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20 Delicious Smoked Salmon Recipes for Christmas

Last updated Jan 9, 2026 by Jessica Montanelli

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collage of smoked salmon recipes for christmas.

Smoked salmon is a holiday favorite, bringing rich flavors, elegant appeal, and a bit of sophistication to the Christmas table. Whether you're looking for appetizers, main dishes, or unique ways to elevate your breakfast spread, these 20 Smoked Salmon Recipes perfect for Christmas will have you covered.

collage of smoked salmon recipes for christmas.
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Jump to:
  • Why Smoked Salmon is Perfect for Christmas
  • Tips for Serving Smoked Salmon at Christmas
  • APPETIZERS
  • Smoked Salmon Canapes
  • Smoked Salmon and Avocado Tartare
  • Smoked Salmon Wreath
  • Smoked Salmon Platter
  • Savoury Choux Buns with Smoked Salmon
  • Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Appetizer
  • Smoked Salmon Crostini
  • Smoked Salmon Dip
  • Smoked Salmon Caviar Appetizer
  • Easy Smoked Salmon Tart
  • Smoked Salmon, Crackers And Cream Cheese Platter
  • Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bites
  • Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
  • MAIN COURSES
  • Smoked Salmon Ricotta Ravioli
  • Smoked Salmon Pasta Rolls
  • Smoked Salmon Crepes
  • Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Mascarpone & Peas
  • Smoked Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese
  • Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette
  • Smoked Salmon Flatbread
  • FAQs about Smoked Salmon

Why Smoked Salmon is Perfect for Christmas

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. 

Smoked salmon is both flavorful and versatile, making it a great ingredient for festive meals. It's packed with omega-3 fatty acids, adds a touch of luxury to your table, and pairs wonderfully with holiday classics like cream cheese, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables. These recipes are designed to help you make the most of smoked salmon's unique taste, offering ideas for every meal and occasion over the Christmas holiday.

Tips for Serving Smoked Salmon at Christmas

  1. Choose High-Quality Smoked Salmon
    For the best flavor, opt for high-quality smoked salmon. Look for a brand you trust, and try to find wild-caught salmon when possible.
  2. Pair with Fresh Herbs and Citrus
    Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and chives complement smoked salmon beautifully. A squeeze of lemon juice or zest adds brightness.
  3. Keep the Presentation Simple
    Smoked salmon has a beautiful color and texture on its own. Arrange it on platters with minimal decoration, using garnishes like lemon slices or dill sprigs.
  4. Balance Richness with Lighter Ingredients
    Smoked salmon is rich, so pair it with lighter ingredients such as cucumber, arugula, and radishes. This balance keeps dishes from feeling too heavy.

APPETIZERS

Smoked Salmon Canapes

These smoked salmon canapés with cream cheese and lemon zest are the perfect bite-sized appetizers to elevate any holiday gathering. With their fresh, creamy flavor and elegant presentation, these canapés are sure to impress guests and add a touch of sophistication to your table.

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smoked salmon appetizer bites on a plate.
Smoked Salmon Appetizer Bites
Smoked salmon appetizer bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for any gathering. They feature slices of rich, smoky salmon paired with fresh ingredients on small pieces of bread.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 10 minutes minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe
hand holding a smoked salmon appetizer bite.

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Tartare

Smoked salmon avocado tartare is a fresh and flavorful appetizer that combines the creaminess of avocado with the rich, smoky taste of salmon. Perfect for special occasions, this elegant dish is easy to prepare and adds a refined touch to your holiday spread.

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2 portions of smoked salmon tartare with a fork
Smoked Salmon and Avocado Tartare
A quick and easy appetizer with layers of mashed avocado, smoked salmon tartare, and cream cheese with chives. Add a zing with lemon zest and serve it with crunchy tortillas. A perfect start of a meal for an informal or even formal dinner. It's ready in just 15 minutes and you only need 5 ingredients!
time to makeTotal Time to make: 15 minutes minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe
2 portions of smoked salmon tartare with a fork

Smoked Salmon Wreath

This Smoked Salmon Wreath will make a stunning centrepiece for your festive table. Served with a delicious herb and yoghurt sauce, this easy salad is a quick, no-cook, elegant dish. It is a perfect starter for a heavier meal to follow and ideal for entertaining over the Christmas season.

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Smoked Salmon Wreath
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 and light starter.
Check out this recipe
smoked salmon wreath with lemon and salad.

Smoked Salmon Platter

Whether you are serving brunch or an appetizer, this easy Smoked Salmon Platter is the perfect plate! Learn exactly how to create this charcuterie-style smoked salmon with onions, capers, dill and all the right toppings for loading onto bagels or crostini.

