Name: The Best Smoked Salmon Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 2 naan flatbread rounds; 1/2 cup pesto sauce; 2 oz brie cheese (sliced); 1 cup fresh arugula; 4 oz smoked salmon (cut into pieces); 1/8 cup pickled red onion (sliced); 2 Tbsp goat cheese (crumbled); 1 tsp capers

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Savor the ultimate pizza experience with the best smoked salmon pizza recipe! Crispy crust, creamy cheese, smoked salmon and the perfect amount of fresh greens.

Small round pizza on a wooden cutting board topped with fresh arugula, smoked salmon, goat cheese and pickled onions.

Today’s pizza recipe has to be one of my all time favorites. The combination of smoky, flavourful salmon, melty cheese and arugula is perfection!

Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We recently returned from our annual fishing trip on the West Coast and luckily had an abundance of salmon in our catch. One of the first things we did was to put all of the Pinks we caught on the smoker!

Pink salmon is generally considered a lesser quality cut of fish making it perfect for smoking! Not to worry if you don’t just happen to have a smoker at home, Costco has smoked salmon that is not only delicious but also affordable.

While in Prince Rupert during our fishing trip we stopped by a local pup for dinner and a pint. They had a smoked salmon pizza on the menu that we decided to give a try!

It was good, but something was missing. The pizza lacked flavour and was served with a severe shortage of actual smoked salmon on the dish, we were hoping for a heartier portion.

Small round pizza on a wooden cutting board topped with fresh arugula, smoked salmon, goat cheese and pickled onions cut into slices.

Since then we have been on a mission to recreate and improve upon that wood fire pizza experience. The addition of flavourful pesto and melty brie cheese to this salmon pizza has become the winning combination!

The nutty pesto pairs beautifully with the spicy arugula while the creamy cheese blends the flavours all together. Our homemade smoked salmon is, of course, the star of the show with a generous serving on each pizza.

Our smoked salmon pizza has been well tested and we can safely say, developed to perfection. It’s simply a must try recipe that you are sure to love!

Slice of pizza on a wooden cutting board topped with fresh arugula, smoked salmon, goat cheese and pickled onions.

Smoked Salmon Pizza Recipe

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

Naan flatbread rounds – you could use store bought pizza crust or make your own as well.
Pesto sauce – store bought or homemade.
Small round of brie cheese (about 2 oz), sliced
Fresh arugula – baby arugula or regular. We love the flavour when paired with salmon. A nice variation would be mustard greens.
Smoked salmon – we love using this cold smoked salmon recipe. Our Traeger smoked salmon recipe would be good too!
Pickled red onions – these can easily be made at home by placing a few slices of red onion in apple cider vinegar.
Goat cheese, crumbled – this was a last minute addition to the recipe but so good!
Capers – if you don’t love capers you can leave them out or try frying them to enhance the flavour!

Naan bread covered in pesto sauce on a wooden cutting board.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.

2. Brush each pizza crust with pesto sauce.

Naan bread covered in pesto sauce with slices of brie on a wooden cutting board.

3. Lay pieces of brie cheese equally onto the pizzas.

Naan bread covered in pesto sauce with slices of melted brie on a wooden cutting board.

4. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes until the pesto is hot and bubbly and the brie is melted.

Ingredients for smoked salmon pizza being layered onto to naan breads.

5. Divide the remaining ingredients between the two pizzas. Top each with arugula, pickled onions, smoked salmon, goat cheese and a sprinkle of capers.

6. Cut into slices and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Smoked Salmon Pizza

Use Freshly Smoked Salmon: If you have access to freshly smoked salmon, it will elevate the flavor of your smoked salmon pizza. Homemade smoked salmon, especially hot smoked salmon, adds a rich, smoky taste that can’t be beaten. If using store bought, choose high-quality salmon for the best results.
Don’t Skimp on the Brie: Brie cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture that complements the smoked salmon on the pizza. Ensure you use enough brie to cover the pizza base evenly. You can use a small bowl to mix the brie with a bit of lemon juice for a tangy twist before placing it on the pizza.
Perfect Your Pesto: For a truly nutty and flavorful pesto, consider making your own with fresh herbs like basil. Spread it generously on the pizza dough before baking and adding toppings. You can use a rolling pin to evenly spread the dough if you’re using homemade dough. The pesto ties the entire dish together, so using a homemade version can make a significant difference.
Achieve Crust Crispiness: Pre-bake the naan bread or pizza dough for a few minutes on a pizza stone to achieve a golden brown crust. This ensures a crispy base that can support the rich and moist toppings without becoming soggy. A pizza stone can help achieve that perfect texture.
Balance the Toppings: To avoid overwhelming your taste buds, balance the toppings thoughtfully. The peppery arugula, tangy pickled onions, and briny capers should enhance, not overpower, the smoked salmon. Add a light sprinkle of black pepper and fresh spring onions for added flavor. Feel free to play with different toppings. Last time I made this I added avocado slices and halved cherry tomatoes – yum!
Serve Immediately: This smoked salmon pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. The combination of hot brie, pesto, and fresh toppings creates a delightful contrast. Serving it right away ensures the best texture and flavor. This light dinner option is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of brie?

Yes, you can substitute brie with other creamy cheeses like Camembert, cream cheese, or even a mild blue cheese. However, brie’s mild, buttery flavor pairs exceptionally well with the smoked salmon and pesto. If using cream cheese, you can mix it with fresh herbs in a small bowl to create a flavorful cream cheese mixture.

How can I make this pizza gluten-free?

To make this pizza gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free naan bread or pizza dough. Most grocery stores carry gluten free options that will work perfectly with the recipe. You can also make your own dough using gluten-free purpose flour, warm water, and a bread maker, allowing it to rise in a warm place until it reaches room temperature.

Can I prepare this pizza ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, like pickling the onions and slicing the brie. Assemble the pizza right before enjoying it for the best results. If you must prepare it in advance, bake the pizza on a pizza stone, but wait to add the fresh toppings like arugula, spring onions, and capers until just before serving to keep them vibrant and crisp.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

More smoked salmon recipes

Looking for more smoked salmon recipes? Be sure to check out these delicious creations…

Make sure to check out the full recipe card for detailed instructions and tips to make the best smoked salmon pizza at home!

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