Here’s What to Do with Smoked Salmon (Besides Put it on a Bagel)

Salmon is everyone’s favorite super-versatile, super-nutritious fish. From sheet pans dinners to summer salads, fresh salmon can swim its way into any dish. However, you may not know that smoked salmon is just as adaptable. Ready to spice up your regular salmon routine? Here’s are a few ideas.

But, First: What’s the Difference Between Lox and Salmon

Lox and smoked salmon are the most common categories of cold salmon you’ll find. While similar, there are a few differences in the way each is made. 

Smoked salmon is cured or brined, then smoked. There are smoked versions of most salmon species such as Atlantic, sockeye, and coho. Lox, on the other hand, is cured, but not smoked. Different varieties of lox are based on regional preparation, like Nova Scotia, Scottish, Nordic-style, and Gravadlax.

Both are flavor-rich and nutrient-dense, with the same healthy fats and proteins as fresh salmon. And you’re also likely to find both on top of a bagel with a schmear of cream cheese, and maybe some capers and onion. But there’s so much more.

From pasta to dips and even a bite sized surprise, we urge you to go beyond the bagel.

1. Smoked Salmon Platter from How Sweet Eats

We have snack boards on the brain right now. We’re talking about easy, but gorgeous spreads you can throw together for an impromptu hang session because, oh hey, it’s 80 degrees out in May. (Just, for example.) And this is the snack spread to end all snack spreads: Salmon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, loads of veggies and a big block of cream cheese. You could, in theory, serve it with bagels, but we love the idea of all the fixings (and then some), minus the bagels.

2. Smoked Salmon Pasta from The Endless Meal

Salmon is the star in this quick and delicious pasta dish. This 30-minute recipe comes together with fresh spinach, tomatoes, artichoke hearts and linguine tossed in a light and creamy dill sauce, but it will work with any veggies and pasta you have on hand.

3. Hot Smoked Salmon and Sweet Potato Cakes with Spiced Yoghurt from Chew Town

Crispy on the outside, moist and savory on the inside, seasoned with mediterranean spice and served with an herby yogurt sauce, these cakes are flavorful and nutrient-dense. Pile onto platters with dipping sauce or make them into burgers and top with veggies and toasted buns.

4. Smoked Salmon Dip from Dinner at the Zoo

The ultimate party dip for this summer, this uses this thick and creamy dip is done in six minutes and tastes great with fresh veggies and crostini. Make it healthier by swapping cream cheese for Greek yogurt.

5. 10-Minute Smoked Salmon Pinwheels from Ambitious Kitchen

Here’s another summer bbq winner. You’ll basically make a burrito with spinach tortillas, cream cheese, dill and chives, loads of fresh spinach, and smoked salmon. Roll it up, then cut it up into bite-sized pieces. And you’re done!