Smoked Salmon and Ricotta Toast
Crispy sourdough toast topped with creamy ricotta, savory smoked salmon, peppery arugula, and briny capers. A sophisticated yet incredibly simple brunch ready in minutes.
For 1 serving
Prepare the lemon ricotta spread.
In a small bowl, combine 0.25 cup of ricotta cheese with the zest of half a lemon and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir gently until well combined and creamy.
TIPA microplane zester works best for fine lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.Toast the sourdough bread.
Place 2 slices of sourdough bread in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
TIPFor an extra layer of flavor, lightly rub a peeled garlic clove over the warm, toasted bread before adding the ricotta.Assemble the salmon toast.
Spread the lemon ricotta mixture evenly over each toasted sourdough slice. Arrange 4 oz of smoked salmon artfully on top of the ricotta, ensuring good coverage.
- Spread the lemon ricotta mixture over the toasted sourdough.
- Arrange the smoked salmon on top of the ricotta.
Garnish and serve immediately.
Top the salmon with 0.5 cup of fresh arugula and 1 tbsp of capers. Drizzle with 1 tsp of olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the toast. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
- Top with arugula and capers.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can lightly grill the bread with a brush of olive oil instead of toasting it.
- 2If your smoked salmon is particularly moist, gently pat it with a paper towel to prevent the toast from becoming soggy.
- 3A sprinkle of fresh dill or chives also works beautifully as a garnish.
- 4Make sure your arugula is completely dry before adding it to the toast.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add a poached or fried egg on top of each toast for an extra protein boost.
quickQuick
Use a pre-made lemon and herb cream cheese instead of mixing your own ricotta spread to save time.
low carbLow carb
Serve the toppings over a bed of mixed greens or on a low-carb bread substitute instead of sourdough.
dairy freeDairy free
Replace the ricotta with a dairy-free cream cheese or a high-quality, cashew-based ricotta alternative.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Smoked salmon is an excellent source of omega-3s, which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy heart.
High-Quality Protein
With protein from both the salmon and ricotta, this meal helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer.
Good Source of Calcium
Ricotta cheese provides a healthy dose of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a well-balanced meal. It provides high-quality protein and healthy omega-3 fats from the salmon, calcium from the ricotta, and complex carbohydrates from the sourdough bread for sustained energy.
