked salmon beverages. With so many possibilities, smoked salmon is sure to stay a star ingredient across cuisines worldwide.