Elegant Smoked Salmon Canapés
Indulge in these Elegant Smoked Salmon Canapés, a delightful and sophisticated appetizer perfect for gatherings, cocktail parties, or casual lunches. This recipe features flaky salmon, a creamy sauce enriched with yogurt and capers, and a vibrant layer of peppery watercress, all beautifully assembled between slices of fresh bread. These bite-sized sandwiches not only taste incredible but are also visually appealing, making them an ideal addition to any appetizer platter. Share these delightful canapés with friends and family and enjoy their delicious flavors together!
48
Servings
50
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh skinless salmon fillet
1 1/4 lbs (thawed if frozen)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
plain yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
red onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
capers
3 tablespoons (drained and chopped)
lemon rind
2 tablespoons (finely shredded)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
firm-textured white bread
24 slices (very thinly sliced, crust removed)
watercress
2 cups (loosely packed, tops rinsed and dried (thick stems))
pimento stuffed olives
to taste (sliced, optional)
Instructions
1
If using frozen salmon, thaw the fillet completely before starting.
2
Measure the thickness of the salmon fillets to determine cooking time.
3
In a large skillet, add 1 1/2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
4
Carefully add the salmon fillets to the boiling water.
5
Once the water returns to a boil, reduce the heat and let the salmon simmer uncovered for about 4 minutes for every half inch of thickness, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.
6
Using a slotted spatula, transfer the cooked salmon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
7
Allow the salmon to cool for 15 minutes; then cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
8
In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, chopped red onion, capers, lemon rind, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
9
Once the salmon is chilled, remove any dark flesh and flake it using a fork.
10
Add the flaked salmon to the mayonnaise mixture and stir gently to combine.
11
Spread an even layer of the salmon salad mixture onto each slice of bread.
12
Top half of the bread slices with a generous layer of watercress.
13
Place the remaining slices of bread on top, spread-side down, creating sandwiches.
14
Cut each sandwich into quarters, shaping them into squares, rectangles, or triangles as desired.
15
If using, top each piece with a slice of pimento-stuffed olive and secure with a decorative pick before serving.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
4.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein source for the Elegant Smoked Salmon Canapés?
The main protein source is 1 1/4 lbs of fresh skinless salmon fillet.
How many individual canapés does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 48 servings when the sandwiches are cut into quarters.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but you must thaw the salmon fillet completely before you begin the poaching process.
How do I cook the salmon for these appetizers?
The salmon is cooked by poaching it in 1 1/2 cups of boiling water in a large skillet.
What is the recommended cooking time for the salmon fillets?
Simmer the salmon uncovered for about 4 minutes for every half inch of thickness.
How can I tell if the poached salmon is done?
The salmon is finished cooking when it flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What should I do with the salmon immediately after cooking?
Transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
How long should the salmon cool before refrigeration?
Allow the salmon to cool for 15 minutes before covering it with plastic wrap.
Does the salmon need to be chilled?
Yes, the salmon should be refrigerated until it is thoroughly chilled before being flaked.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing for the salmon?
The dressing is made of mayonnaise, plain yogurt, chopped red onion, capers, lemon rind, and salt.
How should the red onion be prepared for the salad?
The red onion should be finely chopped before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What preparation is required for the capers?
The capers should be drained and chopped before being added to the mixture.
How much lemon rind is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of finely shredded lemon rind.
What is the best way to flake the salmon?
After removing any dark flesh, use a fork to gently flake the chilled salmon.
What type of bread is used for these canapés?
The recipe suggests 24 slices of firm-textured, very thinly sliced white bread.
Should the crusts be removed from the bread?
Yes, the crusts should be removed from the white bread slices for an elegant presentation.
How do I prepare the watercress for the sandwiches?
Rinse and dry the watercress tops, ensuring that any thick stems are removed.
How much watercress is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of loosely packed watercress tops.
How is the salmon mixture applied to the bread?
Spread an even layer of the salmon salad mixture onto every slice of bread.
What is the assembly order for the sandwiches?
Place watercress on half the bread slices, then top them with the remaining slices, spread-side down.
How should the sandwiches be cut for serving?
Cut each sandwich into quarters to create squares, rectangles, or triangles.
What is the optional garnish for these canapés?
You can top each piece with a slice of pimento-stuffed olive.
How should I secure the olive garnish?
Use a decorative pick to secure the olive slice to the top of the canapé.
How many calories are in one canapé?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each canapé contains 2.5g of fat.
How much protein is in each salmon canapé?
Each serving provides 4.2g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each canapé has 2.5g of carbohydrates.
How much salt is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of the bread used?
The bread should be firm-textured to hold the salmon mixture effectively.
When are these canapés most appropriate to serve?
They are perfect for gatherings, cocktail parties, or as a light casual lunch.