Smoked Salmon & Avocado Pizza: A Gourmet, Healthy, and Easy Recipe
For too long, my kitchen adventures have flirted with the idea of pizza without ever truly committing to a classic pie. From the irresistible Barbecue Chicken Pizza Pull Apart Bread to the ingenious Barbecue Chicken Pizzadilla, and even the comforting Cheesy Pizza Pull Apart Bread, my blog has been a haven for “pizza-inspired” creations. There were even those Margarita Pizza Stuffed Chicken Breasts – a truly pizza-genius move! Yet, a traditional pizza recipe, featuring a delightful crust and a bounty of toppings, remained conspicuously absent. Until now.
Prepare to meet your new favorite obsession: the Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza. This isn’t just any pizza; it’s a revelation. Imagine a light, crispy base generously spread with a fragrant herb cream cheese, piled high with fresh smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and vibrant arugula. It’s a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic, delivering incredible flavor and a host of healthy benefits in every single bite.
Why This Smoked Salmon & Avocado Pizza Will Become Your Go-To
After the runaway success of our Smoked Salmon And Avocado Grilled Cheese, the demand for more recipes featuring this incredible flavor combination was undeniable. You asked, and we delivered! This pizza is the perfect answer, bringing together the richness of smoked salmon, the creaminess of avocado, and a fresh, herbaceous base to create something truly extraordinary. It’s cheesy, incredibly satisfying, and packed with healthy, good-for-you ingredients.
What makes this particular pizza so special? It’s not just the unique topping combination, but also its remarkable versatility. This Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza defies traditional meal boundaries, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Craving something light yet satisfying to start your day? A slice of this pizza, perhaps gently warmed, offers a delightful alternative to your usual breakfast fare. For lunch, it’s a refreshing and substantial meal that will leave you feeling energized. And come dinner time, it transforms into an elegant, quick-to-prepare dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
The Perfect Blend: Smoked Salmon, Creamy Avocado, and Herbaceous Goodness
The magic of this pizza lies in the thoughtful combination of its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and incredibly flavorful experience. Let’s delve into what makes this pizza so irresistible.
A Base to Build On
Starting with the foundation, you have two convenient options for your pizza base: a wholemeal or wholewheat store-bought pizza base, or a simple flour tortilla. Opting for a pre-made base significantly cuts down on prep time, making this a truly quick and easy recipe. The wholewheat option adds a delightful nutty flavor and extra fiber, contributing to the overall healthiness of the dish. A quick drizzle of garlic olive oil over your chosen base before spreading the cream cheese mixture infuses it with a subtle aromatic depth, creating the perfect canvas for your toppings.
The Creamy Herb Layer
The heart of this pizza’s unique flavor profile is its incredible cream cheese base. We blend low-fat or fat-free cream cheese with fresh dill and a clove of crushed garlic. Dill, with its slightly grassy, anise-like flavor, pairs exquisitely with salmon, while the garlic adds a warm, pungent kick. This creamy, herbaceous spread isn’t just a placeholder; it’s a flavorful, vibrant layer that brings moisture and a delightful tang to every bite, setting this pizza apart from traditional tomato-based ones. It’s light, refreshing, and truly complements the rich toppings.
Toppings Galore: Freshness and Flavor
Once your base is prepped and adorned with the herb cream cheese, it’s time for the delicious toppings. Thinly sliced red onion rings add a touch of sharp, sweet crunch that mellows beautifully in the oven. A generous sprinkle of light or reduced-fat mozzarella cheese provides that essential melty, savory element we all love on a pizza. After a quick bake to melt the cheese and slightly soften the onion, the fresh stars of the show are added:
- Smoked Salmon: Delicate slices of smoked salmon are draped over the melted cheese. Its rich, subtly salty flavor and tender texture are a true indulgence. Drizzling a little fresh lemon juice over the salmon enhances its flavor and adds a bright, zesty counterpoint.
- Avocado: Creamy, thinly sliced avocado pieces are scattered across the pizza. Beyond its luxurious texture, avocado brings a wealth of healthy fats and a mild, buttery taste that harmonizes perfectly with the salmon.
- Fresh Rocket/Arugula: A handful of peppery arugula leaves provides a fantastic textural contrast and a refreshing, slightly bitter kick that cuts through the richness of the salmon and avocado. It adds a vibrant green finish and a burst of fresh flavor.
A final flourish of lemon pepper adds another layer of citrusy warmth and a hint of spice, tying all the flavors together beautifully. At this point, your pizza is ready to be served as is, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine. OR, for those who love extra melty cheese and slightly warmed avocado and salmon, a quick return to the oven with a sprinkle of additional mozzarella cheese is an option. The choice is yours, and both are absolutely delicious!
Crafting Your Culinary Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Guide
This Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza is not only delicious but also remarkably simple to assemble. Follow these easy steps to create a gourmet meal in minutes.
Before You Begin: Prep Essentials
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200℃ (390℉). This ensures your pizza base gets crispy and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In a small bowl, combine your low-fat/fat-free cream cheese with the finely chopped fresh dill and the crushed garlic. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth, well-combined spread. This aromatic mixture will form the delicious foundation of your pizza.
