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    Home » Seafood Dishes » Smoked Salmon Wreath

    Smoked Salmon Wreath

    Published: Sep 2, 2019 · Modified: Dec 4, 2022 by Alexandra Cook

    For the full recipe including quantities and method, click the "jump to recipe" button, or scroll through and read our helpful tips along the way.

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    This Smoked Salmon Wreath will make a stunning centrepiece for your festive table. It is a quick, easy, no-cook, elegant dish, which is a perfect starter for a heavier meal to follow.

    Smoked Salmon Wreath on a round white plate, sitting on a marble bench with some dressing and slices of rye bread around edge.
    Jump to:
    • Why you’ll love this recipe:
    • Ingredients in this recipe:
    • Step by step instructions:
    • Tips for success and FAQs:
    • Variations and substitutions:
    • Serving suggestions:
    • More delicious recipes for you to try:
    • Smoked Salmon Wreath
    Star

    Why you’ll love this recipe:

    Edible wreaths are an impressive starter with minimal effort. You could, of course, make a smoked salmon platter by casually arranging the same ingredients and it will taste the same.

    However, there is something tantalising about artistically arranging simple ingredients in the style of a wreath. It immediately adds a celebratory note. With some careful arrangement, your easy appetiser consequently becomes a show-stopping table centrepiece.

    You’ll love this Smoked Salmon Wreath because:

    • It is made from ingredients that perfectly complement each other and are readily available.
    • The wreath is ideal for you to customise. Rather than being a set recipe, use it as an idea to combine and arrange foods to make a beautiful, festive platter.
    • It is gluten-free and nut-free.
    • This is not a seasonal appetiser, you can serve it at any time of the year.
    • It is a nutritious, low-carb dish, made from a variety of fresh ingredients.
    Side angle of the smoked salmon wreath with a bowl of dressing in the centre of the wreath.

    Ingredients in this recipe:

    Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

    Ingredients in this recipe on a white marble background.

    For the Salad:

    Cos/romaine lettuce – we use baby cos/romaine lettuce as it is more robust and crisper than a tender lettuce such as butter or oak leaf. You could use curly frisee lettuce if you prefer.

    Sliced smoked salmon – we use cold smoked salmon. It is such a versatile ingredient, suitable to serve in so many ways, and it is perfect for entertaining. There is no cooking required which is always an advantage when time is short, and no knife skills are necessary as it is already sliced. The most effort that you will need to make is to open the package and carefully arrange the salmon.

    Red onion – their flavour is milder than brown onions and they are sweeter than white onions. One of the great attractions of the red onion is its colour; it adds brightness and contrast to many dishes and is the ideal onion to serve raw.

    Red radishes – add colour, texture and a peppery flavour and contrast well with the cool cucumber. If the leaves are attached when buying them, they should be bright green and not wilting. If not, look for radishes that are brightly coloured, firm to the touch and without blemish.

    Lemon – an essential ingredient to pair with smoked salmon. It adds acidity and beautifully complements the delicate, smoky fish.

    Baby Lebanese cucumbers – they are sweet and juicy with a very crunchy texture. As well, they have very few seeds and a smooth skin that does not require peeling. They are ideal for salads. Select those which are firm, with shiny, unblemished skin.

    Capers – capers and smoked salmon are a classic combination. They add a salty, tart flavour to the salad.

    Dill – fresh dill adds colour and a mild anise flavour. It is a perfect accompaniment to the salmon. Select dill with a bright colour and fresh leaves.

    For the Sauce:

    Greek yoghurt – adds a tangy flavour to the dressing and counteracts the richness of the sour cream. Incorporating the Greek yoghurt makes the sauce lower in fat, whilst still adding creaminess and a tangy flavour.

    Sour cream – I have used full-fat sour cream.

    Lemon juice – use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The flavour is fresher than bottled juice.

    Prepared horseradish – this is a pungent condiment made with grated horseradish root, vinegar, salt and possibly some sugar. It is a traditional accompaniment to smoked salmon; it is not the same as horseradish sauce.

    Dill leaves – fresh dill leaves are used for both the salad and the dressing. The feathery leaves have a bright, mild anise flavour, and are a perfect addition to the dressing. 

    Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – we recommend that you use freshly ground black pepper; the flavour of pre-ground is dull and flat. Smoked salmon can be salty, so add salt to suit your taste.

    Step by step instructions:

    Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.

    Steps 1-2 of preparing this recipe - making the dressing and starting to assemble the wreath with the lettuce leaves on a plate.

