Smoked Salmon & Arugula Pizza is a fresh, upscale take on classic pizza, and it’s exactly the kind of dish you’d expect to enjoy on a sun-drenched Malibu patio. Inspired by California’s health-conscious, flavor-forward food scene, this pizza blends the rich, buttery texture of smoked salmon with the peppery bite of fresh arugula. Together, these ingredients create a balance of indulgence and brightness that reflects the essence of West Coast cuisine.
This isn’t your average pizza—it’s light yet satisfying, elegant but easy to make. The creamy base of lemony crème fraîche replaces traditional tomato sauce, complementing the savory smoked salmon without overpowering it. Red onions and capers add a briny crunch, while a final drizzle of olive oil pulls everything together. A freshly baked crust acts as the perfect foundation for this vibrant medley of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back weekend brunch, a beachside dinner, or simply want to impress guests with something unique, this Smoked Salmon & Arugula Pizza delivers. It’s a Malibu-style favorite for good reason—simple, stylish, and bursting with bold flavor. You don’t have to be a professional chef to pull it off either. With minimal prep and ingredients you can find at most grocery stores, this recipe is accessible yet refined.
This pizza also doubles as a brilliant canvas for variations. Swap in dill for arugula for a more Nordic touch, add a touch of goat cheese for extra richness, or skip the capers if you prefer something less briny. However you adapt it, one thing’s certain: Smoked Salmon & Arugula Pizza will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Imagine brunch by the ocean, where Malibu’s coastal breeze meets fresh, vibrant flavors. That’s the inspiration behind this Smoked Salmon & Arugula Pizza — a light yet luxurious creation that fuses West Coast wellness with European flair. Silky smoked salmon drapes over a crispy thin crust layered with lemony crème fraîche and topped with peppery arugula. It’s elegant, effortless, and perfect for warm weather days or weekend gatherings. Whether served at brunch or dinner, this pizza brings a taste of Malibu’s easygoing indulgence to your table.
Equipment
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 ball of pizza dough 10–12 inches
- All-purpose flour for dusting
Crème Fraîche Base:
- ½ cup crème fraîche
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 3 oz smoked salmon thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh arugula
- 2 tbsp red onion thinly sliced
- 1 tsp capers optional
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Cracked black pepper to finish
Instructions
Preparation:
Assembly & Baking:
- Spread the crème fraîche mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
- Bake the pizza for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes.
- Layer smoked salmon slices over the cooled pizza, then top with arugula, red onion, and capers.
- Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and finish with cracked black pepper.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough or flatbread for a quicker version.
- Variation: Add a few dollops of goat cheese before baking for a creamier bite.
- Serving Tip: Best enjoyed fresh with a crisp glass of white wine or a chilled rosé.
