This easy Smoked Salmon Appetizer Platter is chock full of fresh and tasty goodies. Simply slice a few veggies, season a block of cream cheese with capers and dill, add salmon and crackers then you will have a beautiful and delicious grazing platter. It’s perfect for a Galentine’s Day party or a fun brunch with friends.
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I can not think of a more festive or fun way to celebrate Galentine’s (or Valentine’s) Day than this Smoked Salmon Appetizer Platter. This platter is also perfect for a festive Mardi Gras party or a quiet Sunday brunch.
I love to create beautiful arrangements of foods for guests. Creating a feast for the eyes and the belly is rewarding to me. You can make platters of fruit and nuts. Or you could pair cheese and meats on a charcuterie platter. But, this smoked salmon platter will truly wow your guests! And it’s super easy to put together. No cooking required.
In fact the only labor that goes into it is prepping the smoked salmon platter accompaniments. Cut up some lemon, some cucumber, a little red onion and then arrange it all on a large platter.
What’s on this lovely Smoked Salmon Platter?
You can always add to this list, but here are the basics to make this delicious spread.
- Smoked Salmon (or lox)
- Cream Cheese
- Red onion, sliced thinly or finely diced
- Cucumber slices
- Tiny tomatoes
- Capers
- Dill
- Lemon slices
- Fresh herbs, for garnishing
- Crackers
Other items that would be tasty as well include: boiled eggs, bagels, pickles, avocado, celery, baby carrots and olives.
How to arrange this smoked salmon appetizer:
Here are the steps to create a beautiful presentation. I promise it’s SUPER easy and you will love the results!
- Grab a large cutting board or platter.
- Open up the cream cheese, remove the wrapping and place the block slightly off center on the platter. You don’t want it directly in the middle, but not right on the edge either. Sprinkle the cream cheese with capers and fresh dill. You can even season it with salt and fresh ground pepper as well.
- Then, put the capers next to the cream cheese. I like to put them in a little bowl.
- Next, open up your smoked salmon. Using a fork, separate the pieces of salmon and gently pile them on the platter.
- Add the cucumber slices, lemon wedges, tomatoes and red onion, leaving a couple of places for crackers.
- Pile on the crackers.
- Last, take sprigs of fresh herbs and place them randomly around the edge of the platter. You don’t need a lot. Just a few here and there will draw the eye.
- Now, server it up and listen to your gal pals Ohh and Ahhh! High Five, Sister!
How to pick the best Smoked Salmon:
My hubby and I love to smoke our own salmon, but there is a bit of a process to that. So, often I just buy it prepackaged. I like to look for a brand that doesn’t use a lot of preservatives or a lot of added sugar. I also read dates on the package and try to buy from stores where I know that turnover is high. If you are lucky enough to have a deli or fish monger who sells it, then I would purchase there to ensure the freshest salmon.
Other ways to serve smoked salmon:
One of my favorite brunch dishes is smoked salmon on a bagel. You can also serve it with scrambled eggs on avocado toast. I think smoked salmon with egg salad or in deviled eggs is amazing!
Another fun appetizer is a Smoked Salmon Dip. Or you can make a delicious salad with most of the ingredients that you would use in making a platter.
Just put cucumbers, red onion, capers and tomatoes on a bed of greens. Top with smoked salmon. Squeeze a little lemon on top. Add a dash of dill. Maybe drizzle with a creamy dairy-free dressing? My mouth is literally watering at the thought!
What beverages to serve with this smoked salmon platter:
Smoked salmon can be a pretty hearty appetizer, so I like to serve light and refreshing beverages with it. One of my new favorite cocktail hour beverages is Tost, a delicious dry sparkling beverage that is alcohol free! It’s so perfect! I saw Tost on Instagram and knew I had to try it. They were super kind to send me a couple of bottles to try. Let’s just say, I am hooked!
If you are looking for some spirits to add to your party beverage menu, I recommend the following cocktails:
Smoked Salmon Appetizer Platter
Ingredients
- 16 oz Smoked Salmon
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3.5 oz jar of capers, drained
- fresh or dried dill
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1-2 Lemons, cut into small wedges
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- coarse salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- crackers
- fresh herbs, for garnishing
Instructions
- Choose a large serving platter or wooden cutting board.
- Place the block of cream cheese slightly off center on the board. Sprinkle the cream cheese with capers and dill. Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper.
- Put drained capers in a small bowl and place next to the cream cheese.
Easy Appetizer Recipes you may also love
To round out your Galentine’s day party spread, you nay want to also include a few of these tasty appetizers!
- Goat Cheese Truffles
- Mini-Waffles with Pimento Cheese
- Crostini with Goat Cheese and Berries
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus
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