Christmas Smoked Salmon: 10 Festive Delights to Discover

As Christmas approaches, menu selection becomes a decisive moment to forge lasting memories around the table. Smoked salmon , with its festive character and delicate flavor, naturally stands out as a preferred choice. Whether it is a sophisticated appetizer with appetizers , a refined starter accompanied by toasts or a savory main course , smoked salmon promises to add a touch of elegance to your festive meals. Discover delicious smoked salmon recipes for an unforgettable New Year's Eve .

Star of the Christmas table: Why is smoked salmon a must?

Smoked salmon occupies a special place on Christmas tables , popular for many reasons. First, its popularity in the kitchen is unequivocal: 72% of French people consider it essential to festive meals, reveals a CSA survey for the Entreprises du traiteur frais (EFT). Its many recipes for starters and main courses appeal to guests at every holiday .

This fish is distinguished by its subtle and refined taste , as well as its remarkable nutritional qualities . A rich source of proteins, minerals and vitamins , including vitamin D and E , it is also beneficial for health thanks to its content of omega-3 fatty acids , essential for the heart and the immune system. Incorporate smoked salmon into your salad or terrine recipes to maximize its nutritional benefits.

Its ability to be used in various cooking preparations , such as gravlax, tartare or ceviche, makes it a versatile ingredient appreciated for its freshness and flavor. This variety of recipes allows you to personalize your party dishes and amaze your guests with new and exotic flavors, whether in terrines , blinis or pasta accompaniments.

The versatility of smoked salmon also contributes to its success in the kitchen . It fits perfectly into every stage of the festive meal, whether as a starter , main course or appetizer . Its attractive aesthetic, with its beautiful color and delicate texture, makes it an ingredient as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate . Explore various recipes on Pinterest to surprise your guests with smoked salmon.

In addition, its ability to pair with a variety of ingredients such as apples , cabbages , or eggs , opens the door to diverse and original recipes . The combination of smoked salmon with avocado, cream cheese, or asparagus, for example, offers endless culinary possibilities , including salads, toasts, and many other dishes, thus meeting all tastes. This adaptability makes it ideal for holiday meals, where food preferences vary greatly.

To top it all off, the simplicity of making homemade smoked salmon, mastering the cooking process and using the right salt with equipment like a bell grill, can add a unique and personal touch to your holiday preparations. This artisanal approach shows your expertise as a chef and gets your guests excited.

Finally, the choice between farmed and wild salmon can impact the quality and food safety of your cooking recipes . Farmed salmon, although often less valued, has significant advantages in terms of omega-3 content and less contamination by pollutants and heavy metals, making it a healthier and safer option for consumers. Used in recipes such as gravlax or accompanied by various sauces , it adapts to several festive dishes.

1. Smoked salmon toasts and their touch of elegance

Smoked salmon toasts are an elegant and simple starter for any festive meal. Discover tasty recipes for these sophisticated appetizers, perfect for an aperitif , that will make your Christmas smoked salmon starter an unforgettable start to the evening.

1.1. Salmon toasts with avocado cream and dill

Pair smoked salmon with the sweetness of avocado cream and the freshness of dill for an exquisite blend of flavors. Start by toasting slices of country bread or baguette. Then spread a generous layer of avocado cream on each toast , before arranging slices of smoked salmon on top. Here is a smoked salmon and avocado starter recipe that will conquer the palates of your guests at Christmas.

Sprinkle with fresh dill and drizzle with lemon for an explosion of flavors. This recipe, in addition to being irresistibly good, is also a feast for the eyes, making it perfect for your Christmas aperitifs. An original starter with smoked salmon that starts your celebrations with panache.

1.2. Homemade blinis and smoked salmon, revisited classics

Opt for a sophisticated take on traditional toast with homemade blinis topped with smoked salmon. These cooking recipes add a touch of finesse to your Christmas aperitif .

Prepare your blinis according to a recipe of your choice or opt for ready-made blinis. Spread them with a layer of cream cheese or cream, then add slices of smoked salmon. For an extra touch of luxury, stir in salmon roe or truffle slices according to your preference. Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. This combination of textures and flavors, worthy of a chef , is guaranteed to seduce your guests and add a touch of opulence to your aperitif .

Festive verrines with smoked salmon

Verrines are a great way to present smoked salmon in an elegant and appetizing way, ideal for festive meals. Here are two festive verrine recipes that highlight this delicious ingredient , including mousses and refined sauces.

Smoked salmon mousse and green apple verrine

For this recipe , you can combine smoked salmon with cream cheese and herbs to create a creamy mousse. Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces and mix it with cream cheese (such as St Môret or Philadelphia), crème fraîche, lemon juice, and herbs such as dill and chives. This preparation is perfect for your verrine recipes for New Year's Eve .

Spoon a layer of mousse into the verrine glasses, then add cubes of green apple for a touch of freshness and crunch. Season lightly with salt before finishing with a few pieces of smoked salmon and a sprig of dill for decoration.

This verrine is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for your Christmas appetizers . Its mix of colors and textures makes it a gourmet bite appreciated by all.

Smoked salmon tartare, mango and avocado in a glass

This recipe is a more exotic and refreshing variation, perfect for the holiday season. Make a tartare by mashing the pulp of an avocado in a bowl and adding chopped pieces of smoked salmon, finely diced mango, a little lemon juice, and herbs like dill and chives.

Place a layer of this preparation in the verrine glasses, then add a layer of fresh cheese mixed with a little water or cream to thin it out.

Finish with pieces of smoked salmon and a few sprigs of chives. This verrine offers a combination of flavors and textures that will be sure to please your guests during Christmas celebrations.

3. Smoked salmon rolls, spiral pleasures

Smoked salmon rolls offer an elegant and delicious presentation of this ingredient, ideal for your festive meals. Discover two recipes that highlight the versatility and refined taste of smoked salmon, perfect for an aperitif or a sophisticated starter .

3.1. Smoked salmon rolls with cream cheese and chives

This simple and elegant recipe is perfect as an appetizer or cold starter. You will need 4 slices of smoked salmon, 4 tablespoons of thick crème fraîche (Philadelphia type), chopped chives and a pinch of salt .

Cut the salmon slices into rectangles and cut the excess into small squares. Mix these squares with the crème fraîche and chives, then season with pepper and salt to taste. Spread this mixture on the salmon slices and roll them up carefully.

Secure the rolls with a sprig of chives and keep them chilled until ready to serve. This delicious and visually appealing recipe is perfect for dazzling your guests at Christmas parties .

3.2. Rolled salmon logs, herb and lemon garnish

For an even more refined and aromatic version, try rolled salmon logs with a herb and lemon filling. You will need fresh goat cheese, liquid cream, olive oil, herbs such as dill and chives, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add Espelette pepper for a spicy note to this recipe .

Lay a slice of salmon on cling film and place a roll of goat cheese stuffing in the centre. Roll the salmon tightly around the stuffing using the cling film. Let it rest in the fridge for about an hour before slicing. This essential step of the recipe requires precision, worthy of a chef .

Garnish each slice with a caper and a sprig of dill, and serve with a squeeze of lemon or a light sauce to add a touch of freshness . This recipe is perfect for an elegant appetizer or a gourmet starter.

4. Festive salads with smoked salmon

Salads are a great way to incorporate smoked salmon into a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for the Christmas festivities. Discover two festive salad recipes below that showcase smoked salmon, creating a must-try Christmas smoked salmon salad recipe .

4.1. Nordic salad with smoked salmon, potatoes and hard-boiled eggs

This Nordic salad offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making it ideal for festive meals. Start by cooking the firm-fleshed potatoes , controlling the cooking to preserve their texture, then cut them in half or into quarters once cooled.

Add to this sliced ​​hard-boiled eggs , strips of smoked salmon and nasturtium capers for a touch that is both salty and tangy.

Make a creamy sauce by mixing smooth fromage blanc, mustard, chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For a touch of freshness , don't hesitate to add lemon zest and juice. Arrange all the ingredients harmoniously on the plates and top them with this creamy sauce for a brilliant presentation of your Christmas smoked salmon.

This salad, both satisfying and simple to prepare , is a great choice for your holiday menus .

FAQ

What is the best way to serve smoked salmon to maximize its aromas and flavors during the Christmas holidays?

To optimize the aromas and flavors of smoked salmon during the Christmas holidays, it is recommended to serve it cold, ideally on blinis or toast with a touch of crème fraîche, dill, and citrus zest. Verrines with fromage blanc, avocado mousse, or colorful sauces are also an excellent option for a visually appealing presentation and a combination of refined flavors.

How to properly store smoked salmon once opened to avoid bacterial contamination?

To properly store smoked salmon once opened, store it in the refrigerator at a temperature between 0 and 4°C. Wrap it in cling film or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. It should not be kept for more than 2 days once opened.

Is it possible to freeze smoked salmon before Christmas, and if so, how do you do it correctly?

Yes, it is possible to freeze smoked salmon before Christmas. Make sure the salmon has not been defrosted beforehand and is not marked "Do not freeze". Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum-pack it and place it in the freezer at -18°C. To defrost, place it in the refrigerator 12 to 24 hours before consumption, or immerse it in cold water, changing the water every 20 minutes.

What are the best white wines to accompany smoked salmon at a festive meal?

To accompany smoked salmon at a festive meal, the best white wines are Pouilly-Fumé, Sancerre, and Riesling from Alsace, which offer refreshing acidity and delicate aromas. A light and fruity Chardonnay from Burgundy, with little oak, is also a great option. Pinot Gris from Alsace and Chablis Grand Cru or Premier Cru are also recommended for their balance and freshness.