This smoked salmon panini sandwich with lemon dill mayonnaise is delicious, satisfying, easy to make and takes almost no time to put together. All you need is 10 minutes and a panini press and a hot meal is served!
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Why make this recipe?
If you’re craving a warm yet simple meal a hot sandwich like this smoked salmon panini always hits the spot. (And if you’re looking for more, this gourmet grilled cheese sandwich is another favorite of ours!)
Ingredients needed:
For the mayonnaise:
For the sandwiches:
How to make the lemon dill mayonnaise:
The star of this recipe is the lemon dill mayonnaise; it’s tangy, dilly and slightly peppery from the freshly cracked black pepper I mix in. (The pepper is a very important component, please don’t be tempted to skip it.) To make the mayonnaise, simply whisk together mayo, lemon juice, finely chopped fresh dill and black pepper.
The mayonnaise complements the smoked salmon very nicely and really elevates the panini from good to great.
How to make the smoked salmon sandwich:
Assemble the sandwiches in the following order:
- one slice of bread
- lettuce leaf
- smoked salmon
- lemon dill mayonnaise
- second slice of bread
This sandwich is a bit of a special case because it is delicate (you don’t want the mayo to be squirting out all over the place) and because it tastes best just warm but not hot. So what I do is I press it very lightly, just enough to grill the bread and warm the stuffing just a tad.
What if I don’t have a panini press?
If you don’t have a panini press you can make this recipe just as a smoked salmon sandwich but it’s definitely better pressed.
More delicious light meals:
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Full Printable Recipe
Smoked Salmon Panini with Lemon Dill Mayonnaise
Equipment
- measuring cups and spoons
- citrus juicer
- knife and cutting board
- pepper mill
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- panini press
Ingredients
For the lemon dill mayonnaise:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 teaspoons finely chopped fresh dill*
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the panini:
- 4 slices multigrain bread, or any other rustic bread of your choice
- lettuce leaves
- 4 ounces smoked salmon
Instructions
For the mayonnaise:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate until you're ready to use it.
For the panini:
- Layer one slice of bread, one lettuce leaf, salmon, lemon dill mayonnaise and another slice of bread on top of each other and very lightly press in a hot panini press.
Luke
Smoked Salmon Panini with Lemon Dill Mayonnaise will be my family’s favorite lunch menu now and then. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole B.
So great to hear that, Luke! :)
Louise | Cygnet Kitchen
This looks so fresh Nicole! I am always looking for lunch inspiration, I love smoked salmon and your dill mayonnaise sounds perfect x
Nicole B.
Thank you, Louise! It’s a very refreshing and satisfying lunch, we make it all the time! :)
Jay @ IndustryEats
Hi Nicole,
I was going to comment on your cream puff post and then I scrolled down to this one. I got sucked in. I’ll have to save that comment for another day.
Anyway, I think I can handle this recipe. It looks clean and elegant. There aren’t too many ingredients, which is nice. I think the only issue will be finding smoked salmon. I live in a town of 756 people, so I’ll have to make a trip. I think it’ll be worth it though.
Thanks for the great recipe. Thanks for the great photography.
Jay
Nicole B.
You’re quite welcome, Jay, and thank you for your kind words! I thought I lived in a small town but you’ve definitely got me beat, we have about 9,000 people here (and thankfully a number of good grocery stores). :)
Debs @ Wilde Orchard
Nicole, that sandwich looks gorgeous! So fresh and light looking. Makes me feel like spring is right around the corner!
Nicole B.
Thank you, Debs! And, YEAH for spring! :)
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage
Smoked salmon is quick becoming a staple in our house and this sandwich is wonderful. I agree with the panini maker, sandwiches just aren’t the same without it. Take care.
Nicole B.
Thank you, Stacey! Smoked salmon is great, isn’t it? We love it too. Have a nice week! :)
Abbe @ This is How I Cook
What a beautiful shot and a great panini! I actually gave away my mom’s press and now am wishing I wasn’t so quick on that! So great, Nicole!
Nicole B.
Thank you, Abbe! We love that press, it’s in near constant use! :)
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
Your sandwich looks amazing — how could you possibly take a picture of it without drooling all over the set?? I love it “icy” background — it makes the pink of the salmon jump out. Absolutely beautiful shot. AND you’ve given me a fantastic idea. A few Christmases ago we bough our son a panini press — do you know where I’m going with this?? He doesn’t use it that much and I think my hubby and I are just going to have to borrow it for a while. :-) He’s offered to lend it to us — can’t wait to pick it up. Thank you for giving me a kick in the rear — I have been wanting to get it. Now is the time.
Nicole B.
Thank you so much, Marisa! This was actually the second sandwich I made, the first one didn’t look symmetric enough for a photo and I ate it, so my belly was full when I took this photo. And, yeah, go get that press, you’ll love it! :)
Shinee
Nicole, I want this sandwich right now! I couldn’t eat smoked salmon for 10 months! Now that my baby boy is here, I can finally stuff my face with it!
And I love everything about this recipe. Dill is perfect compliment to the salmon, and mayo is just the best! I need to send my husband for some salmon now! :)
Nicole B.
Omg, congratulations, Shinee!! I am excited for you!! I have never been pregnant myself but from everything I see and hear it seems to be a tremendous chore, so you absolutely deserve as many of these paninis as you like! :)
Mila
Umm yes please! This is my favorite!!!! I love smoked salmon and as a panini?!? Bring it on! Have a great weekend Nicole!
Nicole B.
Thank you, Mila! We’ve been eating these paninis non-stop over here, they are so good. A great weekend to you too! :)