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Easy Smoked Salmon Platter
Easy Smoked Salmon Platter
This easy Smoked Salmon Platter is the perfect plate for brunch! It's a charcuterie-style presentation with onions, capers, dill, and more. Serve thinly sliced smoked salmon with all the best and tastiest accompaniments - and make it beautiful! Everyone at the party will be able to make their own bagel (or crostini) with lox or smoked salmon - exactly the way they like it.
Check out this recipe
platter with smoked salmon, eggs, and veggies.

Savoury Choux Buns with Smoked Salmon

Airy, fairly giant savoury choux buns with smoked salmon and the lightest filling of crème fraîche, grated apple and lemon - without the cream cheese. An elegant way to serve smoked salmon as a dinner party starter or appetizer - or as canapés for parties.

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Savoury choux buns with smoked salmon
Savoury choux buns with smoked salmon
Savoury choux buns with smoked salmon and a light apple cream filling. Easy, elegant dinner party starter or serve as mini bites for parties.
Check out this recipe
choux buns filled with smoked salmon and sauce on a plate.

Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Appetizer

Smoked salmon and goat cheese appetizers couldn't be easier. If you want a last minute appetizer that will still impress, this is the recipe for you.

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Ketie's Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Appetizers
Ketie's Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Appetizers
Smoked salmon and goat cheese appetizers couldn't be easier. If you want a last minute appetizer that will still impress, this is the recipe for you.
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Crostini

These simple but delicious Smoked Salmon Crostini are the perfect snack or appetizer for any gathering! Perfect for baby showers, bridal showers and the holidays!

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Smoked Salmon Crostini
Smoked Salmon Crostini
These smoked salmon crostini are so elegant and yet surprisingly simple to make. They are a perfect appetizer for gatherings. They are also perfect for holiday get togethers! These simple but delicious Smoked Salmon Crostini are the perfect snack or appetizer for any gathering! Perfect for baby showers, bridal showers and the holidays!
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Dip

Growing tired of the same old meatball or dip appetizer when throwing a party? This Smoked Salmon Dip is elegant, packed with flavor and super simple to throw together.

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BEST Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
BEST Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
In under 10 minutes you can have an elegant and delicious crowd-pleasing dip with this EASY Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe! Great for parties!
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Caviar Appetizer

Time to get fancy with this delicious smoked salmon caviar appetizer. Perfect to serve for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Eve, this simple recipe is sure to impress your guests.

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Smoked Salmon Caviar Appetizer
Smoked Salmon Caviar Appetizer
These salmon and caviar appetisers are perfect for any dinner party. Luxurious and decadent, they only take 15minutes to make
Check out this recipe

Easy Smoked Salmon Tart

This easy Smoked Salmon Tart will add a touch of sophistication to your lunch, brunch, or any celebration! A light and flaky puff pastry crust gets layered with a lemon caper cream cheese and buttery smoked salmon for a simple yet elegant tart that's perfect for special occasions and is ready in 30 minutes!

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Easy Smoked Salmon Tart
Easy Smoked Salmon Tart
This easy Smoked Salmon Tart is a simple yet elegant brunch dish that's perfect for special occasions and is ready in 30 minutes! This simple puff pastry tart is a crowd-pleasing recipe that can be served as a light meal, snack, or fancy hors d'oeuvres. Light and flaky puff pastry gets topped with a tangy cream cheese mixture and salty smoked salmon for a simple, yet elegant tart that's guaranteed to impress.
Check out this recipe
serving dish with smoked salmon puff pastry tarts.

Smoked Salmon, Crackers And Cream Cheese Platter

Smoked salmon makes a delicious appetizer for almost any occasion and this smoked salmon, crackers and cream cheese platter is no exception. An easy to make smoked salmon platter lets everyone garnish their own salmon appetizer bites. Luxurious yet simple, this appetizer board is quick and easy, can be made ahead and is easy to transport too.

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Smoked Salmon, Crackers And Cream Cheese Platter
Smoked Salmon, Crackers And Cream Cheese Platter
A quick and easy smoked salmon, crackers and cream cheese platter with lots of ideas for flavorful garnishes is a crowd pleasing appetizer.
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bites

Smoked salmon and cream cheese pairs perfectly with a briny olive and tangy lemon. It's a great combination! Bonus? It only take 10 minutes to make!

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Smoked Salmon Bites
Smoked Salmon Bites
This easy recipe only takes 10 minutes to make with just four ingredients! Perfect for your next party or gathering and a delicious low carb bite! #smokedsalmon #canape #appetizer #salmonappetizer
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Impress your guests with these easy and delicious smoked salmon cucumber bites. With a light and refreshing flavor, they are the perfect healthy appetizer for any occasion.

