Smoked Salmon Bagel

Ingredients

• 2 large everything bagels or plain bagels
• 6 oz cold-smoked salmon (lox), thinly sliced
• 6 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 1 medium ripe tomato, sliced
• 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice the bagels in half horizontally and toast them in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown and slightly crispy on the cut sides, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Spread a generous layer of softened cream cheese on both cut sides of each toasted bagel, using approximately 1.5 oz per bagel half.
3. Arrange the smoked salmon slices evenly over the cream cheese on the bottom halves of the bagels, folding and layering them for an attractive presentation.
4. Top the salmon with thin slices of red onion, tomato slices, and cucumber rounds, distributing them evenly between the two bagels.
5. Scatter the capers over the vegetables and drizzle with fresh lemon juice to brighten all the flavors.
6. Garnish with fresh chopped dill and a few cracks of black pepper, then place the top halves of the bagels over the toppings and serve immediately.