Compass Rose Four Meats (Printable Copy)

An elegant platter showcasing smoked salmon, chorizo, prosciutto, and roast beef with a creamy dip centerpiece.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 3.5 oz smoked salmon
02 - 3.5 oz spicy chorizo, sliced
03 - 3.5 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
04 - 3.5 oz roast beef, thinly sliced

→ Central Dip

05 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 2 tbsp sour cream
07 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
08 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
09 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnishes and Accompaniments

10 - 1/2 cup pickled vegetables (e.g., cornichons, pearl onions)
11 - 1/2 cup assorted olives
12 - Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, dill) for decoration
13 - Crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Transfer to a small serving bowl and position it at the center of a large platter.
02 - Fan the smoked salmon above the dip, pointing upward (north). Place chorizo slices below the dip, pointing downward (south). Lay prosciutto to the right side, pointing east. Arrange roast beef to the left, pointing west.
03 - Fill the spaces between each meat section with pickled vegetables and assorted olives to enhance the presentation and flavor variety.
04 - Decorate the platter with fresh herbs such as parsley and dill for added color and aroma. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive enough to impress without requiring actual cooking skills—mostly arrangement and one simple dip.
  • Every guest finds their favorite direction; smoky salmon devotees head north while spicy chorizo lovers go south.
  • You can prep everything ahead and assemble moments before guests arrive, leaving you actually present during the party.
02 -
  • Arrange the platter no more than two hours before serving; meats dry out and lose their appeal if they sit uncovered too long.
  • Keep everything at room temperature—cold meats taste like nothing, and a warm dip with cold salmon is a textural disaster.
03 -
  • Source your meats from a butcher who will slice them fresh to your thickness—it changes everything about how they look and taste.
  • The dip can be made a full day ahead; the flavors actually deepen, and you'll thank yourself when people arrive.
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