Elegant Zesty Appetizer

Featured in Ocean fresh catch of the day.

This carpaccio combines silky smoked salmon with crispy fried capers. The bright lemon sauce ties it all together for a perfect balance.

alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:53:01 GMT
Thinly sliced smoked salmon, garnished with fried capers and fresh chives, served alongside toasted bread. Pin it
Thinly sliced smoked salmon, garnished with fried capers and fresh chives, served alongside toasted bread. | tasteofsavor.com

I'm sharing my smoked salmon carpaccio that wows every dinner guest. Silky salmon slices topped with crunchy capers and fresh herbs make an elegant starter bursting with flavor. What truly makes this dish special is how the textures and tastes blend together.

This dish's strong points

I love how the smoky salmon flavor mingles with the salty crunch of fried capers. The herb dressing adds a freshness that makes each bite amazing. When friends drop by, I can whip this up quickly and its restaurant-quality look never fails to get compliments.

What you'll need

  • For the dressing: I mix up a finely chopped shallot, one minced garlic clove, my top-shelf olive oil, whole grain mustard and fresh lemon juice.
  • The crunchy capers: Two tablespoons of capers lightly coated in cassava flour turn into tasty crispy bites.
  • The salmon: 250g of premium smoked salmon cut into 5cm pieces.
  • The finishing touch: Fresh dill, cracked pepper and a few croutons on the side.

How I make it

The ideal dressing
I start by whisking my shallot, garlic, olive oil, mustard and lemon together. I give the flavors a few minutes to blend.
The crunchy capers
My favorite part is turning plain capers into golden nuggets. A light flour coating and a quick fry until they're golden brown.
Putting it all together
I carefully arrange my salmon slices, pour over my tasty dressing, scatter the crispy capers and finish with dill and pepper. A few croutons on the side and it's done.
Smoked salmon plate garnished with capers, shallots and chives, drizzled with olive oil. Pin it
Smoked salmon plate garnished with capers, shallots and chives, drizzled with olive oil. | tasteofsavor.com

My helpful tips

This dish tastes best when served right away. I like to pair it with a crisp white wine or lemon sparkling water. If you need to prep ahead, keep the dressing and crunchy capers separate until the last minute to keep their perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this carpaccio be prepped ahead?

You can make the sauce and fry the capers in advance. For the freshest taste and crispy capers, assemble just before serving.

→ How do you make perfect crispy capers?

Dry the capers thoroughly after rinsing and coat them lightly in flour. Make sure the oil is properly heated but not too hot to avoid burning.

→ What kind of salmon works best?

Go for high-quality smoked salmon sliced thinly. Scottish or Norwegian salmon is an excellent choice for this dish.

→ What can replace crostinis?

Swap crostinis with toasted country bread or blinis. For a more minimalist option, serve the carpaccio on its own.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

This carpaccio tastes best fresh. If needed, keep the salmon and dressing separately in the fridge and combine just before eating.

Salmon Capers Crispy Touch

Smoked salmon carpaccio paired with fried capers and a zesty, herby lemon dressing. A lovely and flavorful appetizer.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Modern French

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 small shallot, halved and finely sliced.
02 1 minced clove of garlic.
03 ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
04 1 teaspoon of whole-grain Dijon mustard.
05 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
06 2 tablespoons of drained capers.
07 1 teaspoon of cassava flour.
08 2 tablespoons of olive oil for frying.
09 225 g of thinly sliced smoked salmon.
10 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives.
11 Freshly ground black pepper.
12 Crostini for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl (shallot, garlic, olive oil, mustard, lemon juice) and whisk until smooth. Set aside.

Step 02

Toss the drained capers in a little cassava flour in a small dish.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium. Add the flour-coated capers and cook until they're golden and crisp (about 3 minutes). Drain them on a paper towel.

Step 04

Cut the smoked salmon into 5 cm slices and spread them in a single layer on a large serving plate.

Step 05

Drizzle the salmon with your sauce. Top it with fried capers, followed by fresh chives and some black pepper.

Notes

  1. This is a great starter or appetizer to wow your guests.
  2. Be sure to dry the capers well before frying so they turn out nice and crispy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small pan.
  • Paper towels.
  • Serving dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish (salmon).
  • Mustard.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g