
My smoked salmon carpaccio always wows guests at dinner parties. Silky salmon slices topped with crunchy capers and fresh herbs make for an elegant starter with vibrant flavors. What really makes this dish special is how all the textures and tastes work together.
Why you'll love this dish
I'm crazy about how the smoky taste of salmon pairs with the salty crunch of fried capers. The herb dressing adds freshness that makes every bite amazing. When friends drop by, I can throw this together quickly, and its restaurant-quality look never fails to impress everyone.
What you'll need
- For the dressing: I mix up a finely diced shallot, chopped garlic clove, my favorite olive oil, whole grain mustard and fresh lemon juice.
- The crunchy capers: Two tablespoons of capers lightly coated in cassava flour turn into delicious crispy little bites.
- The salmon: 250g of top-quality smoked salmon cut into 5cm pieces.
- The garnish: Fresh dill, cracked pepper and a few croutons on the side.
How I make it
- The perfect dressing
- I start by whisking together my shallot, garlic, olive oil, mustard and lemon. I let the flavors blend for a few minutes.
- 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 does the trick.
- Putting it all together
- I carefully arrange my salmon slices, pour my tasty dressing over them, sprinkle with crispy capers and finish with dill and pepper. A few croutons on the side and it's good to go.

Extra 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 crispy capers separate until the last minute to keep everything perfectly textured.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and fry the capers beforehand. Assemble the carpaccio just before serving to keep it fresh and crispy.
- → How can I get crispy capers?
Make sure to drain and pat the capers dry before tossing them lightly in flour. Use hot oil, but don’t overheat it to avoid burning.
- → What type of salmon should I use?
Choose high-quality smoked salmon that’s thinly sliced. Scottish or Norwegian salmon works best for great flavor.
- → What can I use instead of crostinis?
You could swap crostinis with grilled country bread or blinis. For a lighter option, serve the carpaccio on its own.
- → How do I store leftovers?
It’s best to enjoy carpaccio the same day. If needed, keep the salmon and dressing in separate containers in the fridge and combine them before eating.