If you are looking for a simple appetizer when you invite guests over, this is it. I love this smoked salmon dish since it is so simple, fun, and delicious. This dish is easy to prepare, and a pretty dish to serve. You can serve this appetizer on a pretty plate with toasted bread points (I like millet bread toasted since there is no gluten) or with an array of (gluten-free) crackers. 

I first found out about this smoked salmon appetizer while living in Paris. My French cousins and my mother's best friend's family as well as my friends living there would often serve this dish with a glass of wine or with a drink before the main meal. You can also find this appetizer in many French bistros, brasseries, cafés, and restaurants. 

This is not a complicated dish, but I thought I would share it here, since I enjoy serving this appetizer often. It is always so satisfying, easy, and fun. A classic. One of my favorite appetizers to serve to guests! The smoked salmon pairs well with a good glass of chilled white wine, and with warm, toasted (gluten free!) bread points. 

Please note that it is super easy to have smoked salmon, capers, lemon, and olive oil stocked in the fridge, and in your pantry. And, if guests come over impromptu style, you will always have a simple appetizer ready to make in minutes! What's not to love? 

In terms of nutritional value, this smoked salmon dish is filled with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin C, and other nutrients. 

A smoked salmon appetizer always works well before serving dinner to guests. It is light, healthy, and fun! 

You can also enjoy smoked salmon for lunch. Just add a beautiful salad!  In a large, pretty salad bowl, add fresh mixed field greens, with a vinaigrette dressing, et voila, you will have a lovely light lunch! Smoked salmon, salad, and warm, toasted millet bread. Simple joys! 

Sometimes simple dishes are the best.  Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon with Capers and Lemon
(serves 4)  •  best served chilled

Ingredients:
• smoked Atlantic Salmon (6 slices, about 8 ounces)
• fresh lemon, one half
• capers, 1 tablespoon
• organic cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
• nasturtium flower, one (for decoration, optional)
• millet bread, 4 slices

1.  In a large serving platter, pretty pottery dish, or large dish, place smoked salmon slices in a fanned display in a circle, overlapping each salmon slice slightly over each other.
2.  Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or a half lemon) drizzled on top of smoked salmon.
3.  Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil drizzled on top of smoked salmon.
4.  Add 1 tablespoon of capers sprinkled on top of smoked salmon.
5.  Place a nasturtium flower on top of smoked salmon for a pretty presentation. 
6.  Toast four pieces of millet bread. Cut toasted bread slices diagonally, into small triangles. Set aside toasted bread points in a separate serving dish. Serve toasted bread warm. 
7.  Chill a bottle of white wine.  Serve appetizer with warm, toasted millet bread points, and chilled glasses of white wine, and toast to life! 

Options:
• use rice bread, gluten-free bread, gluten-free baguettes instead of millet bread. 
• use rice crackers, gluten-free crackers, seed crackers instead of bread.
• sprinkle freshly chopped dill, parsley, chives instead of capers. 
• pair your appetizer with a glass of seltzer water and lemon, or a glass of seltzer water and pomegranate juice, instead of white wine, red wine or an alcoholic beverage.
• chill smoked salmon slices in advance. The smoked salmon can be prepared on a plate in advance and placed in fridge. Once guests arrive, drizzle the chilled plate of smoked salmon with lemon, olive oil, capers.  Serve your salmon appetizer and enjoy!
• add a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side, in a small serving bowl. Serve the prepared smoked salmon appetizer with yogurt and warm (gluten-free!) pancakes or blinis. Top with a sprinkle of fresh dill.
• Always opt for the very best ingredients. 

Enjoy!

april 12, 2017 • recipe 17
a recipe by Carol Giardino • all rights reserved