Salmon delivers a hefty dose of protein that’s essential for keeping your bones strong—and nothing beats the flavor of hot smoked salmon fresh off your own smoker.
While you can snag cold-smoked salmon in the seafood aisle, why not make your own and customize the taste?
Start by curing fillets with kosher salt and brown sugar, then smoke them low and slow.
Once you’ve mastered your own smoked salmon, the possibilities are endless: fold it into a rich creamy smoked salmon pasta, spoon it into mini smoked salmon tarts for cocktail hour, or simply drizzle strips with maple syrup for a sweet-spicy treat.
Homemade smoked salmon not only tastes superior, but it also lets you control the seasoning and smoke level every time.
Here are 20 smoked salmon recipes you can easily prepare!
20. Make Easy Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast Recipe
This vibrant toast starts with a sturdy slice of toasted artisan bread—whether whole grain, sourdough, or rye—for a perfect crunchy base.
A silky mash of ripe avocado is whipped with sea salt, freshly cracked pepper and a splash of lemon juice, then spread generously to create a creamy green canvas.
Layer on paper-thin slices of high-quality smoked salmon, letting its rich, smoky flavor mingle with the avocado’s buttery notes.
For extra freshness and texture, sprinkle with thin ribbons of red onion, briny capers and picks of fresh dill. A gently poached or soft-boiled egg perched on top elevates it into a hearty, protein-packed meal.
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch or a light dinner, this recipe delivers elegance and nourishment with minimal effort.
19. Pit Boss Traeger Smoked Salmon (Wet Brine or Dry Brine) – Delicious Main Course
Master hot-smoked salmon on your pellet grill by first curing the fish in either a brown-sugar-and-salt wet brine or a classic dry cure spiced with dill, cracked pepper and citrus zest.
Allow the brine to work its magic—overnight for the wet cure, a few hours for the dry—so every flake of salmon absorbs maximum flavor and moisture retention.
Smoke low and slow on your Pit Boss, Traeger or electric smoker at 180–200°F, using mild woods like alder or apple for 1–2 hours until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
The result is a tender, flaky fillet with a subtle smoke ring and deeply infused savory-sweet notes. Slice it thin for bagels and brunch platters, or serve as the centerpiece of a festive main course.
18. Best Smoked Salmon Fillet
Achieve restaurant-quality smoked salmon with a straightforward dry-brine method: coat the fillet evenly in kosher salt, brown sugar and a touch of black pepper, then rest it skin-side down on a rack in the fridge for 6–8 hours.
The cure draws out excess moisture while seasoning the fish, creating a firm texture that stands up to hot smoking.
Smoke at a consistent 200°F until the salmon flakes easily but remains lusciously moist—typically 1–1½ hours. No wet brine or elaborate equipment needed, just your smoker set to low heat and a light wood smoke.
The outcome is a gently smoky salmon with a golden exterior and a tender, buttery interior that’s perfect for catering trays, breakfast boards or simple platters with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
17. Making and Serving Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
Elevate classic pasta salad by tossing al dente rotini or farfalle with smoky salmon chunks, bright mandarin orange segments and crunchy celery ribbons.
A light dressing of olive oil, lemon juice and chopped fresh herbs (dill or parsley) ties everything together without overpowering the salmon’s delicate flavor.
The salad’s interplay of textures—tender pasta, juicy citrus, crisp vegetables and silky fish—creates an irresistible side dish for summer barbecues or seaside picnics.
Make it ahead and chill; its flavors only deepen as it rests, ensuring every forkful bursts with refreshing, smoky-sweet harmony.
16. Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon Recipe Made with Traeger Grill
Transform wild sockeye or Atlantic salmon into a caramel-kissed delicacy by coating it in a straightforward dry rub of brown sugar, sea salt and a hint of smoked paprika.
Let it rest to cure briefly, then place on your Traeger or any smoker at 180°F, using wood pellets like cherry or hickory for five-star flavor.
As the sugars melt and the smoke infuses the meat, the salmon’s surface takes on a glossy, golden sheen while the interior remains tender and flaky.
