📝 About This Recipe
This stunning platter celebrates the clean, sophisticated flavors of Scandinavia, focusing on high-quality proteins and fats without a grain of added sugar. Silky ribbons of cold-smoked Atlantic salmon are paired with a house-whipped lemon and dill cream cheese, creating a decadent yet light breakfast experience. It is a visually arresting centerpiece that proves savory, sugar-free mornings can be the most indulgent of all.
🥗 Ingredients
The Fish
- 12 ounces Smoked Salmon (high-quality, cold-smoked, thinly sliced)
Whipped Herbed Cream Cheese
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (full-fat, softened to room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Chives (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (from an organic lemon)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Garden Accents
- 1/2 English Cucumber (thinly sliced into rounds)
- 1/4 small Red Onion (shaved into paper-thin half-moons)
- 2 tablespoons Capers (drained and patted dry)
- 3-4 pieces Radishes (thinly sliced for crunch)
- 1 large Avocado (sliced just before serving)
Sugar-Free Foundations & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning (ensure it is a sugar-free blend)
- 1 Lemon (cut into wedges)
- 1 sprig Fresh Parsley (for decoration)
- 1 box Flax Seed Crackers (or keto-friendly sugar-free crispbreads)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by preparing the whipped cream cheese. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, chives, lemon zest, and cracked black pepper.
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2
Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the cream cheese mixture for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light, airy, and easily spreadable.
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3
Transfer the whipped cream cheese into a small decorative ramekin or bowl. Use a spoon to create an inviting swirl on top and set aside.
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4
Prepare your vegetables. Slice the cucumber and radishes into uniform rounds. Use a mandoline for the red onion to ensure they are translucent and mild.
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5
If the capers are particularly salty, rinse them under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with a paper towel to maintain their pop.
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6
Select a large wooden board or a slate platter. Place the ramekin of cream cheese slightly off-center to anchor the design.
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7
Artfully drape the smoked salmon slices next to the cream cheese. Fold them loosely to create height and texture rather than laying them flat.
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8
Fan out the cucumber slices in a semi-circle around the edge of the board, followed by a layer of the crisp radish rounds.
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9
Tuck the shaved red onions into the gaps between the salmon folds to allow guests to pick up as much or as little as they like.
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10
Slice the avocado at the very last moment to prevent browning. Arrange the slices on the board and give them a tiny squeeze of lemon juice.
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11
Scatter the capers and the Everything Bagel Seasoning generously over the salmon and the cream cheese.
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12
Nestle the lemon wedges and sugar-free crackers or crispbreads into the remaining spaces on the platter.
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13
Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill and parsley for a final touch of vibrant green.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free whipped texture. To mellow the bite of the red onions, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then pat dry before serving. Check your 'Everything Bagel Seasoning' label carefully, as some commercial brands sneak in sugar or honey granules. If you cannot find sugar-free crackers, use hollowed-out cucumber slices or sturdy endive leaves as natural, crunchy vehicles for the salmon.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of black coffee or a light roast Earl Grey tea. Serve alongside soft-boiled 'jammy' eggs for extra protein and richness. A chilled glass of sparkling water with a splash of apple cider vinegar makes a refreshing, sugar-free morning tonic. For a brunch setting, offer a side of fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries, which are naturally lower in sugar.