Easy Delicious Smoked Salmon Platter: The Perfect Elegant Brunch

If you’re looking for a dish that brings together easy weeknight dinners vibes and a splash of gourmet charm, this Smoked Salmon Platter is your new best friend. It’s one of those healthy comfort food options that feels indulgent without being heavy, and the best part? It’s super quick to assemble, making it ideal for quick family meals, budget-friendly recipes, or an impressive spread for entertaining.

This platter is bursting with textures and flavors—from silky smoked salmon to creamy spreads, crunchy veggies, and crusty bread or bagels. It fits perfectly in high protein meals and keto meal plans, especially when paired with fresh veggies and rich cream cheese. Whether you’re serving a full English breakfast style brunch or looking for ready made protein meals that wow your guests, this platter delivers on every front.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how effortlessly this platter comes together. There’s no cooking required, just a bit of slicing, spreading, and arranging, making it perfect for those busy days when you want easy high protein high calorie meals without the hassle.

The contrast of cold smoked salmon with the warm, toasted baguette or crispy crackers is divine. Fresh herbs and lemon wedges add brightness, while creamy dips make every bite satisfying. It’s a dish that looks stunning on the table, guaranteed to impress without any stress.

This recipe is also flexible and customizable. You can swap in your favorite breads, add or skip veggies, and make it as simple or as elaborate as you like.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This platter captures the essence of elegant simplicity. The combination of cold and hot smoked salmon or gravlax offers layers of flavor and texture. Cream cheese mixed with crème fraîche or Greek yogurt creates a tangy, luscious spread that pairs beautifully with the smoky fish.

Adding capers, fresh dill, and thin slices of red onion enhances the flavor profile, while lemon wedges provide a refreshing citrus burst to cut through the richness.

The best part? It’s entirely no-cook, making it perfect for meal planning chicken alternatives or prepared meals for two on the fly.

Ingredients

Save

• 6–8 oz cold smoked salmon
• 6–8 oz hot smoked salmon or gravlax
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup radishes or cherry tomatoes
• 4 oz capers, drained
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges
• Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish
• 4 slices assorted bread or mini bagels

For the crostini:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 baguette, sliced diagonally

For the spread:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
• 2 tsp chopped fresh dill

Optional additions:

• Avocado slices
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Pickles or olives
• Assorted crackers

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt (or crème fraîche), and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and bake for 5–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
3. On a large serving board, place ramekins of the cream cheese spread alongside the crostini and assorted bread slices.
4. Neatly fan out slices of smoked salmon, alternating cold and hot varieties, to create a colorful, inviting display.
5. Fill the empty spaces with sliced cucumbers, radishes or cherry tomatoes, capers, and lemon wedges for brightness.
6. Garnish the platter with fresh dill sprigs and any optional additions like avocado slices or hard-boiled eggs.
7. Serve immediately and let everyone build their perfect bite.

Tips for Best Results

• Let the smoked salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and aroma.
• Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their bite if desired.
• Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts on the baguette and smoked salmon.
• Prepare all components a day ahead and assemble just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
• Experiment with different types of bread or crackers for varied textures.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Swap crème fraîche with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dip.
• Replace bread with gluten-free crackers or cucumber slices for a low-carb twist.
• Add pickled vegetables or olives for added tang and crunch.
• Use other fresh herbs like chives or parsley to vary flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

Save

This platter shines as a centerpiece for a healthy meal plan for two or a larger group. Pair it with a fresh green salad or a bowl of mixed berries for a light, satisfying meal.

It also works beautifully as part of a full English breakfast spread or alongside other prepared meals for two delivered.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp sparkling rosé complements the richness of smoked salmon.

For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water infused with lemon or an herbal iced tea with mint.

Serve alongside roasted potatoes or a fresh quinoa salad to complete a high carb high protein low fat meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store the smoked salmon, spreads, and veggies separately in airtight containers. The crostini should be stored in a paper towel-lined container to maintain crispness and consumed within a day.

Reheat crostini briefly in the oven if needed, but avoid microwaving to keep them crisp.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

All components except crostini can be prepared 1–2 days in advance and refrigerated.

Avoid freezing smoked salmon and cream cheese spreads as texture and flavor will deteriorate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the platter, which makes it hard for guests to serve themselves.
• Using stale bread or soggy crackers which detract from the dish.
• Not letting smoked salmon come to room temperature for optimal flavor.
• Forgetting to season the cream cheese spread for balance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between cold-smoked and hot-smoked salmon?
Cold-smoked salmon is silky and raw-textured, while hot-smoked is flaky and cooked.

Can I prepare this platter ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all ingredients ahead but assemble the platter just before serving.

How much salmon do I need per person?
Plan for about 3–5 oz per person depending on if it’s an appetizer or main.

Are there dairy-free options?
Yes, swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives and omit optional dairy additions.

What breads pair well?
Mini bagels, crostini, rye bread, and assorted crackers are excellent choices.

Are eggs necessary?
They’re optional but add protein and visual appeal.

What is everything bagel seasoning?
A mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt – great for seasoning spreads.

How can I reduce onion’s bite?
Soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow flavor.

Can leftovers be saved?
Store components separately and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Is smoked salmon healthy?
Yes, it’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids but also high in sodium—enjoy in moderation.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large serving board or platter
• Small bowls or ramekins for spreads
• Baking sheet for crostini
• Serrated knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!