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Enjoy all the classic bagel shop flavors in a lighter, deconstructed format with this Smoked Salmon Bagel Bowl. It’s endlessly customizable and comes together in just 15 minutes. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of smoky, creamy, briny, and fresh tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Salmon Bagel Bowl

Fresh & satisfying: All the classic flavors in a lighter bowl format.
Endlessly customizable: Adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand.
Quick to make: Ready in 15 minutes for busy days.
Creamy dressing: A drizzle-able cream cheese sauce ties everything together.

Ingredients & Tools

100-120 g high-quality smoked salmon, broken into pieces
2 large eggs, or 1/2 a large avocado, sliced
2 large handfuls of mixed salad greens or baby spinach
1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
1 tbsp capers, drained
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1/2 lemon
2 tbsp cream cheese, at room temperature
1-2 tbsp milk or water
1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Tools: A small mixing bowl, a whisk or fork, a small skillet (if using eggs), and a sharp knife.

Notes: Use high-quality smoked salmon you enjoy. Everything bagel seasoning adds authentic crunch and aroma.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:	320 kcal
Protein:	22 g
Fat:	20 g
Carbs:	12 g
Fiber:	4 g

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes (if scrambling eggs) | Total Time: 15 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable. Trying to whip cold cream cheese into a smooth dressing is a battle you will not win. Take it out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you start assembling your bowl for a perfectly silky result.
How to tame the bite of raw red onion. If you find raw onion a bit too pungent, simply soak the thin slices in a small bowl of ice water for 5-10 minutes. This simple step mellows the flavor significantly while keeping that lovely crunch.
Your choice of base: eggs or avocado? This is the heart of the bowl! Scrambled eggs make it feel like a hearty brunch, while creamy avocado slices keep it completely no-cook and add a wonderful richness. You truly can’t go wrong with either.
Don’t skip the fresh lemon. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end brightens up all the rich, smoky flavors. It cuts through the creaminess and makes everything taste… well, fresher. Bottled juice just doesn’t have the same vibrant effect.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Bagel Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Your Cream Cheese Dressing. In your small bowl, add the room-temperature cream cheese. Start whisking it with a fork or small whisk—it might be a little lumpy at first, but that’s okay. Slowly drizzle in the milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. You’re aiming for something like a runny yogurt. Season with a crack of black pepper and set this deliciousness aside.

Step 2: Cook Your Protein Base (If Using Eggs). If you’ve chosen the egg route, now’s the time! Crack your two eggs into a bowl, add a splash of water or milk, and whisk until uniform. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium-low heat (a little butter or oil is optional). Pour in the eggs and gently push them from the edges toward the center as they cook, creating soft, fluffy curds. This should only take 2-3 minutes. You want them just set, not dry. Remove from the pan immediately.

Step 3: Build Your Bowl Foundation. Grab your favorite bowl—the bigger, the better for tossing! Place your two large handfuls of greens at the bottom. If you’re using avocado instead of eggs, now is the time to slice it and artfully arrange it over the greens. Next, place your warm, fluffy scrambled eggs (if using) right in the center. This creates a lovely warm-and-cool contrast.

Step 4: Artfully Arrange the Toppings. This is the fun part. Take your beautiful pieces of smoked salmon and drape them around the eggs or avocado. Scatter over the thinly sliced red onion, the briny capers, and the fresh, fragrant dill. You’ll notice how the colors start to pop—the deep pink of the salmon, the purple onion, the green herbs… it’s a feast for the eyes already.

Step 5: The Final, Flavorful Flourishes. Drizzle that luxurious cream cheese dressing generously over everything. Don’t be shy! Then, sprinkle the entire bowl with a hearty teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning. This is where the magic happens—that iconic sesame, poppy seed, and garlic flavor ties it all back to the bagel experience. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice right over the top. Serve immediately and dig in!

Storage & Freshness Guide

Fridge: Store components separately; assembled bowl is best eaten immediately.
Freezer: Not recommended due to fresh greens and creamy dressing.
Reviving: If greens wilt, refresh in ice water; dressing may need re-whisking.

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

A simple tomato and cucumber salad — The crisp, watery freshness of the veggies provides a lovely, light counterpoint to the rich and smoky flavors in the bowl.
A warm, toasted pita wedge on the side — For those days you still want a little something bready to scoop up the last bits of dressing and egg from the bottom of the bowl.
Roasted asparagus spears — Their earthy, slightly charred flavor pairs wonderfully with the salmon and cream cheese, adding a warm vegetable element.

Drinks

A crisp, dry sparkling wine or Prosecco — The bubbles and acidity are fantastic at cutting through the richness of the dish, making it feel like a true celebratory brunch.
A classic Bloody Mary — The spicy, savory notes of this cocktail are a match made in heaven for smoked salmon, creating a full brunch experience.
Iced coffee with a dash of vanilla — The slight sweetness and bitterness of the coffee provide a refreshing and energizing contrast to the savory bowl.

Something Sweet

Fresh berry compote with a dollop of Greek yogurt — The sweet and tart berries are a perfect, light follow-up that cleanses the palate after the savory main event.
A warm, flaky almond croissant — Indulge your pastry craving with this buttery, nutty classic. It feels special and balances the meal beautifully.
Lemon poppy seed muffin — It continues the citrus theme from the bowl in a delightful, cakey form, making for a perfectly themed meal finale.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using cold, straight-from-the-fridge cream cheese. This will result in a lumpy, un-drizzle-able mess. The dressing won’t coat the ingredients properly, and you’ll miss out on that silky, integrated creaminess in every bite.
Mistake: Overcooking the scrambled eggs. If you’re going the egg route, remember that they will continue to cook a little after you take them out of the pan. Aim for soft, moist curds. Dry, rubbery eggs can really bring down the luxurious texture of the whole bowl.
Mistake: Skipping the acid (the lemon juice). This bowl has a lot of rich, fatty, and smoky elements. Without the bright, acidic punch from the fresh lemon, the flavors can feel a bit one-dimensional and heavy on the palate.
Mistake: Adding the everything seasoning too early. If you sprinkle it on and then let the bowl sit, the seasoning can get soggy from the dressing and lose its delightful crunch. It’s meant to be the very last thing you add before eating.

