I might use the term “obsessed” a bit too freely, but I genuinely mean it when I say I'm completely taken with Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. You really need this in your pantry. This delightful spice mix includes flavors reminiscent of an Everything Bagel—think garlic, onion, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and sea salt. It adds a unique touch to everything it graces. Some of my favorite uses? Tossing it on hummus, enhancing soups with a swirl of sour cream, or dressing up a baked sweet potato. Honestly, I might need to create an entire post titled “29 Ways to Use Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning.” I’ll hold off for now, but read on for the other ingredients in my Everything But the Bagel Salmon Salad, perfect for a weeknight meal. I'm eager to hear if you're as hooked on this seasoning as I am. Welcome to the fan club!

everything but the bagel salmon salad ingredientseverything but the bagel salmon salad

photos by Hannah Haston

This salad is a simple yet ingenious combination inspired by the classic bagel and lox. Living in Austin, I’ve noticed a lack of great bagel shops, so I find myself craving those authentic flavors. This salad nearly captures that essence—minus the bagel, of course!

Instead of mixing everything in a bowl (since that seems too basic), I like to arrange it on a shallow platter or cutting board. I beautifully layer the salmon, cucumbers, onions, and radishes among the arugula for an unexpected yet casual presentation.

everything but the bagel salmon salad

A generous splash of olive oil and a final sprinkle of Everything seasoning create my all-time favorite salad, suitable for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Keep reading for the recipe!

Description

This One Ingredient from Trader Joe’s Is the Secret Behind my Favorite Salad


Ingredients

Units

Scale

  • Two handfuls of arugula
  • 1 seedless cucumber, cut on the diagonal
  • 4 radishes, cut in half
  • 6 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • Everything-But-the-Bagel seasoning
  • garnish: sprigs of dill, lime wedges, olive oil

For the cream cheese dressing:

  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon water (add more if you prefer it thinner)
  • 1 tablespoon minced dill

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing by whisking all ingredients together. Spread a generous amount of dressing on your serving platter.
  2. Arrange the arugula atop the dressing, then artfully place the cucumber, radishes, salmon, and red onion around. Position the avocado slices on one side of the salad.
  3. Generously season with Everything-But-the-Bagel Seasoning, then garnish with lime wedges, fresh dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!