Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Tartine

Instructions

1. Toast the bread
   Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Alternatively, toast in a toaster and then brush with olive oil.
2. Prepare the cream cheese spread
   In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with chopped dill, lemon zest, and half of the chopped chives. Mix well until smooth and evenly combined.
3. Assemble the base
   Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture onto each slice of toasted bread, covering the entire surface. This creates a creamy base for the other ingredients.
4. Add the smoked salmon
   Arrange the smoked salmon slices on top of the cream cheese layer, slightly overlapping them to create an even coverage. You may fold or ruffle the salmon for a more elegant presentation.
5. Add the garnishes
   Scatter thinly sliced red onion, cucumber slices, and capers over the salmon. The combination provides a perfect balance of crunch, acidity, and brininess to complement the rich salmon and cream cheese.
6. Final touches
   Garnish each tartine with fresh dill sprigs and the remaining chopped chives. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top just before eating.