Smoked Salmon Board Recipe

Toast Bialys

Split the bialys and lightly toast cut sides until golden but still tender, 2–3 minutes in a toaster or under a broiler. Keep warm wrapped in a clean towel.

Slice Vegetables

Thinly slice the cucumber into rounds (about 1/8" thick). Thinly slice the red onion into rings and separate. If using roma tomatoes, cut into 1/2" wedges; if using cherry tomatoes, halve them.

Drain Capers

Place capers in a small sieve and rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess brine; pat dry on paper towel.

Make/Season Herbed Cream Cheese

If not using ready-made, stir together 1 cup softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill (reserve sprigs for garnish), 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil over the top.

Season Tomatoes and Cucumbers

Toss the sliced tomatoes and cucumbers lightly with the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a bowl to bring out flavor.

Choose a large serving board or platter. Place the bowl of herbed cream cheese on one side as an anchor. Arrange the toasted bialy halves nearby, slightly overlapping.

Fan or fold the smoked salmon slices into loose rosettes or ribbons and arrange them in one or two clusters on the board so guests can easily take pieces.

Place the cucumber slices and tomato pieces in separate piles or small stacks near the salmon. Scatter the red onion rings beside the tomatoes and cucumbers.

Scatter the drained capers across the board in small piles or in a little dish. Add optional caperberries or cornichons to the optional accoutrements area.

Tuck lemon wedges, dill sprigs, and thyme sprigs around the board for freshness and presentation. Sprinkle the remaining chopped chives over the cream cheese and salmon lightly. Finish with an extra crack of black pepper over the salmon if desired.

Provide small spoons for the herbed cream cheese, forks or tongs for the salmon, and butter for the bialys if using. Serve immediately so the bialys remain warm and components are fresh.