Salmon Sandwiches – succulent salmon fillets nestled in a fresh roll with a vibrant, creamy dill sauce.

Contents

The Ultimate Salmon Sandwich: A Fresh & Flavorful Delight

There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a delicious meal that feels both gourmet and entirely approachable. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that perfectly embodies this balance: our sensational Salmon Sandwiches. Imagine tender, flaky salmon fillets paired with a luscious, herbaceous dill sauce, all tucked into a soft, fresh roll. It’s a combination that truly sings, offering a delightful culinary experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, often conjuring memories of exciting journeys and the sheer joy of sharing food. I vividly recall the anticipation of a trip to NYC, a city brimming with its own unique culinary tapestry, while simultaneously ensuring this very recipe made its way to you. Thanks to modern blogging tools, the passion for cooking and sharing transcends geographical boundaries, allowing me to share this delightful creation no matter where my adventures take me.

Why Salmon Sandwiches Are a Must-Try

Salmon isn’t just a delicious fish; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. Incorporating salmon into your diet is a fantastic way to boost heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. But beyond its health benefits, salmon offers a rich, distinctive flavor and a tender texture that makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen. When prepared correctly, it becomes the perfect centerpiece for a satisfying sandwich.

These salmon sandwiches are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. They’re quick enough for a weeknight dinner, elegant enough for a casual gathering, and perfectly portable for a gourmet lunch on the go. The combination of savory salmon with a bright, creamy dill sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Forget monotonous desk lunches; these sandwiches elevate your midday meal to something truly special.

Inspired by a Culinary Icon: My Take on Ina Garten’s Classic

This recipe draws inspiration from the legendary Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa, whose approach to simple yet elegant food has always resonated deeply with me. Her original concept for a salmon sandwich was intriguing, and I knew I had to put my own spin on it. While Ina suggested grilling the salmon over charcoal for that smoky char, I opted for a simpler, more accessible method that yields equally impressive results: broiling. Life often calls for shortcuts, and sometimes, the lazy way out is the smart way out, especially when it saves time without compromising flavor.

My second adaptation involved the choice of bread. Ina recommended serving the salmon on a white or brioche roll, both excellent choices. However, for a hearty and satisfying texture that stands up beautifully to the flaky salmon and rich sauce, I went with classic deli rolls. Their slightly chewy exterior and soft interior provide the perfect vessel for this magnificent creation. These small tweaks make the recipe even more weeknight-friendly without sacrificing an ounce of its deliciousness.

Mastering the Broiled Salmon: Tips for Perfection

Broiling salmon is an incredibly efficient way to achieve a perfectly cooked fillet with a slightly crispy exterior and a tender, moist interior. It’s faster than grilling and requires minimal cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.

Here’s how to ensure your broiled salmon is nothing short of perfect:

**Preparation is Key:** Start by preheating your broiler. This ensures a hot, even cooking environment right from the start. A hot broiler will sear the outside quickly, locking in moisture.
**Season Generously:** Rub your salmon fillets with a good quality olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The olive oil helps prevent sticking and promotes a beautiful golden crust, while the salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
**Monitor Closely:** Broiling is a fast-cooking method, so keep a close eye on your salmon. Typically, 5 minutes per side is sufficient for most fillets, but cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your fish and the intensity of your broiler. You want the fish to be almost cooked through; it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat after you remove it from the oven.
**The Rest is Best:** Once broiled, transfer the salmon to a plate and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, ensuring a moister, more flavorful piece of fish. Resisting the urge to immediately assemble your sandwich is vital for the best texture.

By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve perfectly broiled salmon every time, making these sandwiches an absolute delight.

The Star of the Show: Our Irresistible Homemade Dill Sauce

While the salmon is undeniably the hero, the creamy dill sauce is its perfect supporting act, elevating these sandwiches from good to absolutely phenomenal. I am, by nature, a huge fan of dill, and this sauce simply solidifies that adoration. Its fresh, tangy, and herbaceous profile cuts through the richness of the salmon beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

The secret to this sauce’s incredible depth lies in a thoughtful combination of ingredients:

**Good Mayonnaise and Sour Cream:** These form the creamy base, providing richness and a subtle tang. Using a high-quality mayonnaise makes a noticeable difference.
**White Wine Vinegar:** A splash of vinegar adds a bright, acidic lift that awakens all the flavors.
**Fresh Herbs:** This is where the magic happens! A generous amount of fresh dill is non-negotiable, offering its signature sweet and slightly anise-like flavor. Fresh basil leaves introduce a sweet, peppery note that complements the dill beautifully.
**Chopped Scallions:** Both the white and green parts of scallions provide a mild oniony bite and a hint of freshness.
**Seasoning:** A touch of kosher salt and black pepper enhances all the other flavors.
**Capers:** These tiny, briny flower buds add a wonderful salty, piquant burst that perfectly offsets the creamy sauce and rich salmon.

