Elegant Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Towers: A Restaurant-Quality Appetizer for Any Occasion
Prepare to delight your senses with these exquisite Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Towers! This is not just a recipe; it’s an experience, a masterpiece you can easily create in your own kitchen. The harmonious blend of thinly sliced smoked salmon, subtly spiced with shallots, rests upon a refreshing bed of cucumber infused with a delectable honey-mustard dressing. Crowned with a light and creamy goat cheese mousse, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures – salty, creamy, fresh, and utterly satisfying. It’s a culinary creation prepared with love, guaranteed to bring joy to every bite.
Beyond a Starter: The Allure of Salmon and Goat Cheese Towers
This dish is far more than just a simple appetizer or light lunch; it’s a culinary statement. The Salmon and Goat Cheese Tower is an ideal way to begin any meal, promising an impressive presentation without the daunting complexity often associated with gourmet cuisine. Its visual appeal is undeniable, making it perfect for entertaining guests or simply elevating a weekday meal into something special. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the preparation process is remarkably straightforward, requiring no advanced culinary skills.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its ability to consistently deliver an exceptional dining experience. It has become a cherished “go-to” starter, frequently requested by friends and family who have tasted its irresistible charm. Its combination of fresh, smoky, and creamy elements makes it incredibly versatile, suitable for casual gatherings, elegant dinner parties, or even festive occasions like holiday feasts. Once you master this delightful recipe, you’ll find yourself eager to put it on the table again and again, cementing its place as a beloved classic in your repertoire.
Unlocking the Exquisite Flavors of This Unique Appetizer
The magic of these Salmon and Goat Cheese Towers lies in the thoughtful layering and harmonious interplay of its components. Each element is carefully chosen to contribute a distinct flavor and texture, culminating in a balanced and unforgettable bite. We start by infusing the delicate smoked salmon with finely minced shallots, which introduce a subtle peppery kick and aromatic depth, perfectly complementing the rich, salty notes of the salmon.
Beneath this savory salmon layer, crisp cucumber crescents are bathed in a vibrant homemade honey-mustard marinade. This dressing provides a delightful contrast, offering a refreshing sweetness and a tangy zest that awakens the palate. The top layer is a luxurious goat cheese mousse, whipped to an airy, creamy perfection with sour cream. This adds a wonderful tang and smoothness that beautifully balances the richness of the salmon and the brightness of the cucumber. Finally, a drizzle of peppery arugula oil ties all the flavors together, adding a fresh, slightly bitter finish that elevates the entire dish.
Presentation, while often overlooked, is made incredibly easy and impactful with a simple round baking ring, approximately 3 inches (7 cm) in diameter. This tool allows for the creation of perfectly stacked layers, ensuring each tower is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. You simply press a layer of the salmon mixture, then follow with the creamy goat cheese. The only crucial tip for a flawless presentation is to meticulously clean the baking ring between each assembly to prevent smudges and ensure sharp, defined layers. Is it worth this small effort? Absolutely! The stunning visual result is a testament to the care you’ve put into crafting this truly special appetizer.
Essential Ingredients for Your Salmon and Goat Cheese Towers
To embark on the delightful journey of preparing these Salmon and Goat Cheese Towers, gather the following key ingredients. Precise measurements can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this blog post, but here’s a closer look at each component and why it’s so important:
- Cucumber – The cucumber is a vital component for freshness and crunch. It’s crucial to peel and remove the seeds before slicing. The seeds contain excess moisture, which can make your dish watery and compromise the crisp texture. Removing them also makes the cucumber easier to handle and ensures a clean bite. Opt for an English or hothouse cucumber for fewer seeds and a tender skin.
- Mustard – Dijon mustard is highly recommended for this recipe. Its creamy texture and characteristic sharp, yet not overly spicy, flavor provide a sophisticated base for the dressing. It adds a wonderful depth and a slight piquant note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey – Balancing the mustard’s tang, honey introduces a lovely natural sweetness to the dressing. It also helps to tenderize the cucumber slightly, allowing it to absorb the flavors more effectively. Any good quality liquid honey will work beautifully.
