~ Pretty in Pink: A Simple Smoked Salmon Spread ~
If you're looking for an appetizer for an upcoming Spring breakfast, brunch, or even lunch, almost nothing is better than a well-made smoked salmon spread served with some bagel chips to dollop it on. Ever since lox and bagels were invented, those two foodie items just go hand-in-glove. If you've been living on a different planet, and don't know what the classic lox and bagels service typically consists of: fresly-made sliced bagels, topped with the best smoked salmon available, pickled capers, cream cheese and diced red onion. It is an amazing combination!
Smoked salmon spread couldn't be easier to make, and, like many other recipes, there are as many versions as there are cooks who love smoked salmon. When I first tasted smoked salmon spread, it was at a baby shower for a co-worker hosted by her sister back in 1976. (I know it was 1976 because it was a steaming hot August day and I was 5 months pregnant with my son Jess.) It was good, but it did not remind me at all of the classic lox and bagels flavors I was used to eating in the Philadelphia area. I came to find out it was homemade, but was purchased from a local State College caterer, who at that time owned an Italian restaurant. I liked the idea of "salmon spread", but, I wanted my own recipe to contain the traditional ingredients and flavors!
8 ounces smoked salmon, the best available (Note: Nova Scotia and Scottish are my two favorites, unless I've got my hands on some homemade smoked salmon. In the event you are a smoked trout lover, this spread is great made with that too!)
8 ounces cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream (Note: Some folks use mayonnaise, I prefer sour cream, but you can substitute it without compromise.)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4-6 tablespoons finely-diced red onion
2 tablespoons drained, but not rinsed, capers, chopped
additional drained, but not rinsed, whole capers, for garnish
~ Step 1. Prep the red onion and capers as directed and set aside. Place half of the salmon in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Using a series of 10-12 rapid on-off pulses, finely-chop the salmon. Remove it from the processor and set aside.
~ Step 2. Place the second half of the salmon in the workbowl and finely chop it as directed above. Add the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon-pepper seasoning, dill weed and garlic powder. With motor running, process until smooth, about 15 seconds. Taste. Adjust seasonings? Not necessary!
~ Step 3. Remove mixture from processor and place in a small mixing bowl. Using a large rubber spatula, fold in the reserved salmon, red onion and capers.
Transfer to a food storage container and refrigerate several hours or overnight prior to serving chilled garnished with a few capers:
Pretty in Pink: A Simple Smoked Salmon Spread: Recipe yields 2 generous cups.
Special Equipment List: cutting board; chef's knife; food processor; large rubber spatula; 2-cup food storage container w/tight-fitting lid
Cook's Note: ~ My Buttery Parm, Pepper & Parsley Bagel Chips ~ are the perfect foil for this delicious salmon spread or a cheese dip. You can find out how to make my bagel chips by clicking into Categories 1, 2, 9 or 20!
"We are all in this food world together." ~ Melanie Preschutti
(Recipe, Commentary and Photos courtesy of Melanie Preschutti/Copyright 2013)
It's just amazing definitely going to try thanks for sharing.
Posted by: fishmonger delivery | 01/20/2021 at 08:04 AM
TERESA -- Thank-you for the nice comment! I do my best to post a variety of recipes to please a lot of different tastes, and, so far, everyone seems happy. If there is anything in particular you would like me to post a recipe for, I take requests!
Posted by: Kitchen Encounters | 06/14/2015 at 10:10 AM
I just found this site and
I love it . I'm anxious to try some of the recipes . Thank-you, Teresa
Posted by: TERESA Snyder | 06/13/2015 at 07:19 PM
As always Teresa, I appreciate your feedback. Coming from a foodie like yourself, it's words like this that make all the work I put into this blog worthwhile! ~ Mel.
Posted by: Kitchen Encounters | 06/06/2013 at 06:51 PM
Your smoked salmon spread was delicious Mel, and so pretty!
Posted by: Teresa Gottier | 06/06/2013 at 06:19 PM