The process of making the sauce is incredibly simple: just combine all ingredients (except capers) in a food processor and blend until smooth. Then, a quick pulse with the capers ensures they’re incorporated but still retain some texture. The result is a vibrant, flavorful sauce that you’ll want to put on everything! It’s not just for salmon sandwiches; try it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for fresh crudités. Its versatility is truly impressive.

Salmon Sandwiches

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Author:
Deborah Harroun

Servings:

2
servings

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Salmon Sandwiches – succulent salmon fillets nestled in a roll with a vibrant, creamy dill sauce.

Ingredients

For the Fish:

olive oil
2 salmon fillets
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1/2 cup good mayonnaise
1/8 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon white wine vinegar
6 fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped dill
3/4 tablespoon chopped scallions white and green parts
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 capers drained

For the Sandwiches:

2 deli rolls
spinach leaves

Instructions

To prepare the salmon: Preheat the broiler. Rub both sides of the salmon with olive oil, salt and pepper. Broil the fish for 5 minutes on each side, or until almost cooked through. (The fish will continue to cook after you take the salmon out.) Remove and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
To prepare the sauce: Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, basil, dill, scallions, salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process until combined. Add the capers, pulse two or three times.
To assemble: Slice the buns in half and toast. Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the sauce on each cut side. Place some spinach on the bottom half, top with a piece of salmon. Place the top of the bun on the salmon.

Recipe Notes:

adapted from Barefoot Contessa Parties!

Assembling Your Perfect Salmon Sandwich

With your perfectly broiled salmon and delectable dill sauce ready, it’s time for the grand assembly. This is where your personal preferences can truly shine! While the original recipe highlights the challenge of flaky salmon, trust me, it’s a mess you’ll gladly embrace. As I discovered, a few licked fingers are a small price to pay for such a flavorful experience!

Here’s how to construct your masterpiece:

**Toast the Rolls:** Lightly toast your deli rolls (or brioche, or ciabatta, or any roll you prefer!) for added texture and warmth. This step also helps create a barrier against the sauce, preventing sogginess.
**Sauce it Up:** Generously spread 1-2 tablespoons of the homemade dill sauce on each cut side of the toasted rolls. Don’t be shy; the sauce is a critical flavor component!
**Layer the Greens:** Place a handful of fresh spinach leaves on the bottom half of the roll. The crispness and mild flavor of the spinach provide a lovely counterpoint to the rich salmon and creamy sauce. You could also use arugula for a peppery kick or crisp romaine.
**Add the Salmon:** Carefully place a piece of your rested, flaky salmon fillet on top of the spinach. You can break it into smaller pieces if it makes it easier to manage, or keep it whole for a more substantial bite.
**Complete the Sandwich:** Gently place the top half of the bun onto the salmon.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Salmon Sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Consider serving them with a light and refreshing cucumber salad, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or even a handful of crunchy potato chips for a classic touch. For beverages, a crisp white wine, sparkling water with lemon, or a refreshing iced tea would complement the flavors wonderfully.

Feel free to get creative with your sandwich fillings! While the dill sauce is a star, you could also experiment with thin slices of red onion for a sharper bite, a few slices of ripe tomato for freshness, or even some avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats. The beauty of a recipe like this is its adaptability to your personal taste and what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts: A Recipe You’ll Adore

These Salmon Sandwiches are more than just a meal; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can create truly unforgettable flavors. The ease of broiling the salmon combined with the vibrant, herbaceous dill sauce makes this a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again. It’s healthy, satisfying, and bursting with fresh taste, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated.

So, whether you’re planning a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or seeking a portable meal that excites your palate, give these Salmon Sandwiches a try. You’ll be delighted by the depth of flavor and the pure enjoyment they bring. Don’t worry about the mess; just embrace the deliciousness and perhaps keep a napkin handy!