Nordic Snack Plates, My Current Culinary Fixation

As a Finnish-American, the Nordic approach to food is deeply personal to me—simple ingredients, balanced nutrition, and a celebration of seasonal, wholesome foods. I grew up always having smoked salmon around the house, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is in a little charcuterie spread.

When I make one of these, I feel like I'm eating a more chic version of a home lunch I would've had during middle school. It's a ridiculously easy lunch option because it's assembled, not cooked, and the most you have to do is cut up a vegetable or cube some cheese. 

This snack plate features Norwegian smoked salmon, Persian cucumber, Roth Käse Havarti, water crackers, and everything-seasoned cashews—a perfect mix of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and flavor. Getting enough protein and omega-3s has been important to me lately, and smoked salmon is a great source of both.

Snack Plate Combinations

Here are three Nordic-inspired snack plate combinations to add to your lunch rotation! All include a meat for protein & some sort of vegetable.

1. Smoked Herring

• Smoked Herring – Rich in omega-3s, supports heart & brain health.
• Rye Crispbread – High in fiber, aids digestion & keeps you full. I recommend Finncrisp.
• Hard-boiled Eggs – Great protein & choline source for metabolism & brain function.
• Pickles – Low-calorie, probiotic-rich for gut health.
  
• Thinly sliced red onion

2. Gravlax

• Gravlax  – High in protein & vitamin D, essential for immunity.
• Sourdough Rye Slices – Fermented for better digestion. I love Wasa's sourdough crackers!
• Herbed Cream Cheese – Provides calcium & probiotics for bone and gut health.
• Radishes & Microgreens – Antioxidant-rich, adds crunch,  freshness, and a peppery kick.
  

3. Venison

• Venison Jerky (or Elk Jerky) – Lean protein & iron, great for energy.
• Västerbotten Cheese (or Aged Gouda) – Calcium-rich with a sharp, nutty flavor.
• Dark Rye Crackers – High in fiber & magnesium, supports muscle function. 
• Roasted Beet Slices – Nitrate-rich for blood flow and endurance.
• Walnuts – Omega-3s for brain health.