This Smoked Salmon Platter is a fresh and elegant appetizer featuring cold and hot smoked salmon, crisp crostini, and a creamy lemon-dill spread. Perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings, or entertaining, it combines smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, capers, and artisan breads for a colorful and flavorful presentation. Easy to assemble and customizable with optional toppings like avocado, eggs, or mini bagels, this platter makes a show-stopping addition to any table.

Ingredients

For the Platter

6–8 ounces cold smoked salmon
6–8 ounces hot smoked salmon
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
1 cup sliced radishes
4 ounces capers, drained
2 lemons, cut into wedges
Fresh dill, for garnish
4 slices bread, cut into wedges (rye, marble rye, or pumpernickel)

For the Crostini

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 artisan baguette, sliced diagonally

For the Cream Cheese Spread

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
½ lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (or to taste)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill (or to taste)

Optional Ingredients

Avocado, sliced and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper
Hard-boiled eggs, halved and lightly seasoned
Pickles
Sliced tomato or cherry tomatoes
Mini bagels
Assorted crackers

Instructions

Assemble the Smoked Salmon Platter

Arrange the cold and hot smoked salmon on a large platter.
Place crostini, bread wedges, and small ramekins of cream cheese spread on the platter.
Fill in any gaps with sliced vegetables, optional ingredients, or garnishes.
Sprinkle capers over the salmon and garnish with fresh dill.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth.
Divide the mixture into two small ramekins or bowls.
If preparing in advance, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Just before serving, top with everything bagel seasoning and chopped fresh dill.

Make the Crostini

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the baguette on the diagonal into ¼-inch thick pieces.
Lightly brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and place on a baking sheet.
Bake for 5 minutes, then flip the slices and bake for an additional 3–5 minutes until crisp and golden.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This smoked salmon platter is elegant, fresh, and perfect for gatherings or brunch. With a mix of cold and hot smoked salmon, crisp vegetables, creamy spread, and crunchy crostini, it delivers a balanced combination of flavors and textures that impresses any crowd.

Tips

Prepare the cream cheese spread a day ahead to save time.
Use day-old baguette for crostini; it crisps better in the oven.
Arrange ingredients in groups for a visually appealing platter.
Add lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the salmon for extra brightness.

Variations and Substitutions

Bread: Swap baguette with crackers, mini bagels, or rye bread.
Spread: Use flavored cream cheese like chive or smoked salmon cream cheese.
Vegetables: Include sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or arugula.
Protein: Add smoked trout, lox, or cooked shrimp for variety.

FAQs

Q: Can this platter be made ahead?
A: Yes, the cream cheese spread can be prepared the day before. Assemble the platter just before serving to maintain freshness.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add fresh garnishes just before serving.

Q: Can I use pre-sliced smoked salmon?
A: Absolutely. Pre-sliced salmon saves prep time and is perfect for a quick, elegant platter.

Serving

Serve the smoked salmon platter as a brunch centerpiece, appetizer, or elegant party spread. Pair with a crisp white wine, sparkling water, or mimosas for a complete experience.

Suggestions

Garnish with additional fresh dill, capers, or microgreens for presentation.
Include a variety of breads and crackers to give guests different textures.
Add small bowls of mustard-dill sauce or horseradish cream for dipping.
Offer lemon wedges for guests to add extra brightness and flavor.