    1 – Make the sauce:
    For the sauce, simply mix all the ingredients together, put it into a small bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to use. When serving, place the bowl in the centre of the wreath.

    2 – Arrange the lettuce:
    Arrange the salad leaves in the shape and size of the desired wreath.

    Steps 3-4 of preparing this recipe - adding the other ingredients to the wreath and garnishing with dill sprigs and lemon wedges.

    3 – Arrange the remaining ingredients:
    Prepare the remaining ingredients and casually arrange them on the lettuce leaves.

    4 – Serve:
    Serve the Smoked Salmon Wreath and sauce together, and enjoy!

    Smoked Salmon Wreath on a round white plate, with dish of dressing in centre of wreath and slices of rye bread around edge.

    Tips for success and FAQs:

    When a salad is as simple as this one, success depends on the quality of the ingredients. For instance, your lettuce, cucumber and radish should be fresh and crisp.

    Can I prepare the Smoked Salmon Wreath ahead of time?

    You can prepare this refreshing salad and sauce ahead of time. Cover them and refrigerate until ready to serve. For the freshest presentation, I suggest preparing the salad wreath the day that you are serving it. The dressing can be prepared a day ahead.

    How should I store the leftovers?

    Should you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad ingredients will lose some crispness so should be eaten within 24 hours. If your Smoked Salmon Wreath has been at room temperature for 2 hours, the leftovers should be discarded.

    Star

    Variations and substitutions:

    Consider the suggestions for this Smoked Salmon Wreath as a base on which to present foods that you like. For example, you could add some hard-boiled egg, avocado, cherry tomatoes or artichoke hearts.  
     
    Other suggestions are:
     
    Cos lettuce – you could use another variety of lettuce, rocket/arugula or baby spinach leaves if you prefer. The curly leaves of baby frisee make an attractive base also.
     
    Cold smoked salmon – if you prefer, you could use hot smoked salmon, broken into chunks. As another alternative, you could use smoked chicken breast or slices of rare roast fillet of beef.
     
    Fresh dill – if you don’t like dill, you could use finely chopped chives, parsley or some lemon zest.

    Serving of the smoked salmon wreath on a small round white plate.

    Serving suggestions:

    I am a huge fan of edible wreaths for entertaining. With some careful arrangement, your easy appetiser becomes a show-stopping table centrepiece. It is a quick and easy way to make even simple dishes look special.

    This beautiful, celebratory platter is the ultimate appetiser. Some serving suggestions:

    • It will be a great addition to a brunch party.
    • A perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
    • Serve at Easter.
    • Add to any gathering and let guests help themselves.

    Serve with some thinly sliced sourdough rye bread or crispbreads.

    Enjoy with a glass of Strawberry Prosecco or a Christmas Cosmopolitan!

    Give your smoked salmon platter the wow factor and present it wreath-style. This colourful platter has a delicious combination of savoury flavours and is a great starter that is light and won’t weigh you down. Just don’t tell your guests how easy it is to make!

    Alex xx

    More delicious recipes for you to try:

    • Caprese salad in a wreath circle, on a white plate, sitting on a white cloth, with a jug of balsamic glaze in the background.
      Caprese Christmas Wreath
    • Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
    • Bowl of salad with cutlery.
      Kale and Apple Slaw
    • Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

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    Smoked Salmon Wreath on a round white plate, sitting on a marble bench with some dressing and slices of rye bread around edge.

    Smoked Salmon Wreath

    This Smoked Salmon Wreath will make a stunning centrepiece for your festive table. It is a quick, easy, no-cook, elegant dish, which is a perfect starter for a heavier meal to follow.
    5 from 114 votes
    Print Pin Review
    Course: Appetiser, Brunch, Festive, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: International
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 147kcal
    Author: Alexandra Cook – It’s Not Complicated Recipes

    Ingredients

    For the Salad:

    • 2 baby cos lettuce/romaine See Note 1
    • 200 g (7 oz) smoked salmon – sliced
    • ½ medium red onion – thinly sliced
    • 3 medium red radishes – thinly sliced
    • 3 baby cucumbers – thinly sliced lengthways
    • 2 tablespoon capers See Note 2
    • 3 sprigs fresh dill
    • 1 large lemon – cut into 8 wedges

    For the Sauce:

    • 4 tablespoon Greek yoghurt
    • 4 tablespoon sour cream
    • 2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
    • 2 teaspoon fresh dill – finely chopped
    • freshly ground black pepper – to taste

    Recipe Measurements:

    For accuracy, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results.

    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    For the Sauce:

    • Add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and mix well to combine.
      Add the sauce to a small serving bowl and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. Place the bowl in the centre of the wreath when serving.

