Dill and Smoked Salmon Open Sandwich

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An elegant open-faced sandwich featuring smoked salmon, fresh dill, and a tangy cream cheese spread on rye bread, perfect for a light meal. This Nordic-inspired sandwich and wrap recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs rye bread slices, cream cheese, softened, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Nordic cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Toast 4 slices of rye bread until crisp and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture over each toasted rye slice.
  4. Step 4: Top each with 6 oz smoked salmon slices, arranging evenly.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with thin slices of 1/2 cucumber, 2 tbsp capers, and sprinkle freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add remaining 1 tbsp chopped dill for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dill and Smoked Salmon Open Sandwich take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Dill and Smoked Salmon Open Sandwich?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dill and Smoked Salmon Open Sandwich?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Dill and Smoked Salmon Open Sandwich for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Dill and Smoked Salmon Open Sandwich?

Nordic sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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