This method showcases the fish’s natural oils and sweetness—no wet brine required—and makes for a stunning center plate or appetizer when sliced and served with lemon wedges.
15. Easy Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe (Scandinavian inspired)
Build a show-stopping dip in a clear dish: start with a layer of finely chopped cucumber and pickled red onion, then add mashed avocado mixed with lime.
Next comes a whipped cream-cheese blend, a layer of flaked smoked salmon, diced hard-boiled egg, capers and a final garnish of fresh dill sprigs.
Make it a day ahead so the flavors marry, then serve chilled with rye crisps, toasted baguette slices or hardy crackers.
Each layer offers contrasting textures and tastes—creamy, tangy, smoky and crisp—for a festive appetizer that’s perfect for holidays or elegant cocktail hours.
14.
Indulge in a luxurious chowder where silky pieces of smoked salmon mingle with tender leeks, diced potatoes and sweet corn in a rich sautéed-cream broth.
A careful simmer allows the chowder to thicken naturally, while fresh tarragon and a bay leaf infuse the soup with herbal brightness.
Serve each bowl garnished with extra flaked salmon, chopped chives and a swirl of crème fraîche for unparalleled decadence.
This chowder strikes the perfect balance between comforting creaminess and delicate seafood flavor—ideal for cozy evenings or as an impressive starter at dinner parties.
13. Quick and Healthy Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette
In just 15 minutes, toss mixed greens with segments of blood orange, grapefruit and navel—adding bursts of tangy sweetness. Top with tender smoked salmon flakes and crisp celery slivers.
A quick shake of olive oil, Dijon mustard, orange juice and a hint of honey creates a bright vinaigrette that elevates every component.
This salad offers a symphony of flavors—smoky, sweet, tangy and fresh—and makes a stunning light lunch or starter. The citrus juice in the dressing lightly “cooks” the fish edges for a ceviche-like nuance, while the greens and celery provide satisfying crunch.
12. Easy Smoked Salmon Pastry Cups
Whip up elegant appetizers by pressing store-bought puff pastry into mini muffin tins to form golden cups. Fill each with a dollop of whipped mascarpone seasoned with lemon zest.
Top with a flake of smoked salmon, a sprig of fresh dill and a caper or two for briny contrast.
These bite-sized cups come together in under 20 minutes and look impossibly chic on any party spread. The buttery pastry, creamy filling and smoky fish create a perfect trio of textures and flavors—guaranteed to disappear in seconds.
11. Shrimp & Smoked Salmon Sushi Bowl Asian Recipe
Combine sushi-rice or chilled soba noodles with morsels of smoked salmon, cooked shrimp, cucumber batons, shredded nori and avocado chunks in a deep bowl.
Drizzle with a soy-ginger-sesame dressing and top with pickled ginger, sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime.
This “bowl-turned-sushi” riff captures all your favorite sushi bar flavors without intricate rolling. It’s fast to assemble, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining—no chopsticks or fancy techniques required.
10. Beautiful Homemade Smoked Salmon Avocado Sushi Roll
Transform your kitchen into a sushi bar with this elegant yet approachable roll. Spread seasoned sushi rice onto nori sheets, then layer on slices of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber batons and strips of rich smoked salmon.
Roll tightly, slice into pinwheels, and finish with a drizzle of wasabi-yuzu sauce, a swirl of “yum-yum” mayo and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. No raw fish required—just all the flavor and artistry you love, seaweed optional if you prefer rice-only wraps.
9. Open-Faced Sandwich – Easy Smoked Salmon Recipe
For a light lunch or brunch, slather toasted rye or sourdough with whipped lemon-dill cream cheese. Top with ripe avocado slices, layers of silky smoked salmon and thin rings of red onion.
A final dusting of freshly cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon ties every element together. It’s a café-style favorite that comes together in minutes and never fails to impress.
8. Best Salmon Sandwich with Avocado and Feta
For a light lunch or brunch, slather toasted rye or sourdough with whipped lemon-dill cream cheese. Top with ripe avocado slices, layers of silky smoked salmon and thin rings of red onion.