- Smoked salmon – The star of the show! Always choose cold-smoked salmon for this recipe, as it offers a silky texture and intense, smoky flavor without being cooked. Varieties such as Norwegian salmon, a quality ‘real Dutch salmon’, or wild sockeye salmon are excellent choices. Look for finely sliced pieces that can be easily chopped into a tartare.
- Shallot – Finely minced shallots are preferred over regular yellow onions. Shallots have a milder, sweeter, and more delicate onion flavor with a hint of garlic, which harmonizes exquisitely with the salty smoked salmon without overpowering it. They add a crucial aromatic layer to the salmon tartare.
- Goat cheese – Select a soft, natural goat cheese (chèvre) for its tangy, earthy flavor and creamy consistency. For the best mousse, ensure your goat cheese is at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. This allows it to soften and blend smoothly with the sour cream, creating a velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Sour Cream – This ingredient is key to achieving the desired creamy, light texture for your goat cheese mousse. It adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the goat cheese, making the mousse incredibly luscious and pairing wonderfully with the richness of the smoked salmon. For a slightly richer alternative, crème fraîche can also be used.
- Arugula – Known for its distinctive peppery and slightly nutty taste, fresh arugula leaves are transformed into a vibrant oil for this recipe. This arugula oil isn’t just for garnish; it contributes an extra layer of bold, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the other components, elevating the entire dish.
- Olive Oil – Use a high-quality, fruity extra virgin olive oil. Its robust flavor is essential for creating the aromatic arugula oil and provides a beautiful richness that enhances all the other ingredients without being greasy.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning, these staples bring out the best in all the ingredients. Adjust to your taste, especially for the goat cheese cream.
- Optional Garnishes – Consider fresh cress, microgreens, finely sliced beets (for color and earthy sweetness), or delicate radish slices for an additional peppery crunch and visual appeal. A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also enhance the presentation and flavor.
How to Prepare Smoked Salmon Towers with Goat Cheese: A Detailed Guide
Creating these elegant towers is a straightforward process when you follow these steps. You’ll find a printable recipe card with all the precise measurements and a clear step-by-step description at the bottom of this blog.
- Prepare the Cucumber: Begin by peeling the cucumber and slicing it vertically in half. Using a spoon, carefully scrape out and discard the watery seeds from the center of each half. This step prevents your dish from becoming soggy. Now, slice the deseeded cucumber halves into thin, crisp crescent moons. In a medium bowl, combine these cucumber slices with the Dijon mustard and honey, tossing gently to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other components, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Craft the Salmon Tartare: Take your smoked salmon and finely chop it into small, uniform pieces. Similarly, finely mince the shallot. In a separate bowl, gently mix the chopped salmon and shallot together until well combined. This mixture forms the savory base of your towers. Place this salmon mixture in the refrigerator to keep it chilled and firm until assembly.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mousse: In a clean bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with the sour cream. Using a fork or a small whisk, mix until the cheese is smooth and creamy with no lumps. Stir in the honey, and season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until you achieve a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Set this creamy mixture aside.
- Make the Arugula Oil: Place the fresh arugula leaves into a blender. Pulse three to four times to break down the leaves. Then, add the extra virgin olive oil and blend until you achieve a smooth, vibrant green dressing. This oil will add a final peppery flourish. For optimal flavor infusion, let the arugula oil sit for about an hour before using.
- Assemble the Towers: On each serving plate, arrange a line of the marinated cucumber slices. Place a 3-inch (7 cm) round baking ring directly on top of the cucumber bed. Take approximately a quarter of the chilled salmon mixture and carefully spoon it into the baking ring. Using the back of a spoon, gently but firmly press the salmon down to create a compact, even layer. Next, spoon approximately a quarter of the creamy goat cheese mixture on top of the salmon layer. Gently smooth the top surface with your spoon. Carefully lift and remove the baking ring to reveal a perfectly formed tower. Crucially, clean the baking ring thoroughly with a damp cloth or paper towel between each tower assembly to ensure clean edges and a pristine presentation for all four towers.
- Final Touches and Garnish: Once all four towers are assembled, generously sprinkle the prepared arugula oil around the base of each salmon tower, allowing it to pool slightly on the plate. For an exquisite finish, garnish each tower with delicate cress or microgreens, a fine drizzle of extra olive oil, and thinly sliced beets or radishes for an added pop of color and a fresh, subtle crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the masterpiece you’ve created!
