An old school breakfast favorite takes a new look by losing the can. Feel good…
Everything Bagel(less) Brunch Salmon
No bagels on hand? No problem! This salmon gives you all the essentials of a loaded bagel without the guilt. Serve at your next hosted brunch and amaze your guests with this healthy centerpiece in less than 20 minutes! Or load onto an actual bagel and treat yourself! This recipe will keep you on track with mindful eating no matter how you choose to enjoy it!
Somewhere between my bagel rant (loving the local bagel maker of Jeff’s Bagel Run), Mother’s Day dishes with seafood, and reading Alison Roman’s cookbook, the most perfect recipe was created out of pure inspiration. So let’s go back to Alison Roman who really convinced me to go get that salmon I’ve been eyeing.
I was introduced to Alison during quarantine from a coworker. It wasn’t until I started watching her videos, reading her newsletters and then buying her cookbook that I was hooked on her elegant, classic, yet, super simple food. More so her witty personality and rhetorical humor. Her cookbook ‘Nothing Fancy’ just speaks my language and I will for sure be referencing her many times in my work. I read about and watched her make a Butter Roasted Salmon and she mentioned something about the “essence of a bagel” and it hit me. What if I can’t get a handmade, loaded bagel or I’m simply cutting out carbs? That’s where my brunch salmon was born, and it’s simply perfect. Just like her!

Amongst all the veggies I devour, seafood is a favorite and the best way to treat yourself when you’re seeking lean proteins. And I LOVE ALL SEAFOOD! Salmon is a classic fresh fish to have on hand for so many easy, fast, healthy recipes. Get those omegas in and have no fear of fat. This fish has been known as a superfood. I think it’s super perfect for fast, feel good meals but especially BRUNCH!
Imagine that perfect, indulgent bagel, loaded with cream cheese. There are so many other toppings to add. Everything bagels are classic, if not the best bagel you could get, topped with salmon (lox or smoked), capers, red onions, dill, tomato or even chives. This entire Atlantic salmon has all those flavors in one.

Hints of rich onions and garlic perfectly represent a bagel-like flavor and pairs with Everything Bagel Seasoning, sold everywhere! Dill and lemon on salmon is a threesome you’d be silly not to love. Topped with all your favorite toppings, you really don’t have to worry about having a bagel on hand. Although, you know I did!
Brunch to me pretty much means an excuse to eat and drink whatever I want. It’s perfect either after a night of sipping on a few extra cocktails or a late morning celebration. It’s an excuse to have lots of food and drinks with no shame. This salmon happens to be the perfect centerpiece for nourishment, full of fat and protein. Allow it to be the main star on your plate or use it as a topping or side to bagels, eggs, grits, hash browns and of course a mimosa (hold the orange juice!).
This is one of those dishes that makes a proud statement when you’re trying to impress a breakfast crowd. No need to sweat in the kitchen flipping pancakes, scrambling eggs or frying bacon in abundance for all your guests. Pop this fish in the oven for less than twenty minutes and you have a flawless masterpiece. Obviously I suggest serving it with bagels, and let your guests choose what type of breakfast they want to make in that moment. It’s perfect with panzanella, avocado toasts, fresh fruit, salad and even oven roasted potatoes.

Pour yourself a Bloody Mary, turn on the oven and make this brunch special the elegant centerpiece, within minutes. Everyone will be absolutely blown away that your morning feast is better than any breakfast buffet in town.
Ingredients
- 3-4 medium lemons sliced
- 2-2 ½ pounds Atlantic salmon filleted, with skin
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1-2 tablespoon Everything Bagel Seasoning divided
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder or 3-4 crushed cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 small red onion sliced into rings, divided
- ½ pint cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- 4 sprigs fresh dill chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers with brine
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped
- lemon wedges, garnish
- fresh dill garnish
- sliced hot house cucumbers sliced, garnish (optional)
- arugula garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Slice lemons and lay as a base to the salmon.
- Pat the salmon dry and feel for any remaining bones within the salmon. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder (or rub in crushed garlic), onion powder, sea salt, cracked pepper and half of the Everything Bagel Seasoning (up to one tablespoon). Top with dill, half of the sliced onions and any remaining lemon slices.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes.
- Turn oven to broil setting and broil for 4 minutes on the lower rack or 2 minutes on the higher rack, closest to the broiler. Watch closely and remove when slight color develops on top.
- Remove from oven and top with tomatoes, capers, chives, the remaining bagel seasoning and the rest of the sliced onions.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and more dill sprigs
Notes
Nutrition
