Smoked salmon is more than just a fancy brunch item. It’s been enjoyed for centuries, originally a method of preserving fish before refrigeration.
Today, it’s a versatile ingredient found in everything from salads to pastas. Here’s 44 creative ways to use smoked salmon in your meals that will take your cooking to the next level.
1. Cold Smoked Salmon on Bagels
Toast your favorite bagel, spread on some creamy cheese, and pile on cold smoked salmon. Add capers, thinly sliced red onions, and a squeeze of lemon.
Full recipe: click here.
2. Hot Smoked Salmon Tacos
Hot smoked salmon is fantastic in tacos. Just warm up your tortillas, add the salmon, and top with crunchy slaw and a zesty lime crema.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad
This salad is light but filling. Toss mixed greens with ripe avocado and smoked salmon for a simple, fresh dish. Add a little olive oil and lemon juice for extra flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
4. Smoked Salmon Toast with Cream Cheese
This toast is a great snack or light meal. Toast a slice of bread and spread on some cream cheese. Layer with smoked salmon, a sprinkle of dill, and a squeeze of lemon.
Full recipe: click here.
5. Smoked Salmon Puff Pastry Bites
These bite-sized pastries are perfect for a party or just when you’re craving something indulgent. Roll out puff pastry, cut into squares, and top with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Smoked Salmon Frittata
A frittata with smoked salmon is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Whisk together eggs and a bit of cheese, then stir in smoked salmon and some sautéed spinach.
Full recipe: click here.
7. Raw Smoked Salmon Sushi Rolls
If you’re craving sushi, try making it with smoked salmon. Take nori, add some avocado and cucumber, and roll it all up with cold smoked salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Lightly Smoked Salmon Pasta
This pasta dish is super simple but packed with flavor. Toss some lightly smoked salmon into a creamy pasta with garlic, spinach, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Full recipe: click here.
9. Smoked Salmon and Egg Breakfast Bowl
This breakfast bowl is both hearty and healthy. Scramble a couple of eggs, then add smoked salmon and avocado.
Full recipe: click here.
10. Smoked Salmon Wrap
Wraps are a great go-to when you want something light and easy. Layer smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, and cream cheese in a tortilla.
Full recipe: click here.
11. Smoked Salmon Quiche
Quiche is a classic brunch dish, and smoked salmon makes it even better. Combine eggs, cheese, and smoked salmon in a flaky pie crust, then bake until golden.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Smoked Salmon Buddha Bowl
A Buddha bowl is all about balance, and smoked salmon fits perfectly. Start with a base of brown rice, then add roasted veggies and greens.
Full recipe: click here.
13. Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is great for picnics or casual lunches. Mix cooked pasta with smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy lemon dressing.
Full recipe: click here.
14. Smoked Salmon Sandwich
Sometimes, a simple sandwich is all you need. Layer smoked salmon with lettuce, tomato, and a bit of mustard or mayo between two slices of bread.
Full recipe: click here.
15. Smoked Salmon Soup
If you’ve never tried smoked salmon in soup, you’re in for a treat. Start with a creamy base and stir in smoked salmon, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
Full recipe: click here.
16. Smoked Salmon Pizza
Smoked salmon pizza is a gourmet twist on a classic favorite. A crispy crust topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh dill creates a perfect balance of flavors.
Full recipe: click here.
17. Smoked Salmon Crostini
Smoked salmon crostini are perfect appetizers. Crispy baguette slices with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and chives make a stunning bite.
Full recipe: click here.
18. Smoked Salmon Canapés
Canapés are an easy way to serve smoked salmon at parties. Small crackers or bread slices are layered with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a touch of dill.
Full recipe: click here.
19. Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Rolls
Cucumber rolls are a refreshing way to enjoy smoked salmon. Thinly sliced cucumbers are rolled around smoked salmon and cream cheese for a light, crisp snack.
Full recipe: click here.
20. Smoked Salmon Risotto
Smoked salmon risotto is rich, creamy, and indulgent. The smoky salmon adds depth to the buttery rice, while fresh herbs brighten up the dish.
Full recipe: click here.
21. Smoked Salmon Pâté
Smoked salmon pâté is a smooth and flavorful spread perfect for crackers or bread. Blended with cream cheese, lemon juice, and fresh dill, it’s creamy with a smoky kick.
Full recipe: click here.
