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The holiday season calls for celebration, creativity, and irresistible flavors, and this Mini Christmas Wreath with Smoked Salmon is the perfect way to impress your guests! Vibrant, festive, and utterly delicious, this edible wreath combines fresh herbs, creamy mozzarella, and savory smoked salmon for a show-stopping appetizer. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or a glamorous party, this simple yet elegant dish will make everyone smile.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This wreath isn’t just a centerpiece—it’s a conversation starter! Here’s why it’s destined to become a holiday favorite:
- Festive Aesthetic: The vibrant greens, reds, and whites mimic a Christmas wreath, bringing holiday cheer to your table.
- Burst of Flavor: The smoky richness of the salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy bocconcini and fresh herbs.
- Easy and Customizable: No baking or cooking required, and you can swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
- Interactive: Guests can pick their favorite bites right off the wreath—it’s as fun as it is tasty!
Ingredients for the Mini Christmas Wreath
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous flavor.
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs: The sturdy base of your wreath, with a fragrant, pine-like aroma.
- Grape Tomatoes: For a burst of festive red and juicy sweetness.
- Green Olives: Slightly briny and a nice contrast to the creamy cheese.
- Bocconcini (Small Mozzarella Balls): Creamy and mild, perfect for pairing with the other ingredients.
- Thinly Sliced Smoked Salmon: Adds a touch of elegance and a smoky, savory note.
Essential Tools
- A round platter or cutting board for assembling your wreath.
- Small wooden picks for holding basil leaves and bocconcini in place.
- A sharp paring knife for neatly slicing tomatoes and olives if needed.
- Your creativity and festive spirit!
Step-by-Step: How to Make the Mini Christmas Wreath
1. Create the Base
Start by laying out the rosemary sprigs in a circle to form the shape of your wreath. Tuck in fresh basil leaves, arranging them evenly to create a lush, green backdrop.
2. Add the Bocconcini
Scatter the mozzarella balls around the wreath. Use small wooden picks to attach a basil leaf to some of the bocconcini for added visual appeal.
3. Style the Smoked Salmon
Fold each slice of smoked salmon into loose rolls or ruffles and nestle them between the rosemary and basil. This creates a “floral” effect that elevates the presentation.
4. Place Tomatoes and Olives
Dot the wreath with grape tomatoes and green olives, spacing them evenly to highlight the festive colors.
5. Perfect the Look
Adjust any gaps with extra basil leaves or reposition the ingredients for balance. The fuller and more festive it looks, the better!
What to Serve with Your Smoked Salmon Wreath
This wreath shines on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the experience:
- Crispy Crostini: Perfect for layering salmon, cheese, and olives.
- Crackers: A classic pairing for the creamy bocconcini and briny olives.
- Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water: Complements the smoked salmon and enhances the festive mood.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The vibrancy of fresh herbs and vegetables makes this dish stand out.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the wreath an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld while keeping the herbs fresh.
- Customize: Swap out green olives for black ones or add thinly sliced cucumbers for a different texture.
How to Store Leftovers
If there are leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Note that the herbs may wilt slightly, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! Small chunks of feta or goat cheese work well and add a unique flavor.
What if I don’t have rosemary?
Substitute with thyme sprigs or kale for a sturdy, green base.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the smoked salmon and add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for a festive, meat-free alternative.
Conclusion
This Mini Christmas Wreath with Smoked Salmon is the perfect blend of beauty and flavor. It’s simple to make yet makes a big impression on your holiday table. With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
For more festive ideas, explore these recipes:
- Christmas Brie and Pear Phyllo Cups
- Christmas Salad: A Festive and Flavorful Holiday Side Dish
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad Recipe
Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest—we’d love to see your festive flair!
PrintMini Christmas Wreath with Smoked Salmon
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Mini Christmas Wreath with Smoked Salmon is a stunning and delicious holiday appetizer. Made with fresh herbs, bocconcini, and savory smoked salmon, it’s quick to assemble and perfect for festive gatherings. A beautiful centerpiece that doubles as a crowd-pleasing snack!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/2 pint grape tomatoes
- 1/2 (10-oz.) jar green olives, drained
- 1/2 lb. bocconcini (small mozzarella balls)
- 2 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon
Instructions
- Arrange rosemary sprigs in a circular wreath shape on a serving board. Tuck in basil leaves to create a lush, green base.
- Scatter bocconcini around the wreath, securing some with basil leaves on small wooden picks for extra flair.
- Fold smoked salmon into loose rolls or ruffles and nestle them into the herbs.
- Evenly distribute grape tomatoes and green olives around the wreath for festive color.
- Adjust gaps with extra basil leaves for a full, festive look. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute black olives for green or add thinly sliced cucumbers for extra freshness.
- Assemble up to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld while keeping the herbs vibrant.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days, though the herbs may wilt slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of the wreath
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg