10 Things to Do with Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutrients. This tender, oak-smoked delicacy is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health, and it provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins. Beyond its health benefits, smoked salmon brings gourmet flair to everyday meals.
And when it comes to quality, Jollys of Orkney does it best. We’ve been perfecting traditional curing and smoking for over 70 years, using time-honoured methods passed down through generations. Our salmon is smoked in our very own kiln over oak wood chippings for a truly authentic flavour, a technique that helped us earn a recent Great Taste 2-Star Award for excellence. In other words, you’re in expert hands.
Below you’ll find 10 easy and creative smoked salmon recipe ideas.
1. Brunch Bliss: Creamy Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
There’s no better start to a weekend than buttery scrambled eggs topped with silky smoked salmon. Gently fold strips of our cold-smoked salmon into soft, creamy eggs just before serving, allowing the heat of the eggs to warm the fish.
Serve on buttered toast (spread with a dab of local Orkney butter for extra flavour) and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chives or dill.
2. Classic Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Bagel
When it comes to easy ways to use smoked salmon, you can’t beat the classic bagel. Generously spread a toasted bagel with cream cheese. Layer on our thinly sliced smoked salmon, add a squeeze of lemon, and a grind of black pepper.
Top with a few capers or slices of red onion for zing. The result is a New York deli favourite with an Orcadian upgrade.
3. Eggs Royale: Smoked Salmon Benedict
Give your eggs Benedict a royal Scottish makeover – known in the UK as Eggs Royale, this dish swaps the ham for our exquisite smoked salmon. Place silky folds of salmon atop a toasted English muffin (or try a traditional Orkney bere bannock for a local touch), then crown it with a perfectly poached egg.
Spoon over a generous helping of hollandaise sauce – we like to whisk ours with a splash of lemon juice and a pat of Orkney butter for richness. The yolk and buttery sauce mingle with the smoky salmon for a luxurious breakfast treat. It’s an indulgent yet easy smoked salmon recipe that feels like a restaurant brunch, but you can whip it up at home to spoil your family or weekend guests.
4. Warm Potato & Smoked Salmon Salad
For a satisfying lunch, try a warm potato salad tossed with smoked salmon. Boil baby potatoes until tender and toss them in a light dressing of wholegrain mustard, olive oil, and a touch of our Highland Park whisky marmalade for sweetness.
While the potatoes are still warm, fold in flaked pieces of hot-smoked salmon (our hot-cure smoked salmon packs are perfect here). The heat of the potatoes releases the salmon’s aroma, creating a mouthwatering scent. Add some peppery rocket leaves or watercress for contrast, and sprinkle with chopped spring onions. Each bite gives you creamy potato, smoky salmon, and a mustardy tang.
5. Smoked Salmon & Orkney Cheddar Toastie
Elevate your grilled cheese game with a smoked salmon toastie that melds Scottish seafood and Orkney dairy. Take two slices of good crusty bread and layer with slices of Orkney cheddar (try our farmhouse cheddar or a smoked Orkney cheddar for double-smoke intensity) and ribbons of smoked salmon.
Add a dollop of caramelised onion chutney or a spoonful of Westray tomato relish for a touch of sweetness – this balances the richness and adds a gourmet twist. Grill or toast the sandwich until the cheese is melted and golden.
6. Beetroot, Smoked Salmon & Orkney Cheese Salad
For something light, colourful, and packed with artisan produce, create a beetroot and smoked salmon salad. Start with earthy cooked beetroot (red or golden) sliced thin. Arrange curls of our smoked salmon on top, and then crumble over some Orkney cheese – a mild, crumbly farmhouse cheese like Grimbister or a bit of creamy Crowdie works wonderfully.
The creamy tang of the cheese complements the sweet beet and smoky fish. Toss on a handful of peppery greens (like arugula or baby spinach) and drizzle with a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a teaspoon of Orkney honey mustard from our pantry range. Every forkful blends sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours. It’s a vibrant salad that looks beautiful on the plate – dinner party-worthy yet easy to assemble. Plus, it showcases how traditional Orkney ingredients harmonize in a modern dish.
7. Zesty Smoked Salmon Pâté on Orkney Oatcakes
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack? Whip up a zesty smoked salmon pâté and serve it with our traditional Orkney oatcakes. You can make the pâté in minutes: blend softened cream cheese with flaked pieces of our smoked salmon (or use our ready-made smoked salmon pâté for convenience), a squeeze of lemon juice, a spoonful of horseradish or Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
Spread it generously onto hearty oatcakes or wholegrain crackers. The toasty crunch of the oatcake is the perfect vehicle for the creamy pâté.
8. Smoked Salmon & Orkney Cheddar Quiche
A smoked salmon quiche makes a delightful centrepiece for brunch, lunch, or even a light supper. To prepare, line a tart tin with shortcrust pastry (store-bought is fine, or make your own if you’re feeling traditional).
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, a splash of cream or milk, and a handful of grated Orkney cheddar cheese. Season with black pepper and a bit of chopped dill. Scatter pieces of our smoked salmon and some chopped spring onion or leeks in the pastry case, then pour the egg mixture over it. Bake until set and golden. The result is a rich, savory custard infused with the smoky flavour of the salmon and the tang of Orkney cheese in every bite. Serve warm or at room temperature, with a side salad.
9. Creamy Lemon & Smoked Salmon Pasta
Pasta and smoked salmon are a match made in heaven for a quick yet indulgent meal.
Cook your favourite pasta (tagliatelle or penne work well) until al dente. In a pan, warm a splash of olive oil and sauté a little chopped garlic and shallot in Orkney butter until soft. Pour in a glug of cream (or crème fraîche for a lighter touch) and let it simmer into a silky sauce.
Stir in a generous squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of chopped fresh dill. Toss in strips of our smoked salmon – the heat of the sauce will gently cook them to perfection almost instantly. Season with black pepper (you likely won’t need salt, since the salmon is nicely seasoned).
Finally, combine the drained pasta with the sauce, coating every strand. Each forkful is luxuriously creamy yet bright from the lemon and dill, with succulent pieces of salmon throughout. This easy smoked salmon pasta feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in one pan, ideal for a weeknight when you want a treat without the fuss.
10. Orkney Smoked Salmon Picnic Hamper
For the ultimate foodie adventure, how about planning a whole Orkney smoked salmon picnic hamper?
Start with our traditionally cured smoked salmon (packed safely to keep cool) – include both classic cold-smoked slices and perhaps some hot-smoked salmon chunks for variety. Add a selection of Orkney cheeses (mature cheddar, a selection of our lovely Orkney farmhouse cheeses, or whatever you fancy), a jar of local chutney or relish, and a box of our Orkney oatcakes.
Add your own crusty bread and farmhouse butter, plus fresh produce like cherry tomatoes and crisp apples to cleanse the palate. And since no Orkney hamper is complete without something sweet, tuck in a bag of our Orkney fudge or tablet for dessert – the buttery sweetness is a perfect finale.
You can build your own hamper or choose from one of our many pre-prepared hampers online. And remember, you can sign-up to our newsletter and get 10% off your first online order. Not signed up to our newsletter yet? Subscribe here.
Just don’t forget a flask of tea or a chilled white wine to toast the occasion!