Garnish with cress, olive oil, and thinly sliced beets or radishes for a final touch of elegance and flavor.
Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.
Need more inspiration?
- You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
- And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
Cooking ring 3 inches (7 cm)
-
Blender
Ingredients
Cucumber in Honey Mustard Marinade
- ½ cucumber, English, peeled, seeds removed
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
Arugula Oil Topping
- 1 oz. arugula
- ½ cup olive oil
Smoked Salmon Layer
- 7 oz smoked salmon, sliced finely
- 1 shallot, finely minced
Goat Cheese Cream
- 3½ oz. goat cheese , soft, at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoons honey
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Garnish (optional)
- beets , finely sliced; fresh cress or microgreens; extra virgin olive oil
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
Cucumber in Honey Mustard Marinade
-
Peel the cucumber, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Slice the deseeded cucumber halves into thin, crescent moon shapes.½ cucumber
-
In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey to create a flavorful marinade.3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons honey
-
Add the sliced cucumber to the honey mustard marinade and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to allow the flavors to infuse.
Arugula Oil Topping
-
Place the fresh arugula leaves into a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times (about three) to finely chop the leaves.1 oz. arugula
-
Pour in the olive oil and continue to blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a vibrant green oil.½ cup olive oil
-
For an enhanced flavor, let the arugula oil stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the peppery notes of the arugula to fully infuse the oil.
Smoked Salmon Layer
-
Finely chop the smoked salmon and mince the shallot. Combine them gently in a bowl. Store this mixture in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the towers.7 oz smoked salmon, 1 shallot
Goat Cheese Cream
-
In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the softened goat cheese with the sour cream until smooth and creamy. Stir in the honey, then season with salt and pepper to your preference. This creamy mixture should be rich and tangy. Set it aside for assembly.3½ oz. goat cheese, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoons honey, ⅛ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Preparation
-
On each serving plate, arrange a small line or bed of the marinated cucumber slices. This will serve as the base for your tower.
-
Carefully place your 3-inch (7 cm) cooking ring directly on top of the cucumber arrangement on the plate.
-
Spoon approximately one-quarter of the salmon mixture into the cooking ring. Gently but firmly press it down with the back of a spoon to create an even and compact layer.
-
Follow with approximately one-quarter of the goat cheese cream, spreading it smoothly over the salmon layer. Carefully lift and remove the cooking ring. Remember to clean the ring thoroughly after each tower to ensure perfectly clean edges for all four servings.
-
Finally, take the prepared arugula oil and drizzle it elegantly around the base of each salmon tower, letting it pool slightly on the plate.
Garnish (Optional)
-
To add a touch of color and extra flavor, garnish each tower with fresh cress or microgreens, a final drizzle of quality olive oil, and very thinly sliced beets or radishes. Serve immediately and enjoy!beets
Notes
2. Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: To prepare ahead, you can arrange the marinated cucumber on the plates and construct the smoked salmon and goat cheese towers. Cover these plates carefully with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Prepare the arugula dressing separately and keep it at room temperature for up to 1 day. Just before serving, drizzle the arugula oil over the assembled towers for optimal freshness and flavor.
- Freezer: Unfortunately, this elegant entrée is not suitable for freezing. The delicate textures of the salmon, goat cheese, and fresh cucumber would be negatively affected by freezing and thawing, leading to a loss of quality. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
3. Nutritional Value Disclaimer: Please note that the nutritional value provided is an estimate per starter serving. The calorie and macronutrient figures may appear slightly higher than what you would actually consume, as it assumes the full quantity of honey-mustard marinade and arugula oil is ingested. In practice, a portion of these dressings typically remains on the plate, meaning your actual intake might be less than stated. These values are intended as a general guide.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Explore More Gourmet Appetizers
If you’ve fallen in love with the elegance and flavor of these Salmon and Goat Cheese Towers, you’re in for a treat! Discover other equally delightful and impressive appetizer recipes that will elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests. From refreshing seafood terrines to vibrant vegetable carpaccios, there’s a world of starters waiting to be explored.
- Delicate Salmon and Cod Terrine
- Smoked Chicken Starter with Avocado
- Vibrant Beet Carpaccio with Pear and Walnuts
- Refreshing Shrimp Cocktail with Orange