This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Our small Smoked Salmon Platter is an easy, elegant dish perfect for a light meal or a small gathering. Featuring a mix of flavors and textures, it’s a delicious alternative to a traditional charcuterie board and can be customized to suit your taste.
If you’re looking for small batch appetizers that work perfectly as a light meal, check out our delicious options. Try Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower for a bold, zesty flavor, Jalapeño Poppers for a cheesy, spicy bite, classic Nachos loaded with tasty toppings, or Bruschetta for a fresh and flavorful treat. Each recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Great for a meal for one or two, or as a standout dish for a small gathering.
- No Cooking Needed: Just assemble and enjoy—perfect for busy days or when you want something simple.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
- Light but Filling: Satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Beautiful Presentation: A fresh, eye-catching alternative to a charcuterie board.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small salmon platter recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
A smoked salmon platter is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Here are some suggestions to create a delicious and visually appealing platter:
- Smoked Salmon: Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. Check out our buying tips or ask for recommendations at the seafood counter.
- Bread or Crackers: Toasted pumpernickel is my favorite, but French bread, rye, bagels, or water crackers are also great options.
- Cream Cheese: Whipped cream cheese is easy to spread and pairs perfectly with salmon.
- Red Onions: Thinly sliced or chopped red onions add flavor and a pop of color. If you’ve got leftover red onions, consider making a small batch of pickled onions.
- Tomatoes: Use sliced Roma tomatoes or chopped cherry or grape tomatoes for a fresh touch.
- Capers: Their salty, tangy flavor complements the salmon beautifully. You can also add pickled onions, olives, roasted red peppers, or pickled mushrooms.
- Dill Sprigs: A classic pairing with smoked salmon.
- Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, they balance the richness of the salmon. Got leftover cucumbers, use them to make a tangy Cucumber Salad or a small batch of Tabbouleh.
Optional Additions
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Slice or chop for added protein and texture.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle on bread or cream cheese for extra flavor.
- Radishes: Add a peppery crunch, or skip if preferred.
- Fruit: Berries, grapes, or sliced strawberries provide a sweet contrast.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and vibrant color.
How To Buy Smoked Salmon
Choosing the right smoked salmon is essential for a great platter. Here’s what to consider:
- Appearance: Look for salmon with even color and no dark spots, which can indicate poor quality or aging.
- Texture: High-quality smoked salmon should have a slight shine from its natural oils but should not feel slimy, which may suggest improper curing.
- Curing Process: Choose salmon cured with salt only. Avoid those with added sweeteners or heavy spices, as they can mask the salmon’s natural flavor.
Assembling Your Smoked Salmon Platter
Creating a stunning smoked salmon platter is easy! Follow these steps:
- Start with Cream Cheese: Place a small bowl of cream cheese in one corner of the platter.
- Add Capers: Place a bowl of capers on the opposite side for balance.
- Arrange the Ingredients: Neatly layer the toasted bread, smoked salmon, cucumber slices, red onions, radishes, and any other ingredients around the platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Mix and match ingredients or spread cream cheese on bread, top with salmon, and finish with capers for a flavorful bite.
Expert Tips
- Balance Flavors: Include a mix of salty, creamy, and fresh ingredients for a well-rounded platter.
- Use Quality Salmon: High-quality smoked salmon makes all the difference.
- Slice Onions Thin: Thin slices of red onion are milder and more enjoyable.
- Keep Salmon Chilled: Serve the salmon cold to maintain its freshness.
- Keep It Simple: Focus on making it easy and enjoyable.
- Great for Guests: This platter is perfect for entertaining—just adjust the ingredient amounts to serve more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Place cream cheese in a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Prep and slice the vegetables ahead of time, storing them in airtight containers or bags in the fridge.
Serve it chilled on a wooden board or large plate for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Smoked salmon is cured and smoked, while lox is only cured. Both are delicious options for this recipe.
Champagne, white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a light lager complement the flavors perfectly.
Delicious Single Serving Appetizer Recipes
Looking for more appetizer ideas? Along with this smoked salmon platter, try these tasty single serving options:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this mini smoked salmon platter or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Smoked Salmon Platter
Ingredients
- Smoked salmon
- Toasted pumpernickel bread
- Cream cheese
- Capers
- Chopped tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced radishes
- Sliced red onions
- Dill sprigs
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Start with Cream Cheese: Place a small bowl of cream cheese in one corner of the platter.
- Add Capers: Place a bowl of capers on the opposite side for balance..
- Arrange the Ingredients: Neatly layer the toasted bread, smoked salmon, cucumber slices, red onions, radishes, and any other ingredients around the platter for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve and Enjoy: Mix and match ingredients or spread cream cheese on bread, top with salmon, and finish with capers for a flavorful bite.
Notes
- Balance Flavors: Include a mix of salty, creamy, and fresh ingredients for a well-rounded platter.
- Use Quality Salmon: High-quality smoked salmon makes all the difference.
- Slice Onions Thin: Thin slices of red onion are milder and more enjoyable.
- Keep Salmon Chilled: Serve the salmon cold to maintain its freshness.
- Keep It Simple: Focus on making it easy and enjoyable.
- Great for Guests: This platter is perfect for entertaining—just adjust the ingredient amounts to serve more people.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Great recipe.