Expert Tips

Tip: Make a double batch of the cream cheese dressing. It keeps beautifully in a sealed jar in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can use it as a veggie dip, a sandwich spread, or just to make your next bowl even faster. A little goes a long way!
Tip: Get creative with your “bagel” element. If you have a real everything bagel going stale, blitz it into breadcrumbs in a food processor and toast them lightly in a dry pan. Use these crunchy bagel croutons as your topping for an extra-authentic texture.
Tip: Infuse your cream cheese dressing for a next-level flavor. Add a teaspoon of finely chopped fresh chives or a tiny pinch of lemon zest to the dressing before you thin it out. It adds another subtle layer of flavor that makes the bowl feel truly gourmet.
Tip: Prep your veggies ahead of time. Thinly slice your red onion and chop your dill. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. When mealtime comes, you’re just minutes away from a perfectly assembled bowl, making it the ultimate fast, healthy meal.

FAQs

Can I make this Smoked Salmon Bagel Bowl ahead of time?
You can do some component prep, but I don’t recommend assembling the whole bowl hours in advance. The greens will wilt, and the seasoning will get soggy. Your best bet is to prepare the cream cheese dressing, slice the onion, and chop the herbs ahead of time. Store everything separately in the fridge, then do the quick final assembly (cooking eggs if using) right before you’re ready to eat. It truly only takes 5 minutes to put together from there!

What’s a good dairy-free substitute for the cream cheese dressing?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy, try using a plain, unsweetened vegan cream cheese alternative. Thin it with a plant-based milk like almond or oat until it’s drizzle-able. Another fantastic option is to use a few tablespoons of thick, unsweetened coconut yogurt or even a tahini-lemon mixture thinned with water. You’ll still get that essential creamy, tangy element to balance the dish.

I’m not a fan of capers. What else can I use?
No problem at all! The capers provide a salty, briny punch, so you’ll want to replace them with something that offers a similar flavor profile. Chopped cornichons or dill pickles would be a great substitute. Alternatively, a few sliced green olives (like Castelvetrano for a buttery flavor or Kalamata for a stronger bite) would work wonderfully. It’s all about personalizing the bowl to your taste.

Is the salmon in this bowl cooked?
The smoked salmon used in this recipe is technically “cooked” through the smoking process, but it is not heated. It’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, similar to how you’d eat it on a bagel. If you prefer warm salmon, you could quickly sear a fresh salmon fillet and flake it over the bowl instead, though that will change the classic flavor profile.

Can I add other vegetables to this bowl?
Please do! This bowl is a fantastic canvas. Sliced cucumber or radishes would add a wonderful, refreshing crunch. Some sweet cherry tomatoes, halved, would bring a juicy burst of flavor. Even some lightly sautéed spinach or mushrooms would be delicious if you want to incorporate more warm elements. Feel free to get creative and use up whatever veggies you have in your fridge.

Smoked Salmon Bagel Bowl

Cost Level $$

Category Salmon Recipes

Difficulty Medium

Cuisine American, fusion

Servings 1

Total Time 15 minutes

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Make a delicious Smoked Salmon Bagel Bowl in 15 minutes! This easy, healthy recipe features creamy dressing & everything bagel seasoning. Get the recipe now!

Ingredients

For the bowl

100-120 g high-quality smoked salmon (broken into pieces)
2 large eggs (or 1/2 a large avocado, sliced)
2 large handfuls mixed salad greens or baby spinach
1/4 small red onion (very thinly sliced)
1 tbsp capers (drained)
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
1/2 lemon
1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

For the cream cheese dressing

2 tbsp cream cheese (at room temperature)
1-2 tbsp milk or water

Instructions

01
In your small bowl, add the room-temperature cream cheese. Start whisking it with a fork or small whisk—it might be a little lumpy at first, but that’s okay. Slowly drizzle in the milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, pourable consistency. You’re aiming for something like a runny yogurt. Season with a crack of black pepper and set this deliciousness aside.
02
If you’ve chosen the egg route, now’s the time! Crack your two eggs into a bowl, add a splash of water or milk, and whisk until uniform. Heat a small non-stick skillet over medium-low heat (a little butter or oil is optional). Pour in the eggs and gently push them from the edges toward the center as they cook, creating soft, fluffy curds. This should only take 2-3 minutes. You want them just set, not dry. Remove from the pan immediately.
03
Grab your favorite bowl—the bigger, the better for tossing! Place your two large handfuls of greens at the bottom. If you’re using avocado instead of eggs, now is the time to slice it and artfully arrange it over the greens. Next, place your warm, fluffy scrambled eggs (if using) right in the center. This creates a lovely warm-and-cool contrast.
04
Take your beautiful pieces of smoked salmon and drape them around the eggs or avocado. Scatter over the thinly sliced red onion, the briny capers, and the fresh, fragrant dill. You’ll notice how the colors start to pop—the deep pink of the salmon, the purple onion, the green herbs… it’s a feast for the eyes already.
05
Drizzle that luxurious cream cheese dressing generously over everything. Don’t be shy! Then, sprinkle the entire bowl with a hearty teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning. This is where the magic happens—that iconic sesame, poppy seed, and garlic flavor ties it all back to the bagel experience. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice right over the top. Serve immediately and dig in!