You will love this smoked salmon platter full of fresh vegetables, creamy cheese (Labneh in this case), and Mediterranean favorites like artichokes, capers, and olives that have been marinated. Serve it for brunch with bagels or as an appetizer with your favorite crackers or pita wedges.
Grazing boards are my favorite way to entertain. Scratch that. They’re my favorite way to eat! Whether it’s Italian, 4th of July, or this breakfast version, I love sharing a big platter of my favorite foods with the people I care about.
Easy no-cook platters like my cheese board and mezze platter with hummus are two that I often make for my family.
And now. Here’s some smoked salmon that you can serve as an appetizer or for brunch (just add some hard-boiled eggs). One of the best brunch recipes to please a crowd, and very photo-worthy too!.
Smoked salmon makes for an elegant, easy, and delicious starter to kick off any meal Its rich, savory flavor pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, or crostini However, determining how much smoked salmon to buy per person can be tricky. You want to make sure every guest gets plenty without overbuying and wasting food.
In this article we’ll provide a helpful guide on ideal smoked salmon servings for starters along with tips for buying, storing, and serving this incredible fish. Let’s dive in!
Factors That Determine Serving Size
A few key factors impact how much smoked salmon you need per person:
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Appetite – Big eaters need larger portions. Adjust for seniors, kids, or light eaters.
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Other foods – If serving alongside cheeses, dips, etc. you may need less salmon.
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Leftovers – Having extra allows for customization and second helpings.
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Presentation – Plated starters need more than passed finger food.
Considering these elements helps determine appropriate smoked salmon starter sizes.
Recommended Serving Sizes
Here are some general guidelines for smoked salmon servings:
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Passed finger food – 1-2 oz per person
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Plated starter – 2-4 oz per person
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Appetizer buffet – 2-3 oz per person
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Main course meal – 4-6 oz per person
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Side dish – 1-2 oz per person
For context, a standard package of smoked salmon contains about 4 oz. So plan accordingly when shopping.
For heartier appetites, go on the higher end of servings. For lighter eaters, stick to smaller portions. Leftovers allow for customization too.
Calculating Total Smoked Salmon Needed
Figuring out the total smoked salmon required takes simple math:
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Decide on serving size per person
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Determine number of guests
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Multiply serving size by number of people
For example, for a dinner party of 8 people with 3 oz plated starters:
- 3 oz per person x 8 people = 24 oz (1.5 pounds) needed
Or for passed appetizers for 20 people with 1.5 oz portions:
- 1.5 oz per person x 20 people = 30 oz (1.875 lbs) needed
Buying a bit extra allows for imperfect slices, extra toppings, or second helpings.
Buying and Storing Smoked Salmon
When purchasing smoked salmon:
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Look for wild-caught salmon, as it’s more sustainable.
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Seek salmon smoked over wood, not smoke-flavored.
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Choose salmon with deep orange-red flesh for best flavor.
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Buy sliced smoked salmon the day of your event for ultimate freshness.
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For storage, keep smoked salmon sealed in original packaging.
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Refrigerate for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Follow these tips for ideal taste and food safety.
Creative Ways to Serve Smoked Salmon
There are endless options for serving smoked salmon starters:
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Smoked salmon crostini – Top baguette slices with salmon, lemon-dill cream cheese, capers, and red onion.
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Smoked salmon flatbread – Lovely starter for passed apps or buffets.
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Plated salad – Elegant composed salad with salmon, greens, citrus segments, toasted nuts.
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Salmon spread – Blend with cream cheese, herbs, lemon, and crackers for dipping.
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Salmon poke – Toss with avocado, mango, seaweed salad, and rice.
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Eggs benedict – Top poached eggs and english muffins with salmon and hollandaise.
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Salmon sushi – Wrap salmon and avocado in rice and nori.
With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless!
Make Your Menu Shine
When planning a special occasion, smoked salmon never disappoints. With its elegant taste and presentation, it makes a stunning starter that feels luxurious. Use this guide to determine the perfect portions so none of this precious fish goes to waste. Then get creative with accents and sides to delight your guests. Smoked salmon is sure to kick off your meal in spectacular fashion!
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Bagel and lox on a platter!
How about this smoked salmon platter? It takes the idea of bagel and lox to a whole new level of tasty. Plus, a platter is easier to share than a bagel! (But if you really want something like lox and bagels, try my smoked salmon sandwich with feta and a crunchy root vegetable topping.) ).
Cream cheese (I used homemade labneh), red onions, capers, and smoked salmon (or lox) are the usual things you need to make a classic bagel with lox.
After that, put different kinds of fresh vegetables on the platter, along with Mediterranean favorites like feta, olives, and lemon wedges. If I’m making this for brunch, I have to include soft-boiled eggs.
Now, whether you serve this smoked salmon platter with a side of bagels or not, thats totally optional.
How to buy good smoked salmon?
Some lucky people will smoke their own fish, but for those of us who have to buy it, it’s important to look at the package carefully.
Avoid buying smoked salmon if you see dark edges or spots on its flesh. Also, salmon is an oily fish, so it will have a little shine to it. But it shouldn’t look too oily or slimy, because that means it hasn’t been properly cured.
Also, check the label. There shouldn’t be too much salt or sugar added for flavor (the smoking process adds a lot of flavor on its own).