Assembling and Baking Your Pizza
- Prepare the Base: Place your chosen pizza base (wholemeal/wholewheat or flour tortilla) on a baking sheet. Drizzle a tablespoon of garlic olive oil evenly over the surface. This adds a subtle layer of flavor and helps crisp up the base.
- Spread the Cream Cheese: Using a spoon or spatula, carefully spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly across the pizza base, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Add Initial Toppings: Distribute the finely sliced red onion rings over the cream cheese layer, followed by half a cup of light/reduced fat grated mozzarella cheese. These ingredients will bake first, creating a flavorful, softened layer.
- First Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has fully melted and is bubbling, and the edges of the pizza base are golden and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Finishing Touches and Serving
- Add Fresh Toppings: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately top with the delicate slices of smoked salmon, the thinly sliced avocado, and a generous handful of fresh baby rocket/arugula leaves. Arrange them artistically for an appealing presentation.
- Season and Serve (Option 1): Sprinkle the pizza liberally with lemon pepper to taste, and if desired, a final light drizzle of fresh lemon juice over the salmon and avocado. Your pizza is now ready to be sliced and served immediately, allowing the fresh flavors to shine through.
- Extra Melty Cheese Option (Option 2): If you prefer your avocado and salmon slightly warmed and your cheese extra melty, sprinkle an additional half cup of light/reduced fat grated mozzarella cheese over the fresh toppings. Return the pizza to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or just until the extra cheese has melted and the toppings are gently warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the salmon or avocado.
Whichever method you choose, this Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza promises a delightful culinary experience that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Beyond the Recipe: Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
This Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza is a fantastic standalone meal, but there are always ways to elevate it further, customize it to your taste, and enjoy it in different settings.
Ingredient Spotlight: What Makes it So Good?
- Smoked Salmon Benefits: Beyond its delicious taste, smoked salmon is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart and brain health. It also provides high-quality protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Using fresh, high-quality smoked salmon will make a significant difference in the final taste of your pizza.
- Avocado Goodness: Avocado adds not only a creamy texture but also healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and numerous vitamins (C, E, K, B-6). Its mild flavor acts as a perfect canvas for the bolder tastes of salmon and dill.
- Fresh Herbs & Cream Cheese: The dill and garlic in the cream cheese base aren’t just for flavor; dill is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties. Using fresh herbs really amplifies the vibrant taste.
- Wholewheat Base: Opting for a wholewheat pizza base boosts the fiber content, aiding digestion and providing a more sustained energy release compared to a white flour base.
Customize Your Pizza
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and adjust them to your liking:
- Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of dill, fresh chives, parsley, or even a hint of tarragon could be wonderful alternatives in your cream cheese base.
- Cheese Choices: While mozzarella offers classic meltiness, a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese could add a delightful tangy element. For a sharper flavor, a touch of grated Parmesan after baking could be nice.
- Add More Veggies: Thinly sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or capers could provide extra crunch and bursts of flavor.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce (before serving) can add a pleasant heat if you like a little kick.
- Protein Boost: While salmon is the star, cooked shrimp or even flaked tuna could work as alternatives, though the smoked salmon flavor is quite unique.
Perfect Pairings & Occasions
This pizza is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a light side salad dressed with a vinaigrette. For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the salmon beautifully, as would a sparkling rosé or even a light craft beer. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon or a fresh iced tea would be refreshing.
It’s an excellent choice for a brunch gathering, a sophisticated picnic, a light dinner party appetizer (cut into smaller squares), or simply a satisfying meal when you’re craving something healthy, flavorful, and a little out of the ordinary.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 180℃/350℉) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, a toaster oven works well for individual slices to crisp up the base. Microwaving is an option, but it might make the crust less crispy.
Other Smoked Salmon Delights You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with smoked salmon as much as we have, here are a few more recipes to satisfy your cravings:
- Goats Cheese and Smoked Salmon English Muffin
- Crispy Smoked Salmon and Fried Egg Stack
- Salmon and Avocado Grilled Cheese (the inspiration for this amazing pizza!)
Pin
Smoked Salmon and Avocado Pizza
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons low fat/fat free cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic crushed
- 1 base wholemeal/wholewheat store bought pizza base (prepared), or flour tortilla
- 1 tablespoon drizzle of garlic olive oil
- 1/2 large red onion finely sliced
- 1/2 cup light/reduced fat grated mozzarella cheese
- 3.5 oz smoked salmon
- 1/2 large avocado sliced thinly
- 1 handful fresh baby rocket/arugula
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper
- 1/2 cup (extra) light/reduced fat grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 200℃ | 390℉.
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In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese with the dill and the crushed garlic. Mix well.
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Drizzle the olive oil onto the pizza base and spread with the cream cheese mixture. Top with the onion rings and the mozzarella cheese and bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the mozzarella has melted through.
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Remove from oven; top with the salmon slices, avocado slices and rocket/arugula leaves. Sprinkle with lemon pepper and serve, or top with the (extra) cheese and place back into the oven to warm the avocado and salmon through.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.