Scandinavian Smorgasbord(Makes 36 Appetizers)
A colorful Scandinavian appetizer platter featuring seafood, fresh vegetables, and crisp bread, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a light, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
- 36 slices party bread, crackers or flat bread ⓘ
- reduced calorie mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- mustard
- 36 small lettuce leaves or Belgian endive leaves
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can Star-Kist tuna ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs
- 1/4 lb. frozen cooked bay shrimp ⓘ
- 1/2 medium cucumber ⓘ
- 36 pieces steamed asparagus tips or pea pods ⓘ
- capers ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange party bread, crackers, or flatbread on a tray.
- Spread each slice with 1 teaspoon mayonnaise and/or mustard.
- Top with a small lettuce or Belgian endive leaf.
- Add a spoonful of flaked tuna, a slice of hard-cooked egg, some thawed cooked bay shrimp, and thinly sliced cucumber or steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with capers, yogurt, dill, pimento strips, caviar, or sliced green onion as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or chives to your tuna mixture. You can substitute the bay shrimp with crab meat or even cooked shrimp for a different taste. If you're short on time, use store-bought tuna salad instead of flaking your own. For a vegetarian option, replace the tuna with a mix of chopped olives and cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
These appetizers are perfect for gatherings or as a light lunch. Pair them with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water infused with lemon. They also go well with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad. For a seafood theme, serve alongside Shrimp Dip And Spread for varied flavors that your guests will love.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the assembled appetizers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for best results, store the components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness. If you have extra spread, it can be refrigerated for up to a week and used as a dip with crackers or veggies.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scandinavian Smorgasbord(Makes 36 Appetizers) contains roughly 57 calories, with 6g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these appetizers in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components, like the tuna mixture and the hard-cooked eggs, a day ahead. However, it's best to assemble the appetizers right before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for tuna?
If you prefer not to use tuna, consider using canned salmon or a chickpea salad as a vegetarian alternative. Both options will maintain the delightful texture and flavor profile of the dish.
How do I enhance the presentation of the smorgasbord?
To enhance the visual appeal, arrange the appetizers on a large platter with colorful garnishes such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or edible flowers. A variety of textures and colors will make your smorgasbord more inviting.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).