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Easy Smoked Salmon Tart – Elegant, Creamy & Perfect for Holiday Brunch

This Easy Smoked Salmon Tart is a stunning yet effortless recipe perfect for Christmas morning, brunch gatherings, light holiday lunches, or any elegant get-together. With a flaky golden crust, creamy herb filling, and delicate slices of smoked salmon, this tart tastes luxurious but takes only minutes to assemble. It’s fresh, savory, beautifully balanced, and packed with flavor from lemon, dill, cream cheese, and tender smoked salmon. Serve it warm or chilled — it’s delicious either way and looks like something straight out of a gourmet café.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

Tart Base
  • 1 sheet puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
  • 1 egg for brushing edges
Creamy Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
Smoked Salmon Topping
  • 6 –8 oz smoked salmon slices
  • 1 –2 tbsp capers optional
Extra fresh dill
  • Thin cucumber ribbons or slices optional
  • Thinly sliced red onion optional
  • Lemon wedges for serving
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Equipment

  • Tart pan (9–10 inches)
  • Rolling pin (if using pastry sheet)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Tart Shell
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Press the pastry into the tart pan, trimming any excess.
  3. Prick the base with a fork.
  4. Brush the edges lightly with beaten egg.
  5. Bake 12–15 minutes, until golden and puffed.
  6. Cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Herb Filling
  1. In a bowl mix together:
  2. cream cheese
  3. sour cream / yogurt
  4. lemon juice
  5. lemon zest
  6. dill
  7. garlic powder
  8. onion powder
  9. salt
  10. pepper
  11. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  12. Spread evenly over the cooled tart shell.
Step 3: Add the Salmon
  1. Layer smoked salmon slices across the cream filling.
  2. You can arrange them:
  3. flat and overlapping
  4. folded into “petals”
  5. rolled into rosettes for a fancy presentation
  6. Add optional toppings:
  7. capers
  8. cucumber ribbons
  9. thin red onion
  10. fresh dill
Step 4: Serve
  1. Chill 10 minutes for easier slicing, or serve immediately for a softer filling.
  2. Slice into wedges using a sharp knife.
  3. Perfect for brunch with salad or as an appetizer at holiday gatherings.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerator:
Best eaten within 24 hours
Store covered to keep crust crisp
Make ahead:
Bake the crust 1 day ahead
Prepare filling 1 day ahead
Assemble just before serving for best texture

🥄 Variations

Avocado Salmon Tart
Add thin avocado slices on top.
Herb & Garlic Tart
Double the herbs in the filling.
Spicy Salmon Tart
Add a little chili flakes or sriracha drizzle.
Mediterranean Version
Add cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and olives.
Everything Bagel Tart
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the top.
Cream Cheese & Chive Tart
Replace dill with chives for a milder flavor.
No-Bake Version
Use a pre-made crust and skip baking.
Cucumber & Dill Tart
Add spiralized cucumber all over the top.
Smoked Salmon Rosette Tart
Create flower-shaped rolls for a dramatic look.
Lemon Pepper Salmon Tart
Add extra lemon zest + pepper for brightness.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use canned salmon?
Yes, but smoked salmon gives better flavor.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but texture will be softer.
Do I have to chill the tart?
Only if you want cleaner slices.
Can I use fresh salmon instead?
Smoked is recommended for flavor and texture.
Can I use herbs other than dill?
Yes — parsley, chives, or thyme work well.
Puff pastry or shortcrust?
Either works — puff is flakier, shortcrust is sturdier.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt alternatives.
What if I don’t have a tart pan?
Use a square baking pan or even a baking sheet.
Is this served hot or cold?
Usually cold or room temperature.
Can children eat this?
Yes — smoked salmon is fully cooked.

🏁 Conclusion

This Easy Smoked Salmon Tart is elegant, fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion — especially holiday brunches and Christmas mornings. With its buttery crust, creamy herb filling, and delicate smoked salmon, it looks luxurious yet comes together in minutes.
A simple, beautiful, and delicious tart you’ll make again and again.