Layered with smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs, this smoked salmon sandwich is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed meal. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this healthy sandwich is high in protein, rich in fiber, and filled with healthy fats.
How to Make the Best Smoked Salmon Sandwich:
While you can certainly use any combination of ingredients you enjoy, I think the classic combination of cream cheese, cucumber, and smoked salmon makes the best sandwich. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread: While any bread will work, dark and whole-grain bread such as rye and pumpernickel are particularly tasty with smoked salmon. Both fresh bread and toast will work well in this sandwich.
- Smoked Salmon: You can’t make a smoked salmon sandwich without smoked salmon! Classic smoked salmon, gravlax or lox will all work well.
- Cream Cheese: While cream cheese is a fan favorite, soft cheeses like goat cheese and brie also pair nicely with smoked salmon. You can also swap the cheese for sour cream for a more Scandinavian touch.
- Cucumber: A few slices of cucumber help to add a nice crunch to the sandwich.
- Dill and Chives: A few fresh herbs such as dill and/or chives add some fragrance. The herbs can be sprinkled into the sandwich or mixed directly into the cream cheese.
- Capers: While completely optional, a handful of capers helps to add a nice salty contrast.
- Red Onion: Some thinly sliced red onion adds a pop of color and a nice vinegary bite.
Prefer a smoked salmon bagel? No problem! Just swap the bread for a bagel and layer the ingredients for an epic bagel sandwich.
What kind of cheese goes with smoked salmon?
Smoked salmon pairs best with soft, spreadable cheeses such as goat cheese, cream cheese, or whipped feta cheese. More traditional Scandinavian smørrebrød recipes will serve smoked salmon with sour cream or cheese and sour cream blends.
Are salmon sandwiches healthy?
Absolutely! Smoked salmon is a good source of protein and healthy fats, specifically omega-3 fatty acids and, when made with whole-grain bread, cheese, and vegetables, a smoked salmon sandwich is a well-balanced meal complete with fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, fat, and flavor.
This smoked salmon sandwich is quick and easy to prepare and works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you want to make this sandwich ahead of time, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, while it will keep longer, it’s best to eat it within a day to ensure the bread doesn’t get soggy.
More Healthy Sandwich Recipes:

Smoked Salmon Sandwich
This healthy smoked salmon sandwich with cream cheese is packed full of flavor and works well for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 0 minutes
-
Total Time: 10 minutes
-
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
-
Category: Sandwich
-
Method: By Hand
-
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread, whole grain or rye bread
- 2 ounces smoked salmon
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese
- 6 cucumber slices
- 2 red onion slices
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
- 1 handful arugula
- 2 teaspoons dill, fresh, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chives, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Lay both pieces of bread on a cutting board.
- Spread half of the cream cheese on one slice, sprinkle with arugula, dill, chives and capers (optional), then top with smoked salmon, sliced cucumber and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Spread the remaining cream cheese onto the other slice of bread and then top onto the other slice to make a sandwich.
- This sandwich can be served immediately or wrapped in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or stored in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 521 calories
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Fat: 23 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 42 grams
Leave a Review