How to Create a Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board

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A smoked Salmon charcuterie board is the perfect addition to any gathering. I am a huge fan of smoked salmon and the amount of fresh ingredients on this board makes for a delicious (and beautiful) charcuterie board.

We serve this board every year during our holiday party and it’s always a huge hit. It’s also very easy to adjust this charcuterie board to make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers. We also have a few people in the family who don’t eat meat but still enjoy fish, and smoked salmon makes an ideal alternative to typical meat served on a charcuterie board.

In this post you’ll find lots of information so you can make your own smoked salmon charcuterie board including a shopping list, preparation information and how to assemble your board.

You can find more amazing charcuterie board ideas in our ideas section of the site.

Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board Shopping List

There are many options of ingredients you can use to make a smoked salmon charcuterie board. In general, the ingredients we chose for this board all fall into the savory category. You should plan some colorful fresh vegetables that work well with the salty salmon: cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles onions, and capers. These ingredients all make a very colorful board.

You will also want to include some ingredients that can be used to hold the smoked salmon – crackers, thinly sliced bread, or even mini bagels also work well. Cream cheese is a must, and you can also add a few other types of cheese either to spread or in cubes.

Here is a list of ingredients we used to create this smoked salmon charcuterie board:

• Hard-boiled eggs add a creamy and protein-rich element to your smoked salmon charcuterie board.
• Cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch and mild flavor that complements the smokiness of the salmon.
• Purple onions lend a subtle, sweet oniony bite to balance the flavors on your charcuterie board.
• Tomatoes offer juicy bursts of freshness and acidity when paired with the other ingredients.
• Lemon slices provide zesty brightness and a hint of citrus to enhance the overall taste.
• Smoked salmon, the star of the board, offers rich, savory, and smoky notes that delight the palate.
• Capers add a briny and slightly tangy kick that pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon.
• Cheddar cheese contributes a sharp and robust flavor to contrast the other milder elements.
• Cream cheese offers a creamy, indulgent spread that complements the salmon and crackers.
• Crackers serve as a crispy canvas for building delicious bites on your charcuterie board.
• Pickles deliver a tangy, crunchy element that offers a delightful contrast to the other flavors.
• Parsley or another herb, used as a garnish, adds a touch of greenery and a hint of freshness to your presentation.

Prepping Your Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board

Assembling your charcuterie board only takes a few minutes. You will want to start with prepping your fresh ingredients. Remember to cut your vegetables into a size that can fit on the crackers or bread – think small enough for a bite or two, but big enough to be picked up.

You will want to cut up your tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, lemons, onions, and cheddar cheese.

We also used two different types of smoked salmon for this charcuterie board. If you are using the flatter salmon, this can simply be placed on the board, but if you have a bigger piece of salmon, you can cut this into smaller slices that can be easily picked up and put onto crackers.

If you are feeling ambitious, you can also make your own delicious smoked salmon.

How to Create a Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board

Once you’ve prepped your ingredients, assembling your smoked salmon charcuterie board is easy. We used a fish-shaped cutting board for a fun base for our charcuterie board, but you can use any board you have available. You will want a medium sized board for this smoked salmon charcuterie board. A cutting board or a platter also makes an excellent base for this charcuterie board. Start by placing the larger items on the board.

I always like to place the bowls on the platter first as this gives you some anchors to work with. Next, lay out the larger items starting with the smoked salmon itself. Since these ingredients are generally meant to be stacked they will likely all be about the same size. Since this smoked salmon charcuterie board is so colorful, I adjusted the board several times to split up the colorful items – note how the lemons, yellow tomatoes, and eggs are all in different areas on the board.

The goal is to cover the entire board with fresh and colorful ingredients. Don’t forget a few spoons or knives to help people serve the smoked salmon. This charcuterie board should be served with napkins or small plates as assembling and eating this can be a bit messy.

Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board Recipe

Common Questions about Making a Smoked Salmon Charcuterie Board

What type of smoked salmon should I use for a charcuterie board?

You can use either hot-smoked or cold-smoked salmon, depending on your preference. Cold-smoked salmon has a silky texture and milder flavor, while hot-smoked salmon is firmer with a more robust, smoky taste. Choose the one that suits your taste and the overall theme of your board.

Can I prepare a smoked salmon charcuterie board in advance?

Yes, you can prepare several components of the board in advance. You can slice the vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, and even the smoked salmon ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the charcuterie board shortly before serving to keep the crackers and smoked salmon fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.

What are some creative variations for a smoked salmon charcuterie board?

You can get creative with your charcuterie board by adding unique elements such as flavored cream cheeses (e.g., dill or chive), different types of smoked salmon (e.g., beet-cured or whiskey-infused), or artisanal crackers and bread. Experiment with various cheeses, like smoked gouda or herbed goat cheese, to provide a diverse and exciting selection.

What wines or beverages pair well with a smoked salmon charcuterie board?

Light and crisp wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or sparkling wines such as Champagne or Prosecco complement the flavors of a smoked salmon charcuterie board. For non-alcoholic options, consider sparkling water with a twist of citrus, iced tea, or a refreshing fruit punch to accompany your board.

Other Charcuterie Boards