Did you know that only 8 percent of people keep their New year’s resolutions? I have a theory about this. Almost every resolution (at least, the ones about diet and eating) involves depriving oneself of something delicious. (for example, “carbs are evil and so I will not eat carbs even though pasta is my favorite thing in the world”). That’s never going to work. Unless you are a masochist.
Instead, how about committing to eating more of something you know is good for you? For example, “I will eat more leafy greens” or “I will eat more salmon.” By eating more of the healthy stuff, you will naturally eat less of the unhealthy stuff and may even discover a love for new foods you wouldn’t have tried otherwise.
Eat more salmon, you say?! Well. I have the perfect thing. Smoked salmon and caper cream cheese toast!
Smoked salmon is one of my favorite foods. It’s not cheap, so it’s something I treat myself to every once in a while. It has all of the health benefits of fresh salmon (it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B, D, and magnesium, among other things).
Is it weird that I loved smoked salmon when I was a little girl? Um, and sardines? But for some reason, I hated mashed potatoes. Weirdest. Kid. Ever.
Anyway. You’ve probably had the traditional lox and bagel combo- usually topped with cream cheese, sliced red onion, and sometimes capers and tomato. The difference between lox and smoked salmon? Lox is traditionally made from the belly of the salmon, whereas smoked salmon is a more generic term for any part of the fish that has been smoked.
This recipe differs just a little bit from the traditional bagel shop assembly by creating a cream cheese spread that includes all the good stuff- capers, onion, and some light seasonings- so none of it wanders away onto your plate when you take a bite. The cream cheese binds it all together to make it easier to eat and ensure you get all the tasty morsels in every bite.
NOM.
You could also use a homemade veggie cream cheese as an alternative, if you prefer.
This is a great dish for breakfast, a light lunch or dinner paired with a salad (more leafy greens!), or as an easy appetizer for a get-together on small slices of toasted bread, such as from a baguette. 
Enjoy!
Smoked Salmon and Caper Cream Cheese Toast
Ingredients
- 4 slices toasted bread or 8 small slices, like from a baguette
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon capers chopped
- 1 tablespoon red onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped (dill can also be used)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 oz. smoked salmon
Instructions
- Mix together softened cream cheese, capers, onion, herbs, and salt and pepper.
- Spread on toasted bread and top with smoked salmon.
Notes
- The provided nutrition information does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. Feel free to calculate it yourself using this calculator or by adding the recipe to Yummly.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information Disclaimer
The provided nutrition information is my best estimate and reflects one serving of the recipe (total servings indicated at top of recipe card). It does not include any added sodium from seasoning to taste, any optional ingredients, and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information. Feel free to calculate it yourself using one of these tools:
Colette
This looks great. Just a comment about lox/smoked salmon being expensive…I’m new on here so not sure if you’ve ever tried to make it yourself, but lox is sooo easy to make yourself from a fresh piece of salmon. WAY less expensive too. Very easy and just takes a few days. You should try it if you haven’t already.
Elizabeth Lindemann
I actually have never tried making it myself, but I’ve heard the same thing about how easy it is! Do you have a favorite recipe you use? I’m going to add this to my cooking projects list to try soon :-) Thanks for the tip!
Lloyanne Galas
If you’re making this for a party, how soon in advance can you make this?
Elizabeth Lindemann
Good question! You can mix up the cream cheese mixture 2-3 days in advance. You may have to stir it up just before using it, as some liquid may accumulate on the top. But I wouldn’t assemble the toasts until just before serving- they’re best eaten within a half an hour or so, otherwise they may become soggy! I’d just assemble them right before your guests arrive and you should be good to go :-) Hope that helps!
Kenneth higgins
I’m gonna make this for my mom on Mother’s Day. I can’t wait. thank you!
Elizabeth
Awesome- I hope you both like it! Have fun :-)
Melissa @ Bits of Umami
OMG – this looks delicious. I am a huge fan of bagels and lox in the morning and never thought to doctor up my cream cheese! Eek. Can’t wait to try this out!
john
Eat more smoked salmon. Finally, a New Years resolution I can live with.
mommyhoodsdiary
I am in the 92% LOL … but recipe like this is just what I need. Love all the flavor!! Happy New Year!! Pinned
Elizabeth
Hah, so am I! Which is why I am switching it up this year :-) Happy new year to you as well! Thanks for pinning!