What to Serve With Smoked Salmon: Simple Pairings That Actually Work

Ask ten people what goes with smoked salmon and you'll get ten different answers.

Around the Pacific Northwest, you'll find it on baked potatoes, in bowls of chowder, on cracker trays, folded into pasta, and scattered over salads. It's one of the most versatile seafoods you can keep on hand.

The good news is that most smoked salmon pairings don't require a trip to the store. In many cases, the best options are already sitting somewhere in your refrigerator or pantry.

Baked Potatoes

The baked potato provides the foundation. Smoked salmon adds protein and flavor. Butter, sour cream, green onions, chives, and shredded cheese all fit naturally alongside it.

A baked potato often starts as a side dish. Smoked salmon is one of the easiest ways to turn it into dinner. We recommend our Ready to Eat Smoked Sockeye Salmon pouch for an easy topper.

Chowder

Smoked salmon and chowder are longtime Pacific Northwest companions. Seafood chowder, clam chowder, and corn chowder all work well. Simply flake smoked salmon over the top before serving.

This pairing works because chowder already brings richness and warmth to the table. The salmon adds another layer of seafood - and a hearty dose of protein -  without any additional cooking.

It's also a natural fit for chowders and hearty soups. Try our Smoked Salmon Chowder, or add smoked salmon to your own homemade chowder for an easy way to boost flavor and protein.

Crackers and Cream Cheese

Crackers provide crunch. Cream cheese adds richness. Smoked salmon ties everything together. Capers, red onion, cucumber, tomato, lemon, and fresh herbs all work well, but none are required.

If you're looking for an appetizer that takes minutes instead of hours, start here. We recommend our Hot Smoked Traditional Coho or our Candied Sockeye Salmon.

Green Salads

Mixed greens, spinach, arugula, cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, and vinaigrettes all pair naturally with smoked salmon. Because the salmon is already prepared, it can be added directly to the bowl.

For anyone trying to eat more seafood during the week, this is one of the easiest places to start. Depending on your palette, we recommend our Ready to Eat Collection or Hot Smoked Salmon. 

Pasta

One of the most popular employee recipes here at the Smokehouse - warm pasta, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and smoked salmon are all that's needed.

We sometimes throw in peas, asparagus, spinach, or Parmesan, but the foundation remains the same. Use our shelf-stable smoked salmon for a quick protein addition to your pasta.

Rice Bowls

One of the most popular on the list. Rice provides the base. Vegetables add texture. Smoked salmon provides protein. Cucumbers, carrots, avocado, edamame, cabbage, and green onions all work well in the same bowl.

It's an easy way to build lunch from ingredients that are already available. Rice bowl is a crowd pleaser for all ages and easy to prepare. We recommend pairing with our Hot Smoked Atlantic.

Why Smoked Salmon Solves a Common Meal Problem

Many proteins require planning. Smoked salmon is different.

Since smoked salmon is already cooked, it’s ready to enjoy right out of the package and can be added to meals that are already being made. As an added benefit, smoked salmon is also a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and several important B vitamins.

For more recipe ideas, visit our blog.