Elevate your bagels and lox with some delightful side dishes. Start with classic cream cheese, adding a smooth and flavorful base. Capers provide a tangy burst of flavor without the extra calories. For a bit of sharpness, add sliced red onions, and for a invigorating element, include ripe tomato slices. Cucumber rounds offer a revitalizing crunch. Consider mixed greens for a fresh and light touch, and olives for a rich, salty balance. Cottage cheese introduces a creamy, protein-packed option, while radishes add a peppery zest. These sides transform a simple meal into a festive feast. Continue to discover even more delightful pairings!
Cream Cheese
A classic and essential accompaniment to bagels and lox, cream cheese provides a rich and creamy contrast to the salty, smoky flavor of the lox. Available in various flavored varieties like chive, garlic, and strawberry, it adds a delightful twist.
When spreading, use a knife to evenly coat the bagel, ensuring a smooth texture that perfectly complements every bite.
Capers
Capers, with their briny and tangy flavor, provide an excellent contrast to the rich cream cheese and smoky lox. Capers benefits include adding a burst of flavor without extra calories.
Different capers varieties, like nonpareil and capote, offer unique textures and sizes. These small green buds enhance the overall taste, making your bagel and lox experience even more delightful and satisfying.
Sliced Red Onions
Sliced red onions add a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the rich, savory taste of lox. Their flavor profile provides a delightful contrast, enhancing the overall experience.
Additionally, red onions offer health benefits, being high in antioxidants and vitamins. Including them in your bagel and lox ensemble not only elevates the taste but also boosts the nutritional value of your meal.
Tomato Slices
Adding to the vibrant mix of flavors, tomato slices introduce a fresh, juicy element that pairs perfectly with the rich lox and sharp red onions.
Heirloom varieties are particularly prized for their diverse colors and robust taste.
Seasoning options like a light sprinkle of sea salt or a dash of black pepper can enhance these tomatoes, providing a delightful balance to your bagel spread.
Cucumber Rounds
Cucumber rounds provide an invigorating, crisp contrast to the rich texture of lox, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your bagel spread.
These revitalizing slices are an excellent addition, reminiscent of classic cucumber sandwiches or a light cucumber salad.
They add a burst of rejuvenation, making each bite more delightful.
Perfect for those seeking a balanced and enjoyable bagel experience.
Fresh Dill
Enhancing the flavor of your bagels and lox, fresh dill offers a fragrant and herbaceous note that complements the smokiness of the lox perfectly.
Consider using dill butter to spread on your bagel, adding a creamy and aromatic layer.
Alternatively, a drizzle of dill pesto introduces a vibrant and tangy twist, making each bite more delightful and memorable.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables introduce a tangy and crisp contrast to the rich and savory flavors of bagels and lox, elevating the overall dining experience.
Fermented carrots and pickled beets add vibrant colors and unique tastes that enhance the meal.
These vegetables not only provide an invigorating crunch but also bring a delightful zing that complements the smooth, smoky taste of the lox.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Complementing the tangy pickled vegetables, hard-boiled eggs offer a protein-packed addition to your bagels and lox spread, providing a satisfying and hearty element to the meal. Their protein benefits are essential for a balanced diet.
Additionally, the firm texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy lox and chewy bagels, creating a delightful combination that enhances the overall dining experience.
Avocado Slices
Avocado slices bring a creamy texture and rich flavor that pairs exceptionally well with bagels and lox. They can be served simply or as part of an avocado salad, adding a delightful freshness.
For those who love avocado toast, incorporating these slices offers a modern twist to the classic. The smoothness of avocado beautifully complements the savory and smoky notes of lox.
Lemon Wedges
Adding a burst of citrus, lemon wedges can enhance the flavors of bagels and lox by bringing an invigorating acidity.
A sprinkle of lemon zest adds brightness, while a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette can elevate the dish to new heights.
These citrusy touches not only balance the rich, smoky lox but also create a revitalizing, well-rounded culinary experience.
Fresh Fruit
A selection of fresh fruit can provide a delightful contrast to the rich and savory flavors of bagels and lox.
Fruit salads, featuring a mix of berries, melons, and citrus, add invigorating color and revitalizing taste.
Including tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi introduces an exotic twist.
This combination not only enhances the meal's appeal but also offers a nutritious balance.
Mixed Greens
Complementing the vibrant fruit selection, a serving of mixed greens introduces a fresh and crisp element to the bagels and lox spread. The leafy textures add a delightful contrast, making each bite more enjoyable.
Choose from a variety of salad dressings to enhance the flavors, whether you prefer a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy ranch. This addition guarantees a balanced and invigorating meal.
Olives
Incorporating a selection of olives into your bagels and lox spread introduces a savory and briny component that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Different varieties like Kalamata, Castelvetrano, and Manzanilla offer unique tastes and textures.
Besides their delightful taste, olives provide health benefits, including heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.
This addition makes your meal both delicious and nutritionally beneficial, adding depth and richness.
Cottage Cheese
Adding cottage cheese to your bagels and lox spread introduces a creamy and mildly tangy element that balances the richness of the salmon. Its high protein content makes it a nutritious addition.
To keep it fresh, store cottage cheese in the coldest part of the refrigerator and make sure it's tightly sealed. This way, it remains a delightful, healthy side for your meal.
What Are Some Recommended Side Dishes to Serve With Bagels and Lox?
When serving bagels and lox, consider some of the best side dishes for bagels to complement the flavors. Classic choices include cream cheese, sliced tomatoes, capers, red onion, and fresh dill. For something heartier, try adding a side salad, fruit, or a simple green vegetable dish to round out the meal.
Radishes
Radishes bring a crisp, peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the smooth textures of bagels and lox. Incorporate radish salads to add an invigorating element, or try radish spreads for a unique twist.
Their vibrant color and sharp flavor can brighten up your breakfast spread, making each bite more delightful and balanced. Radishes are an excellent way to enhance this classic pairing.