1 delicious smoked salmon spread with quick pickled onions.
Ditch the greasy dips and elevate your next gathering with Smoked Salmon Spread and Quick Pickled Onions! This appetizer is a symphony of textures and flavors. Creamy cheese meets luxuriously smoked salmon, all brightened by the tangy sweetness of pickled onions. Spread it on crackers or bagels for a light yet decadent bite that’s as elegant as it is satisfying.
1 Delicious Smoked Salmon Spread with Quick Pickled Onions.
1 delicious smoked salmon spread with quick pickled onions.
Ditch the typical greasy dips and processed cheese! Smoked Salmon Spread with Quick Pickled Onions offers a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple solution for your next gathering. Imagine a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite – the rich smokiness of salmon, the cool tang of pickled onions, and the luxurious cream cheese base. This elegant yet effortless recipe is perfect for brunches, potlucks, or even a fancy movie night in, guaranteed to impress your guests.
Tired of the repetitive cycle of greasy dips and processed cheese platters? This spread offers a refreshing alternative. It’s light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down, yet decadent enough to satisfy even the most discerning palates.
The magic lies in the key ingredients:
Star of the Show: Smoked Salmon: Choose high-quality smoked salmon, like Scottish or cold-smoked king salmon, for the best flavor. Its rich, smoky taste forms the foundation of the spread.
Creamy Canvas: Cream Cheese: The creamy base provides a luxurious contrast to the smoked salmon. Opt for full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature, for the smoothest texture.
Tangy Twist: Quick Pickled Onions: These add a delightful layer of acidity and sweetness. The pickling process takes just minutes, transforming ordinary red onions into vibrant flavor bombs. The contrasting textures – creamy spread against crisp onions – add another dimension to the appetizer.
The best part? Minimal effort is required! This recipe can be whipped up in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
A Step-by-Step Guide:
The Quick Pickles:
Start by creating these vibrant condiments. Simply slice a red onion thinly and combine it with vinegar, sugar, and water. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or ideally, an hour for deeper flavor. The pickling process not only adds a delightful tang but also mellows the raw onion bite, creating a delightful contrast with the richness of the spread.
The Creamy Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Beat it until smooth and creamy.
The Salmon Symphony:
Flake the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces using your fingers or a fork. Gently fold the flaked salmon into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to overmix. You want beautiful swirls of pink throughout the spread, ensuring each bite delivers a burst of smoky salmon flavor.
Finishing Touches:
Once combined, taste the spread and adjust seasonings as needed. A touch of fresh dill or chopped chives can add an extra layer of freshness and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions:
The beauty of this spread lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas:
Classic Crackers: Pair the spread with assorted crackers for a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Brunch Delight: Spread it on toasted bagels or slices of crusty bread for a brunch fit for royalty.
Elegant Endive Boats: Entice your guests with endive spears filled with the spread and topped with a dollop of caviar or a sprig of fresh dill.
Cucumber Canapés: For a lighter option, cut cucumbers into rounds and top them with a dollop of the spread and a sliver of pickled onion.
This recipe is a springboard for your creativity. Feel free to explore variations:
Herbed Twist: Add a teaspoon of chopped fresh dill, chives, or parsley to the cream cheese mixture for an extra pop of flavor.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a touch of wasabi paste can add a subtle kick.
Beyond Salmon: Smoked trout or mackerel can be substituted for the salmon, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Creamy Alternatives: For a lighter option, try using ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Imagine the vibrant pink of the pickled onions contrasting with the creamy white of the spread, nestled on a crisp cracker. The aroma of smoked salmon fills the air as you prepare your appetizers. Finally, you savor the delightful combination of textures and flavors – the richness of the salmon, the coolness of the pickled onions, and the smooth cream cheese. It’s a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more. So ditch the ordinary and elevate your next gathering with Smoked Salmon Spread with Quick Pickled Onions!
Smoked Salmon Spread:
- 1 8-oz block cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 4 oz. Smoked King Salmon
- 1 tablespoon tarragon, dried (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoons 1.5 lemon juice, freshly-squeezed
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Quick-pickled onions:
- 1 medium red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoons 1.5 salt
Smoked Salmon Spread:
- In a medium bowl, grab a fork and beat together the cream cheese and yogurt until it’s smooth and fluffy.
- Flake the smoked salmon with a fork and gently fold it into the creamy mixture.
- Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout.
- Season the spread with tarragon, lemon zest, lemon juice, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
Quick-Pickled Onions:
- Gather your pickling ingredients: thinly sliced onions, apple cider vinegar, honey, and salt.
- Add them all to a jar and seal it tightly with a lid.
- Shake the jar vigorously to combine everything.
- Let the pickled onions sit for at least 10 minutes before using.
- The longer you let them sit (up to 6 months!), the more intensely pickled they’ll become.
- Once ready, transfer the jars to the refrigerator for storage and use them whenever you need a tangy and flavorful addition to your dish.