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Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites
Impress your guests with these easy and delicious smoked salmon cucumber bites. With a light and refreshing flavor, they are the perfect healthy appetizer for any occasion.
Check out this recipe
serving plate with cucumber slices topped with cheese and salmon.

MAIN COURSES

Smoked Salmon Ricotta Ravioli

Smoked salmon and ricotta ravioli brings together delicate homemade pasta with a rich, creamy filling of smoked salmon and ricotta. This luxurious dish makes an impressive main course, ideal for festive gatherings and holiday dinners.

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overhead plate with salmon ravioli in cream sauce
Ricotta and Smoked Salmon Ravioli
A creamy filling of smoked salmon and Italian Ricotta cheese make these ravioli the star of the meal. Serve them with a lemon cream sauce.
time to makeTotal Time to make: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
4.87 from 15 votes
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Pasta Rolls

These divine baked smoked salmon pasta rosettes make a great dish to impress guests. Based on a traditional pasta bake from Emilia-Romagna, this recipe calls for lasagne sheets, stracchino (crescenza) cheese, smoked salmon (if possible sockeye salmon), parsley, béchamel and grated Parmigiano. Perfect as an appetizer, starter or main course.

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Smoked Salmon Pasta Rosettes (rolls)
Smoked Salmon Pasta Rosettes (rolls)
These divine Italian baked smoked salmon pasta rosettes make the the perfect dish to impress guests. Serve as a starter or main course.
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Crepes

Smoked Salmon Crepes have gently scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and shallot in delicate crepes with a creamy white wine béchamel sauce. This salmon crepe recipe is special and elegant, yet easy and approachable. Both the white wine sauce and crepes can be made in advance, and the decadent smoked salmon scrambled egg filling is ready in minutes.

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Smoked Salmon Crepes
Smoked Salmon Crepes
Smoked Salmon Crepes recipe has salmon, eggs, shallot, and cheese in crepes with white wine sauce. This special recipe is elegant but easy.
Check out this recipe
thin crepe filled with smoked salmon and eggs on a plate.

Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Mascarpone & Peas

Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Mascarpone & Peas- an easy meal you will make often! This dish may sound fancy until you see it takes about 30 minutes to prepare!

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Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Mascarpone & Peas
Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Mascarpone & Peas
Creamy Smoked Salmon Pasta with Mascarpone and Peas- an easy meal you will make often! Only 30 minutes to prepare with few ingredients!
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese

This Pasta with hot-smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish that is ready in just 20 minutes. It's a simple dinner that feels indulgent without much effort.

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Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese
Easy Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese
This Salmon Pasta with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish that is ready in just 20 minutes. It's simple but feels indulgent & without much effort.
Check out this recipe
fusilli pasta with smoked salmon in a bowl.

Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette

Grab a bowl because all you need is 15 minutes to put together this beautiful, fresh, and incredibly healthy Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette.

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Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette
Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette
Grab a bowl because all you need is 15 minutes to put together this beautiful, fresh, and incredibly healthy Citrus Smoked Salmon Salad with Sweet Orange Mustard Vinaigrette. This smoked salmon salad is so super easy to make and it's even healthier. There is NO cooking, NO need for a million pots or pans, and no guilt after.
Check out this recipe

Smoked Salmon Flatbread

This smoked salmon flatbread is going to be one of the fastest dishes you've ever made. Quickly bake your flatbread for about five minutes, then assemble. That's it!

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Smoked Salmon Flatbread
Smoked Salmon Flatbread
This smoked salmon flatbread is super quick, like 15 minutes quick, and makes a great lunch, light dinner or party appetizer. It has a great combination of flavors: cold smoked salmon, dill infused cream cheese, capers, fresh tomatoes, arugula and a nice squeeze of lemon juice. It's like your bagels and lox taken to the next level!
Check out this recipe
smoked salmon flatbread slices

FAQs about Smoked Salmon

How long does smoked salmon last in the fridge?

Smoked salmon typically lasts for about 5-7 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I freeze smoked salmon?

Yes, you can freeze smoked salmon. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 6 months in the freezer.

What's the difference between hot-smoked and cold-smoked salmon?

Cold-smoked salmon is cured and smoked at a lower temperature, giving it a delicate, silky texture. Hot-smoked salmon is cooked at a higher temperature, resulting in a flaky texture and a stronger smoky flavor.

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Hi, I'm Jess! Born and raised in Siena, Tuscany, I've been immersed in the rich traditions of Italian cuisine my entire life. Through my food blog, I hope to share a slice of Tuscan warmth and the genuine flavors that have been a part of my journey since childhood.

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