How Much Smoked Salmon Per Person For A Starter: A Detailed Guide

Smoked salmon is a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for serving at parties and special occasions. But determining the right amount to buy and serve can be tricky. You want to make sure you have enough so that everyone gets a tasty portion, but not so much that you overspend or have lots of leftovers. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about portion sizes when serving smoked salmon as a starter.

How Much Smoked Salmon Per Person?

As a general guideline, we recommend 30g (1.05 oz) of smoked salmon per person if you want to serve it on canapés or crackers as a starter. That’s roughly one large slice per person. You can then cut the large slices in half or into thirds to fit neatly on blinis, crostini, or other small toasts or crackers.

Here are some more specific smoked salmon serving size recommendations:

• Canapés/crackers: 30g (1.05 oz) per person
• Salad starter: 50g (1.75 oz) per person
• Plated appetizer: 80g (2.8 oz) per person
• Main course: 130g (4.5 oz) per person

So for a dinner party starter on crostini or blinis, plan on 30g of sliced smoked salmon per guest. For a more substantial plated appetizer, go with 80g. And if you’ll be serving the smoked salmon as the main protein of a lunch meal, then 130g is a good hearty portion.

Buying Tips for Groups

When buying smoked salmon for a group here are some purchasing guidelines

• 6-8 people: 250g (8 oz) packet of pre-sliced smoked salmon
• 10-12 people: 500g (16 oz) packet or side of pre-sliced smoked salmon
• 16-20 people: Two 250g (8 oz) packets or one whole side of salmon (about 600-800g/1.3-1.75lb)

For a dinner party with 12 guests, for example, buying a 500g packet of pre-sliced salmon would allow for 30-40g portions per person. For larger gatherings like cocktail parties, you may need more like 500-600g of smoked salmon slices for every 20 guests.

When buying whole smoked salmon sides, you’ll get more weight since it includes the skin and bones. Figure on 600-800g (1.3-1.75lb) of whole salmon side to serve 10-15 people.

Estimate Sliced vs Whole Salmon

One important tip when estimating how much you need is to know whether the salmon you’re buying is pre-sliced or an entire side. With pre-sliced packs, what you see is what you get. But whole sides include extra weight from skin, bones, and bloodline that is removed before serving.

As a general rule of thumb:

• Sliced smoked salmon: 130g feeds 1 person
• Whole side smoked salmon: 600g feeds 6-8 people

So if the salmon is sliced beforehand, the weight on the label is a more accurate reflection of the edible portions. With a whole side, you’ll have to remove extra weight, so it will feed fewer people per pound.

Other Tips for Portioning

Here are some other handy tips to keep in mind when portioning smoked salmon as an appetizer:

• Provide 3-4 different canapés per person if serving a variety. Allow 2-3 pieces per type.
• If adding to salads or grain bowls, figure 50-60g (2 oz) smoked salmon per individual serving.
• For passed appetizers, allow 4-6 pieces per person depending on the size.
• Offer lemon wedges, capers, diced shallots, dill sprigs, and quality crackers on the side.
• Plan for some people to go back for seconds!

Buying and Storing Leftovers

Leftover smoked salmon will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. Here are some storage tips:

• Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container lined with paper towels.
• Place a damp paper towel directly on the surface of the salmon to prevent drying out.
• Leftover sliced salmon can also be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months if you won’t use within a few days.

Carefully estimating portions and purchasing only what you need helps reduce waste. But having a plan in place for leftovers will ensure you can enjoy any extra smoked salmon before it goes bad!

Handling and Serving Smoked Salmon Safely

Properly handling smoked salmon is important for food safety:

• Keep smoked salmon refrigerated at all times before serving. Never leave it sitting out at room temperature.
• When transporting salmon to a party, use an insulated cooler bag and ice packs.
• Arrange the smoked salmon on a platter over a bed of ice to keep it chilled if serving buffet-style.
• Discard any salmon left sitting out for more than 2 hours.
• Provide serving utensils and small plates so guests don’t handle the salmon directly.
• Offer pre-cut lemon wedges in a dish for squeezing rather than shared whole lemons.

Smoked salmon is a milder cured fish, but you still want to take care to serve it safely. Follow these tips for optimal freshness and food safety.

Serving Smoked Salmon Appetizers

Smoked salmon is so versatile and can be served in lots of different ways as a starter. Here are some elegant options your guests will love:

Canapés: Top baguette slices, crackers, crostini, or blinis with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and/or diced shallots. Garnish with dill or lemon zest.

Salmon salad: Flake smoked salmon over mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomato. Dress with lemon vinaigrette and garnish with more salmon on top.

Gravlax boards: Arrange thin slices of homemade gravlax (cured salmon) with mustards, cornichons, and assorted crackers and breads.

Salmon crostini: Top toasted bread slices with creamy goat cheese, smoked salmon, and everything bagel seasoning or poppy seeds.

Salmon avocado tartines: Mash avocado over baguette slices and top with smoked salmon and red onion slivers.

Smoked salmon Napoleon: Layer smoked salmon, dill cream cheese, cucumbers, and lemon zest between crispy phyllo crackers.

Get creative with how you serve the smoked salmon! Just be sure to stick with the recommended 30g per person for starters.

Perfectly Portioned Smoked Salmon

Serving smoked salmon as an appetizer for your next dinner party or event? Use our handy portion guidelines to buy, slice, and serve the right amount. With 30g per guest, you’ll provide the perfect starter without overspending or having too many leftovers.

Carefully calculating portions takes the guesswork out of how much smoked salmon you need. Follow our recommendations on amounts for sliced vs whole salmon, number of guests, and serving options. With these tips, your party platter will be picture-perfect with no shortage or excess of this delicious delicacy.