Create a beautiful smoked salmon platter with this simple, in-depth guide! You can learn about the key elements, get the recipe, and then make it your own. I use a formula to help you decide exactly what and how much to put on your platter, and how to arrange it into a show-stopping appetizer!
Choose a platter and 3 to 4 small ramekin-sized dishes (if using). Cut the slices of smoked salmon into smaller, more manageable pieces and arrange them on the platter slightly off to the side, layering the salmon and folding the edges to make it look abundant and attractive.
Place any of the elements you want in the small dishes (for this recipe I did the cream cheese, crème fraîche, pickled onions, and grainy mustard). Arrange the dishes wherever you like on the platter. For visual interest, ensure none of the dishes line up with one another, both horizontally and vertically.
Add any elements that you have in quantity (in this recipe it's the cucumbers and bagel chips). Arrange them in sections around the platter, ensuring different colors are distributed evenly.
Now add any smaller elements that are not served in dishes (for this recipe it's the hard-boiled egg and gherkin pickles). Place them in any larger empty spots that remain.
Next, fill in any remaining gaps on the platter (this is where I added sliced radishes). Finished by scattering the salty element randomly over the platter (capers in this recipe), and adding garnish if using. Serve immediately, or cover gently with a damp cloth and place in the fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
Formula to make a smoked salmon platter: Choose any of the following items, or anything else you like that isn't listed, using the measurements from the recipe card.
1 Main Protein (smoked salmon)
1 Secondary protein: hardboiled eggs, deviled eggs, mild hard cheese
1 condiment: any mustard, horseradish sauce, honey, jellies, jams, or chutneys, basil pesto, guacamole
Recipe Notes
A typical serving size for smoked salmon is about 2 ounces per person. However, if you are making a large platter, you may need less.
If you're not serving the platter immediately, cover it gently with a damp cloth and keep it in the fridge. Remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off and bring out the flavors.