The Ultimate Guide to Cooking with Smoked Salmon (Tips, Recipes & Pairings)

How to turn premium smoked salmon into your next show-stopping dish.

Smoked salmon isn’t just for bagels. It’s a versatile, protein-packed ingredient that can instantly elevate your meals. Whether you're putting together a weekday lunch or hosting a brunch to impress, here’s how to get the most out of every slice.

1. Keep It Simple: Smoked Salmon on Toast

Sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest. Start with a slice of sourdough or toasted rye, add a layer of whipped cream cheese or avocado, and top with smoked salmon. Finish with capers, red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Breakfast, lunch, or snack: done.

Pro tip: Our Spicy Smoked Salmon Lox adds the perfect kick.

2. Roll With It: Sushi and Poke Bowls

Smoked salmon works beautifully in sushi rolls, especially our Original or Salt-Cured Classic lox, thanks to their buttery raw-like texture. You can also build a poke bowl with rice, sliced salmon, cucumber, avocado, scallions, and sesame seeds.

Pair with: Soy sauce, wasabi, and a touch of lemon or ponzu.

3. Pasta Night Just Got Fancy

Smoked salmon + pasta = instant gourmet. Toss linguine or tagliatelle with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and cream. Fold in slices of Pastrami Spiced Lox or Black Pepper Lox at the end. Garnish with dill and cracked pepper.

Ideal for: Impressing guests in 20 minutes or less.

4. Salads That Actually Satisfy

Forget sad salads. Add our Beets & Brandy Gravlax to a mix of arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, and citrus vinaigrette. The earthiness of the beets and sweetness of the brandy perfectly balance the greens.

Try this with: Candied pecans or pickled red onions.

5. Snack Attack: Jerky & Candied Bites

Need something quick? Our Smoked Salmon Jerky and Candied Salmon Bites are perfect on their own, or paired with fruit, cheese, and nuts on a snack board. Great for picnics, road trips, or post-gym protein.

Best combo: Apple slices + brie + jerky = elite snack game.

6. Crowd Pleasers: Whole Side for Parties

Hosting? A Whole Side of Smoked Salmon is a showstopper. Serve with mini toasts, sliced cucumbers, assorted cheeses, and a few homemade spreads. Let your guests DIY their bites.

Pro tip: Leave it unsliced for dramatic effect, then carve tableside.

Tips for Cooking & Pairing:

• Heat gently or not at all: Cold smoked salmon is best uncooked or lightly warmed.

• Balance salt & fat: Add fresh veggies, citrus, or dairy to balance smoked salmon’s richness.

• Storage: Keep it sealed and chilled. Once opened, eat within 2–7 days.

Smoked salmon is more than a topping, it’s a culinary cheat code. With just a few ingredients, you can build dishes that look impressive, taste incredible, and come together in minutes.

Want to try it yourself? Explore our full range at smokedsalmoncanada.com