This Smoked Tilapia Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that brings together the smoky richness of tilapia with creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and the bright flavors of lemon juice and dill. The addition of finely chopped red onions, celery, and a hard-boiled egg gives the salad a crunchy texture, while black pepper adds a subtle kick. Perfect for a light lunch or as a unique appetizer, this dish is easy to make and can be served chilled for an extra refreshing bite. It pairs beautifully with crackers, lettuce wraps, or even stuffed in a sandwich for a quick, delicious meal.
Fork: to flake the smoked tilapia into the perfect bite-sized pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
Knife and Cutting Board: for finely chopping the red onion, celery, and hard-boiled egg, as well as for preparing the dill and lemon.
Strainer/Colander to drain the chopped onions after soaking them in water. Soaking the onions helps to reduce their bite, making them milder for the salad.
Ingredients
½red onionfinely chopped
1smoked tilapia
⅓cupmayonnaise
¼cupsour cream
1tbspdillchopped
1tbsplemon juice
1egghard boiled and chopped
1celery ribfinely chopped
black pepper to taste
Instructions
Place the chopped onions in a bowl and cover with cold water.
Let onions soak to mellow their bite, about 15 minutes.
Onion Soaking: Soaking the red onion in water helps to mellow its sharpness, ensuring it doesn't overpower the delicate flavors of the tilapia. Make sure to strain it well before adding it to the salad.
Flaking the Tilapia: Use a fork to gently flake the smoked tilapia. The fish should break apart easily, creating small pieces that mix well with the creamy dressing. Make sure to check for any bones before mixing.
Customizations: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste. You can add capers for an extra tangy kick, or even swap the dill for parsley if you prefer a different herb.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this smoked tilapia salad chilled on crackers, inside lettuce cups, or as a sandwich filling for a light and flavorful meal.
Storage: The salad will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or making ahead for busy days.
This Smoked Tilapia Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s the perfect dish to whip up when you want something healthy and satisfying, with the added depth of flavor from the smoked fish. Whether served as part of a light lunch or a starter for a seafood-themed dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit!