Smoked Salmon Flatbread

This quick and easy meal can easily be made no-cook or with no kitchen set-up whatsoever. Packed with salty and savory flavors and varying textures, the smoked salmon is the star of the show. Serve as a light meal or appetizer for a crowd!

WHAT’S NEW?

Well, hello! Apologies for being MIA – it has been a busy few weeks of a milestone birthday (my 11th celebration of my 29th!) and a bucket list trip to Banff in Alberta, Canada. Also known as the Canadiann Rockies, heaven on earth. I returned in time for an abreviated holiday week of work for an extended holiday weekend. We’ve boated, beached, pooled, and thoroughly enjoyed vacationing at home. Not setting an alarm is life-giving…but I may be in trouble come Monday morning! 

With my return to the US, I found that my kids had eaten very basic while I was away – no surprise there. Dining out for 4 days straight had me geared up and ready for the kitchen and I jumped in with a nearly no-bake meal that I served up with a kale salad for a fun lunch al fresco! I love that this Smoked Salmon Flatbread can be served as a light lunch or brunch or double as an elevated appetizer. It’s truly delightful!

ROLL CALL FOR THIS RECIPE

• Weeknight Warrios: This meal is ready in under 20 minutes! Serve as a main course with a salad or soup, if you like.
• Entertainers and Hosts: While simple and easy, this Smoked Salmon Flatbread is also perfect special occasions. Guests will go crazy for this delicious appetizer. 
• Brunch Folks: Serious brunch lovers are all for an elevated savory option on the menu. This flatbread fits the bill perfectly!

KEY INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

• Lavash: I had on hand this ultra-thin flatbread (Joseph’s brand), however feel free to use any store-bought flatbread (naan bread, pita bread, pizza crust, etc) or crispy flatbread to skip the baking! See the FAQ for more information!
• Olive Oil: You can use a olive oil spray, if preferred.
• Cream Cheese: I love using a whipped plain cream cheese because it’s easy to work with and I tend to have it on hand. That said, boursin cheese, goat cheese, or creme fraiche would work great. You can also use an flavored option like an herb cream cheese.
• Herbs: Fresh dill goes beautifully with salmon and capers, however you can use whatever fresh herbs you prefer. Dried dill works well, too.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice ties together all of the flavors; use more or less to your liking. Lemon zest can also be added for extra lemon flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper keep things flavorful and basic, however you can use whatever amounts or variations you desire!
• Salmon: Smoked salmon is easy to find and incredibly healthy and flavorful, requiring no cooking at all. You’ll love its smoky flavor, versatility, and combination with salty capers.
• Onion: Thinly sliced red onion and green onion adds a pop of color and crunch with flavors that pair well with all the other ingredients. Feel free to use or omit.
• Capers: These briney little buds are a fun addition to anything smoked salmon and cream cheese; use or omit – up to you!

NUTRITIONAL MERITS

• Smoked salmon is high in vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids
• This recipe is low in calories with under 300 calories per serving
• Carbohydrate-controlled at under 9 grams per serving  
• Easily made gluten-free

FAQ

You mention this can be a no-bake meal. How can I make this recipe without an oven?

You can use a different flatbread option or cracker to eliminate the baking altogether. Anything from bagel chips to pre-made pizza crusts to wasa crackers will work great to eliminate the need to bake the flatbread.

I’ve never heard of lavash. What is it?

Good question! Lavash is a staple in many Middle Eastern cuisines. It is a large, soft, very pliable flatbread with a neutral flavor. Think of it as a thin naan or a thick tortilla.

I don’t love cold salmon. Can I still make this recipe?
Surely! Use cooked fish or any kind and flake it over the preapred flatbreads. I can see any number of fish working well, including cooked salmon, of course!

VARIATIONS, STORAGE, and TIPS

• Using room temperature cream cheese or other cheese will allow for easier mixing and spreading
• Cut your flatbread on a large cutting board using a butcher knife or pizza cutter
• Make this recipe bite-sized on bagel chips or sliced baguette that has been toasted for easy serving
• Cut this flatbread in any number of ways – triangles and rectangular pieces work great
• This flatbread does not keep particularly well. Serve immediately after preparing for best results

Looking for more lighter fare?

• Cherry Pecan Salad with Goat Cheese and Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Panzanella
• Grilled Summer Vegetable Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Gorgonzola
• Heirloom Tomato Brushetta with Basil Ricotta
• Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato
• Pesto Caprese Panini
• Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
• Avocado and Cottage Cheese Toast
• Zucchini and Corn Summer Salad with Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese
• Grilled Zucchini Goat Cheese Boats

Be well,