A final dusting of freshly cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon ties every element together. It’s a café-style favorite that comes together in minutes and never fails to impress.
7. Cold Smoked Salmon And Dill Tartlets
Keep lunch interesting with freezer-friendly tartlets: press rounds of puff pastry into mini molds, prebake, then fill with a whipped mix of cream cheese and fresh dill.
Top each cup with flaked smoked salmon and pop back into the oven just until warmed through. They hold their shape in lunchboxes and taste even better straight from the fridge.
6.
Blend smoked salmon with cream cheese, a touch of sour cream, lemon zest and chopped chives until silky smooth. Spoon the bright pink pâté into a serving bowl and garnish with extra herbs or capers.
Serve with crackers, crostini or fresh veggies for an effortlessly elegant party spread.
5. Learn How to Make Fresh Spring Salad with Smoked Salmon and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
Toss mixed baby greens, pea shoots and butter lettuce with thin radish slices. Arrange smoked salmon ribbons on top, then drizzle with a honey-Dijon vinaigrette—olive oil, white wine vinegar, a dollop of Dijon mustard and a touch of honey.
Finish with fresh herbs like tarragon or chervil. It’s a vibrant, seasonal salad that marries smokiness, sweetness and bright acidity.
4.
Upgrade tuna salad to smoked salmon salad: flake salmon and mix with mayo, a squeeze of lemon, minced dill and finely chopped red onion. Pile it high onto toasted everything-bagels or bagel chips.
Whether as a salad board centerpiece, a bagel sandwich or simple cracker-topped bites, this creamy, briny spread steals the show.
3. Creamy, Salty, and Sweet Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Ball
Combine cream cheese, chopped smoked salmon, chives and a hint of lemon juice into a smooth ball. Chill until firm, then roll in poppy seeds, minced dill or crushed nuts.
Center it on a platter surrounded by crackers—this handsome hors d’œuvre can be made a day ahead and always disappears first.
2. How to Make Homemade Salmon Bacon in the Oven Easy Recipe
Combine cream cheese, chopped smoked salmon, chives and a hint of lemon juice into a smooth ball. Chill until firm, then roll in poppy seeds, minced dill or crushed nuts.
Center it on a platter surrounded by crackers—this handsome hors d’œuvre can be made a day ahead and always disappears first.
1. Make Smoked Salmon Chowder with Briny Capers
Simmer diced potatoes and leeks in a savory broth enriched with cream, then fold in chunks of smoked salmon and a handful of briny capers. Finish with fresh dill and a crack of black pepper.
Serve it ladled into bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls for a soul-warming meal that beautifully balances richness, smokiness and bright, caper-driven zing.
20 Best Smoked Salmon Recipes: How to Smoke Salmon
Discover 20 top smoked salmon recipes! Master the art of smoking salmon with tips on how to brine it properly and use your smoker for best results.
Ingredients
- Make Easy Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast Recipe
- Pit Boss Traeger Smoked Salmon (Wet Brine or Dry Brine) - Delicious Main Course
- Best Smoked Salmon Fillet
- Making and Serving Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
- Brown Sugar Smoked Salmon Recipe Made with Traeger Grill
- 7 Layer Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
- Smoked Salmon Chowder (with Leeks & Fresh Tarragon)
- Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette
- Smoked Salmon Pastry Cups {Appetizer}
- Shrimp & Smoked Salmon Sushi Bowl
- Smoked Salmon Avocado Sushi Roll
- Open-Faced Smoked Salmon Sandwich
- 10 Minute Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Avocado and Feta
- Smoked Salmon And Dill Tartlets
- Smoked Salmon Pate
- Fresh Spring Salad with Smoked Salmon and Honey Dijon Vinaigrette
- Smoked Salmon Salad
- Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Ball
- How to Make Homemade Salmon Bacon in the Oven
- Smoked Salmon Chowder
Instructions
- Choose any smoked salmon recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best smoked salmon recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!