    For the Salad:

    • Wash and dry the lettuce, separate the leaves and arrange them in a wreath shape on a large white serving platter or board.
      Leave room in the centre for your sauce bowl.
      My platter had a diameter of 27 cm/10 ½”. If you are making a wreath for a larger number of people, you may need a larger platter or board.
    • Lay pieces of smoked salmon, lightly folded, on the lettuce. For the best appearance, aim to give the platter a little height and not have the salmon lying flat.
    • Continue with the remaining ingredients, tucking them in and arranging them in a way which is balanced and pleasing to look at.
    • Serve alongside thinly sliced sourdough rye bread, or to keep it gluten-free, appropriate crackers.

    Notes

    1. Lettuce: I have chosen baby Cos/Romaine lettuce as it is more robust and crisper than a tender lettuce such as butter or oak leaf lettuce. You could use another green leaf such iceberg lettuce, rocket/arugula, baby spinach or curly frisee if you prefer.
    2. Tablespoon: we use a standard Australian tablespoon which is 20 ml (4 teaspoons).

    Nutrition Estimate:

    Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 536mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Please rate and leave a comment!
    Nutritional Disclaimer:

    The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

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    1266 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth Anne

      January 05, 2023 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      This was such a winner at my recent holiday party! It was so easy to put together yet looked so elegant on the table. Don’t skip the sauce! It really takes the flavor over the top and makes it hard to leave the appetizer table! Yum!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        January 09, 2023 at 10:12 am

        Hello Beth Anne, I am delighted to hear that you and your guests enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Wreath. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Leigh Hill

      December 31, 2022 at 12:35 am

      5 stars
      Another amazing recipe! We made it for Xmas day – super easy to make and so delicious. It didn’t look quite as good as yours though 🙂

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        December 31, 2022 at 6:10 pm

        Hi Leigh!
        Lovely to hear you tried another recipe.
        I am sure your wreath looked beautiful 🙂
        Many thanks, Alex

        Reply
    3. Sophia

      December 09, 2022 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is literally perfection; I wouldn’t change a thing! This salmon wreath is now a regular holiday recipe we make. We’ve made this last year for Christmas and again for Easter. It’s festive, delicious, and it keeps great in the fridge until we serve it!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        December 12, 2022 at 3:57 pm

        Hi Sophia, thank you for your fantastic feedback on the Smoked Salmon Wreath. I am so pleased that you have enjoyed it for Christmas and Easter. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Tiffany

      September 13, 2020 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been testing out recipes for the holiday season and this is definitely going to be on my menu this year! It came out as delicious as it is beautiful! I know everyone is going to love this! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        September 15, 2020 at 4:08 pm

        Hi Tiffany, I am so happy to hear that you will be serving the Smoked Salmon Wreath for your festive celebration this year. That is terrific news. Enjoy! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jaimie

      April 10, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      Oh wow, what a beautiful and elegant dish for the Good Friday dinner table!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        April 10, 2020 at 5:56 pm

        Thank you Jaimie, I am so pleased that you like it.

        Reply
    6. Molly Pisula

      January 02, 2020 at 7:05 am

      5 stars
      Looks so pretty!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        January 07, 2020 at 2:08 am

        Thank you, Molly! I hope you will enjoy it 🙂

        Reply
    7. Paula Montenegro

      December 20, 2019 at 12:52 am

      5 stars
      This is such a wonderful idea and everybody loves it, so I’m making it again for the holiday table! It’s summer here, so this dish is perfect for us!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        December 22, 2019 at 2:49 am

        So happy to hear it eas such a hit, Paula – and I am so pleased you are making it again. Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Jen

      December 20, 2019 at 12:43 am

      5 stars
      This was not only gorgeous but so delicious too. With all the heavy options especially during the holidays, I loved how light it was. A welcomed new addition to our party line up.

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        December 22, 2019 at 10:51 pm

        So pleased to hear that, Jen. Enjoy your time with your loved ones!

        Reply
    9. Danielle

      December 20, 2019 at 12:29 am

      5 stars
      Just reading through your post made my mouth water. I can’t believe how delicious this wreath is. Definitely a must for all salmon lovers!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        December 22, 2019 at 8:38 am

        Thank you so much for the kind words, Danielle!

        Reply
    10. Julia

      December 20, 2019 at 12:28 am

      5 stars
      This would make a great centerpiece. It’s so pretty!

      Reply
      • Alexandra

        December 20, 2019 at 7:09 am

        Thank you so much, Julia!

        Reply
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