If you love dishes that are elegant yet effortlessly simple, you’re going to adore this Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe. It’s a stunning arrangement of delicate smoked salmon slices dressed with a light, zesty olive oil and lemon dressing, elevated by fresh herbs and vibrant garnishes. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously refreshing appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining or indulging on a sunny afternoon. Each bite delivers silky, smoky salmon balanced with bright, tangy, and crisp accompaniments making it a memorable culinary experience you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe plays an essential role, creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, from the luscious salmon to the bright pops of pomegranate and peppery arugula. Let’s break down what brings this dish to life.
- 500g (1 lb) smoked salmon, thinly sliced: The star of the dish, choose high-quality smoked salmon for silky texture and bold flavor.
- Juice of 1/2 small lemon, freshly squeezed: Adds a fresh, tangy brightness that wakes up the palate.
- A few leaves fresh parsley, finely minced: Brings herbaceous freshness and a mild earthiness.
- 1 dl (1 cup) olive oil, high quality extra virgin: A luscious, fruity dressing base that enriches the salmon without overpowering it.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors; use sparingly to avoid masking the salmon.
- Pepper, to taste, freshly cracked: Adds a hint of warmth and depth to balance the acidity.
- Capers, rinsed: Tiny bursts of briny tang, perfect for cutting through the richness.
- Shavings of fresh fennel: Offers a crunchy, slightly sweet, and aromatic element.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Delivers sharpness and color contrast.
- Arugula: Peppery greens that add a lively texture and slight bitterness.
- Avocado wedges: Creamy, soft texture balancing the lightness of the salmon.
- Pomegranate seeds: Jewel-like, tart bursts that brighten each bite visually and flavorwise.
How to Make Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe
Step 1: Arrange the Salmon Beautifully
Start by laying your thinly sliced smoked salmon on a large plate, letting the slices overlap just a little to create an appealing, layered effect. Serving on a bed of fresh greens like arugula helps emphasize the salmon’s rich color and provides a lovely fresh contrast that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Step 2: Prepare the Perfect Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, a pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. As you whisk, slowly pour in the extra virgin olive oil to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that clings beautifully to the salmon, enriching it with vibrant, zesty notes.
Step 3: Drizzle the Dressing Over Salmon
Gently pour your homemade dressing over the arranged salmon slices. The light drizzle not only heightens the flavor with a fresh acidity and herbaceous touch but also gives the fish a captivating glossy finish that invites you to dive right in.
Step 4: Let the Flavors Marry
Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This simple step is key — it lets the dressing meld with the salmon, softening the smokiness and bringing each flavor into perfect harmony before the first bite.
Step 5: Add Garnishes for Texture and Color
Sprinkle capers, fennel shavings, thinly sliced red onions, avocado wedges, arugula, and pomegranate seeds over the top. Each garnish adds a new dimension, from crispy crunch to creamy richness to bursts of tang that transform this Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe into a dazzling gourmet experience.
Step 6: Serve with Complementary Sides
Complete your presentation with crusty bread slices or crunchy rice crackers on the side. These provide a wonderful textural contrast and allow your guests to scoop up the carpaccio, making every bite a delightful balance of softness, crunch, and zest.
How to Serve Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe
Garnishes
Choosing the perfect garnishes is as fun as it is delicious. The traditional capers bring bursts of salty tang, while fennel shavings add subtle crunch and aromatic sweetness. Red onion slices introduce a sharp bite, and vibrant pomegranate seeds not only look stunning but provide a surprising pop of tartness that balances the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Light, simple side dishes work best with this Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe. Think freshly toasted rustic bread, crispy rice crackers, or even a delicate mixed green salad. These sides don’t compete with the fish but instead complement it, offering texture and helping mop up every last bit of the luscious dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the carpaccio on individual small plates or chilled slate boards, garnished artistically for a high-end feel. You can also roll the salmon slices around avocado wedges for mini bites or layer the components in delicate glass cups for a chic, layered appetizer that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the delicate nature of smoked salmon and fresh garnishes, consume within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing smoked salmon carpaccio isn’t recommended, as it can alter the texture and freshness of the fish and garnishes once thawed. To enjoy it at its best, aim to prepare and serve this dish fresh.
Reheating
This dish is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve the delicate flavors and silky texture. Reheating is not advised because warm temperatures can toughen the salmon and diminish the bright, fresh experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked salmon for this recipe?
Traditional Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe relies on the smoky flavor and silky texture of smoked salmon, but you can substitute with very fresh, sashimi-grade salmon sliced thinly. Just be sure to keep the fish chilled and handle it carefully for safety and the best taste.
What if I don’t have fresh fennel or pomegranate seeds?
Don’t worry! You can omit these or replace fennel with thin slices of cucumber for crunch, and use fresh herbs like dill instead of pomegranate seeds for added color and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely! The Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe’s elegant presentation and vibrant flavors make it a fantastic starter that’s sure to impress guests with minimal effort on your part.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon and olive oil dressing a few hours in advance, just keep it refrigerated and whisk it again before drizzling over the salmon to re-emulsify.
How important is the quality of olive oil in this recipe?
The olive oil is a key player in marrying the flavors and adding richness, so using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil really elevates the dish. It adds fruity notes that complement the salmon perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels luxurious without fuss, this Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a delightful harmony of fresh, bold, and delicate flavors that come together in minutes yet make a lasting impression. Next time you want to treat yourself or wow your friends, give this beautiful recipe a try—it’s bound to become one of your favorites too.
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Carpaccio Di Salmone Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Carpaccio Di Salmone is a light and elegant Italian appetizer featuring thinly sliced smoked salmon dressed in a fresh lemon and parsley vinaigrette. Served with vibrant garnishes like capers, avocado, fennel, red onion, arugula, and pomegranate seeds, this no-cook dish is perfect for a quick yet refined starter that combines delightful flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1/2 small lemon, freshly squeezed
- A few leaves fresh parsley, finely minced
- 1 dl (1 cup) olive oil, high quality extra virgin
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste, freshly cracked
Garnishes
- Capers, rinsed
- Shavings of fresh fennel
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Arugula
- Avocado wedges
- Pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Arrange Salmon Slices: Neatly place the thin slices of smoked salmon on a serving plate, overlapping them slightly to create an appealing presentation. For extra visual appeal and flavor, serve the salmon over a bed of fresh greens such as arugula.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced parsley, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the high-quality extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the mixture into a smooth dressing that coats the back of a spoon.
- Dress the Salmon: Gently drizzle the prepared lemon and parsley dressing over the salmon slices, ensuring an even glistening coating that enhances both flavor and aroma.
- Let Flavors Marinate: Allow the dressed salmon to rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Add Garnishes: Top the salmon with your selection of garnishes such as rinsed capers, fresh fennel shavings, thinly sliced red onion, arugula, avocado wedges, and pomegranate seeds. These garnishes add contrasting textures and flavor complexity.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Pair the carpaccio with crusty bread slices or rice crackers to provide complementary textures and a satisfying contrast to the tender salmon.
Notes
- Use the highest quality smoked salmon available for the best flavor.
- The dressing can be adjusted to your taste, adding more lemon juice for acidity or olive oil for richness.
- Allowing the salmon to sit briefly with the dressing helps to enhance the flavor but avoid leaving it too long to maintain freshness.
- The garnishes are flexible; feel free to include or omit based on seasons and preferences.
- Serve immediately after garnishing to enjoy the freshest taste and texture.
