Smoked Salmon Avocado Crostini Wreath is a stunning, elegant holiday appetizer that looks impressive but is incredibly easy to make. This gorgeous wreath features golden toasted baguette slices arranged in a circle, topped with creamy avocado spread, delicate slices of smoked salmon, fresh dill, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. The result is a fresh, vibrant, luxurious bite with buttery richness, citrus brightness, and a beautiful festive presentation. Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner, a holiday brunch, or a New Year’s party, this appetizer brings both refined flavor and visual impact to your table. It’s a no-cook recipe, quick to assemble, and perfect for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Elegant and Festive Presentation: The wreath design instantly makes your appetizer table look elevated and holiday-ready. It’s a showstopper without requiring complicated preparation.
• No Cooking Required: Just toast bread and assemble, ideal for busy hosts who want something beautiful with minimal effort.
• Creamy, Fresh, and Balanced: The rich smoked salmon pairs perfectly with creamy avocado, fresh herbs, and bright lemon for a flavorful yet refreshing bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep all components separately ahead of time and assemble minutes before serving.
• Customizable for Any Gathering: Serve buffet-style, plated individually, or adapt into bite-sized crostini for cocktail parties.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Naturally packed with healthy fats, quality protein, and fresh ingredients, light but satisfying.
• Crowd-Pleaser Flavor: Smoked salmon and avocado is a universally loved pairing, making this appetizer perfect for both casual and refined occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp finely chopped dill (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tbsp minced chives
- 6–8 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- Lemon zest, for finishing
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: Prepare the Crostini
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.
STEP 2: Make the Avocado Spread
• In a bowl, mash avocados with lemon juice, salt, pepper, chopped dill, and chives.
• Mix until smooth and creamy.
STEP 3: Assemble the Wreath
• Arrange toasted baguette slices in a circular wreath shape on a large serving plate.
• Spoon a generous amount of avocado mixture onto each slice.
• Top each crostini with a folded slice of smoked salmon.
• Garnish with fresh dill sprigs and a light sprinkle of lemon zest.
STEP 4: Serve
• Present the crostini wreath immediately, or refrigerate briefly until guests arrive.
Variations
• Herbed Cream Cheese Base: Replace avocado with whipped cream cheese mixed with dill and lemon zest for a richer, tangier flavor.
• Cucumber Crunch: Add thin cucumber slices under the smoked salmon for extra freshness and texture.
• Spicy Upgrade: Incorporate a swirl of sriracha, chili crisp, or wasabi mayo for subtle heat.
• Smoked Trout or Gravlax: Swap smoked salmon for trout or Scandinavian-style gravlax for variety.
• Avocado-Lime Mash: Substitute lemon with lime and add cilantro for a more citrus-forward, guacamole-style spread.
• Everything Bagel Wreath: Sprinkle crostini with everything bagel seasoning before adding salmon for a fun twist.
• Mini Individual Wreaths: Create small wreaths on personal plates for sit-down dinners or brunch.
Cooking Notes
• Toast crostini fully so they stay crisp under the avocado mixture.
• Add avocado spread at the last moment to maintain its vibrant green color.
• Thin, folded salmon slices create the most elegant presentation.
• Lemon zest adds aromatic brightness, don’t skip this finishing touch.
• If prepping ahead, store avocado spread with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with sparkling wine, champagne, or crisp white wine for a festive pairing.
• Add fresh greens or arugula in the center of the wreath for decoration.
• Pair with other appetizers like caprese skewers, shrimp cocktail, or cheese boards.
• Serve as the centerpiece of a brunch board with eggs, fruit, and pastries.
• Present with extra lemon wedges so guests can boost the fresh citrus flavor.
Tips
• Use high-quality smoked salmon, its flavor carries the dish.
• Make crostini ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• If avocados are firm, mash them first then whip with a hand mixer for a smoother spread.
• Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top right before serving for enhanced flavor.
• Keep the wreath tightly arranged; the more compact it is, the more beautiful it appears.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 190 calories – 8g protein – 10g fat – 16g carbs
FAQs
Can I make this appetizer a few hours ahead?
- Yes, toast the bread and prep the avocado mixture and salmon separately. Assemble within 30 minutes of serving for the freshest look.
What type of smoked salmon should I use?
- Cold-smoked salmon works best because it’s silky and slices beautifully. Lox or gravlax also work well.
Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free baguette slices or toasted gluten-free crackers.
How can I keep the avocado from browning?
- Add extra lemon juice and press plastic wrap directly onto the avocado surface until ready to use.
Can I use other herbs besides dill?
- Absolutely, chives, parsley, basil, or tarragon pair wonderfully with both salmon and avocado.
Conclusion
Smoked Salmon Avocado Crostini Wreath is the perfect combination of elegance, freshness, and festive charm. With its creamy avocado base, delicate smoked salmon, bright citrus notes, and beautiful wreath arrangement, this appetizer is guaranteed to impress any holiday gathering. Easy to prepare, stunning to present, and delicious in every bite, it’s a recipe you’ll want to serve year after year.