22. Smoked Salmon Sushi
Smoked salmon sushi is a fun and creative way to enjoy this delicacy. Roll smoked salmon with avocado, cucumber, and sushi rice in nori sheets.
Full recipe: click here.
23. Smoked Salmon Tacos
Smoked salmon tacos are an unexpected but delicious dish. Fill soft tortillas with smoked salmon, fresh slaw, and a tangy lime crema.
Full recipe: click here.
24. Smoked Salmon Dip with Crackers
This creamy smoked salmon dip is always a hit at gatherings. Mix smoked salmon with cream cheese, sour cream, and a touch of lemon juice.
Full recipe: click here.
25. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Dip
This variation on the classic dip is slightly richer. The cream cheese gives it a smooth texture, while the smoked salmon adds a punch of flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
26. Smoked Salmon Casserole
A smoked salmon casserole is comforting and packed with flavor. Combine smoked salmon, pasta, a creamy sauce, and a layer of cheese on top.
Full recipe: click here.
27. Smoked Salmon and Caviar
Smoked salmon and caviar create a luxurious bite. The smoky richness of the salmon complements the salty, briny caviar.
Full recipe: click here.
28. Smoked Salmon Roulade
Smoked salmon roulade is a delicate appetizer, with thin slices of salmon rolled with creamy filling for a savory bite.
Full recipe: click here.
29. Smoked Salmon Pancakes
Smoked salmon on pancakes brings a savory twist to breakfast. The salmon’s richness pairs beautifully with fluffy, warm pancakes.
Full recipe: click here.
30. Smoked Salmon Crackers
Smoked salmon on crackers is a simple yet elegant snack. The crisp crackers perfectly complement the rich, smoky flavor of salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
31. Smoked Salmon Macarons
Savory smoked salmon macarons offer a surprising gourmet treat. The sweetness of the macaron contrasts with the smoky richness of salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
32. Teriyaki Smoked Salmon
Teriyaki smoked salmon adds a sweet, savory twist. The teriyaki glaze caramelizes beautifully, enriching the salmon’s smoky, tender texture.
Full recipe: click here.
33. Smoked Salmon Skewer Appetizer
Smoked salmon skewers are a bite-sized appetizer. Skewering salmon with veggies adds freshness and creates a balanced, tasty dish.
Full recipe: click here.
34. Maple Glazed Smoked Salmon
Maple glazed smoked salmon blends sweetness with smokiness. The glaze caramelizes, enhancing the rich flavors of the salmon for a decadent treat.
Full recipe: click here
35. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese
Smoked salmon and cream cheese are a classic combo. Creamy cheese balances the smoky salmon, making it perfect on bagels.
Full recipe: click here.
36. Honey Smoked Salmon
Honey glazed smoked salmon offers a sweet and savory experience. The honey caramelizes, adding depth to the salmon’s smoky flavor.
Full recipe: click here.
37. Smoked Salmon Mac and Cheese
Smoked salmon elevates mac and cheese. The rich, creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the smoky, savory flavor of the salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
38. Smoked Salmon Sourdough
Smoked salmon on sourdough makes for a hearty, flavorful snack. The tangy sourdough complements the rich, smoky flavor of the salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
39. Smoked Salmon Sour Cream
Smoked salmon and sour cream offer a creamy, smoky bite. The sour cream balances the rich, smoky flavor of the salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
40. Smoked Salmon Grilled Cheese
Smoked salmon transforms a classic grilled cheese sandwich. The smoky, tender fish pairs perfectly with gooey, melted cheese and crispy bread.
Full recipe: click here.
41. Smoked Salmon Pesto Bruschetta
Smoked salmon on pesto bruschetta is a fresh, flavorful bite. The herby pesto complements the smoky richness of the salmon perfectly.
Full recipe: click here.
42. Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce
Smoked salmon with dill sauce is a classic, refreshing pairing. The creamy dill sauce enhances the smoky richness of the salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
43. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Appetizer
Smoked salmon on cucumber is a light, refreshing appetizer. The crunch of cucumber balances the rich, smoky flavor of the salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
44. Rice Cake Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon on rice cakes creates a simple, satisfying snack. The rice cake’s crunch contrasts nicely with the richness of the salmon.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Smoked salmon is the ultimate kitchen shortcut. With just a few simple ingredients, it can elevate any meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, it’s always a win. Try these recipes, and you’ll see just how many ways this smoky delight can shine.
Featured image credit to ©smornyc.
