Vegan Smoked Salmon on Rye with Pickled Cucumber and Caviar Recipe
A delightful and elegant vegan alternative to classic smoked salmon on rye bread. This recipe features pickled cucumber, vegan smoked salmon, and creamy vegan crème fraîche enhanced with lemon zest, fresh dill, and vegan caviar for the perfect savory appetizer or light snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan, Scandinavian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Butter
- 4 slices rye bread
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
Pickled Cucumber
- 0.5 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp white wine vinegar
Toppings and Garnishes
- 4 tbsp vegan crème fraîche
- 1 lemon (zest only)
- 2 tbsp dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp vegan caviar
- 4 slices vegan smoked salmon
Instructions
- Pickle the cucumber: Thinly slice half a cucumber and place it in a bowl with 4 tablespoons of white wine vinegar. Allow it to pickle for at least 15 minutes to develop a tangy crunch that complements the other flavors.
- Butter the rye bread: Spread 2 tablespoons of vegan butter evenly over 4 slices of rye bread to add richness and moisture.
- Assemble the base: Lay 4 slices of vegan smoked salmon on top of the buttered rye bread, creating a savory foundation for the toppings.
- Add pickled cucumber: Drain the pickled cucumber slices well and layer them evenly over the vegan smoked salmon to add a refreshing acidity and texture.
- Prepare and add crème fraîche topping: Mix the lemon zest from 1 lemon into 4 tablespoons of vegan crème fraîche. Spoon dollops of this zesty mixture over the pickled cucumber for a creamy tangy contrast.
- Garnish: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and top each piece with 2 tablespoons of vegan caviar to finish the dish with herbal aroma and a burst of umami flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cucumber to pickle for longer than 15 minutes if time permits.
- You can substitute vegan crème fraîche with a mixture of vegan yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Serve immediately after assembly to preserve the bread’s texture and freshness.
- Vegan smoked salmon alternatives can be homemade using carrot or store-bought depending on availability.
Keywords: Vegan smoked salmon, vegan appetizer, rye bread snack, pickled cucumber, vegan caviar, plant-based seafood substitute
