This easy and quick Salmon Tartare is a perfect appetizer for any occasion. With its fresh, delicate texture and vibrant flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 25 minutes. The salmon is finely diced and paired with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, jalapeño, capers, and fresh herbs, resulting in a dish that is fresh and zesty. It can be served on crackers, crostini, or even over a bed of salad greens.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh sushi-grade salmon (skin removed)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• ¼ small red onion, finely diced (about 3 Tbsp)

• 1 heaping Tbsp capers, drained and roughly chopped

• ½ small jalapeño, finely diced

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

• 2 tsp fresh chives, thinly sliced

• For serving: crostini, thinly sliced baguette, crackers, chips, or crudité (endive leaves)

Directions

1. Prepare the salmon: Optionally, freeze the salmon for about 15 minutes to firm it up for easier slicing. Slice the salmon into ¼-inch thick planks, then cut into ¼-inch strips, and finally dice into small cubes. Place the diced salmon into a bowl.

2. Make the dressing: Add the olive oil, finely diced red onion, chopped capers, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the bowl with salmon. Add the diced jalapeño (use more or less depending on your spice preference) and chives.

3. Mix and serve: Toss the ingredients together gently, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately on crostini, crackers, chips, or over salad greens. If using a mold, layer with thinly sliced avocado or radish before serving.

Nutrients

• Serving Size: 1 serving

• Calories: 136 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 2 g

• Protein: 15 g

• Fat: 7 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g

• Cholesterol: 42 mg

• Sodium: 80 mg

• Potassium: 409 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 1 g

• Vitamin A: 62 IU

• Vitamin C: 12 mg

• Calcium: 16 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

Why Choose Salmon Tartare?

Salmon Tartare is a perfect option for those who appreciate fresh, flavorful seafood. It’s a dish that celebrates the natural taste of the salmon, while the accompanying ingredients like lemon, capers, and mustard bring a harmonious balance of flavors that enhance but don’t overpower the fish. What makes this dish even better is how quick and easy it is to prepare, allowing you to have a gourmet appetizer on your table in just 25 minutes.

One of the standout features of Salmon Tartare is its health benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. It’s also rich in high-quality protein, which is important for muscle maintenance and overall health. The addition of fresh herbs and vegetables like chives, red onion, and jalapeño adds extra vitamins and antioxidants, creating a well-rounded dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Additionally, this dish can be served in various ways, from elegant crostini to crispy crackers or a refreshing salad. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a simple meal.

How to Prepare Easy Salmon Tartare

Making Easy Salmon Tartare is incredibly simple and takes only a few easy steps. Start by preparing the salmon—if you prefer, you can freeze it for about 15 minutes to firm it up, which makes it easier to slice. Then, slice the salmon into ¼-inch thick planks, cut into ¼-inch strips, and finally dice it into small cubes. This finely diced salmon will form the base of your tartare and will absorb the flavors from the dressing beautifully.

Next, prepare the dressing by combining olive oil, finely diced red onion, chopped capers, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a bowl. Add in the diced jalapeño for a bit of heat and the fresh chives for a touch of brightness. Toss the ingredients gently together with the diced salmon, mixing well but carefully to avoid mashing the delicate fish.

Let the tartare sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This brief resting time allows the mustard and lemon to infuse the salmon with their tangy freshness, while the jalapeño adds a slight kick that complements the richness of the fish.

Finally, serve the tartare on your choice of crostini, crackers, or chips, or even over a bed of fresh salad greens for a light, refreshing presentation. For an extra touch of elegance, you can layer the tartare with thinly sliced avocado or radish before serving. This not only adds a beautiful visual element but also enhances the texture and flavor of the dish.

Flavor Profile and Versatility

One of the best aspects of Salmon Tartare is its ability to pair well with a variety of accompaniments and flavors. The natural sweetness and richness of the fresh salmon are complemented by the acidity from the lemon juice and the sharpness of Dijon mustard. Capers and red onion add a savory depth to the dish, while the jalapeño provides a hint of spice. Together, these ingredients create a zesty, refreshing flavor profile that is both light and satisfying.

If you enjoy more complex flavors, you can customize the tartare to your taste. For instance, adding a bit of soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil will give the tartare an umami flavor that makes it even more savory. You can also experiment with different types of mustard or even try adding a touch of honey for a sweet contrast. The versatility of the ingredients means that you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your flavor preferences or create a new variation for future meals.

Serving Suggestions for Salmon Tartare

Salmon Tartare is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of this delicious dish:

• On Crostini or Baguette Slices: Serve the tartare on crispy, toasted crostini or thinly sliced baguette for an elegant appetizer. The crunchiness of the bread contrasts beautifully with the soft, fresh salmon, creating a satisfying bite.

• With Crackers or Chips: For a more casual option, serve the tartare with your favorite crackers or chips. The saltiness of the crackers complements the fresh flavors of the tartare, making it a great snack or light meal.

• Over Salad Greens: For a lighter, refreshing dish, serve the tartare over a bed of fresh salad greens like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens. The crispness of the greens adds a lovely texture, and the lightness of the salad makes it a perfect dish for warm weather.

• In a Mold: For a more refined presentation, use a small mold to shape the tartare into neat rounds. This works well if you’re serving the dish as a starter for a dinner party. For an extra touch of elegance, you can layer the tartare with thinly sliced avocado or radish before serving.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Salmon Tartare is not only delicious but also a health-conscious choice, especially if you’re looking to incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Omega-3s are known for their heart-health benefits, including reducing inflammation and supporting brain function. The salmon in this tartare provides an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

This dish is low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats, thanks to the addition of olive oil. The lemon juice, capers, and jalapeño provide additional vitamins and antioxidants, making this dish a wholesome choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying appetizer or snack. With only 136 calories per serving, Salmon Tartare is also a great option for those looking to keep their calorie intake in check while still enjoying a flavorful and nutritious dish.

Additionally, the high potassium content of the salmon, along with the vitamin C from the lemon, makes this dish supportive of cardiovascular health and immune function. The dish is also rich in calcium, contributing to bone health, and iron, which helps with oxygen transport in the body.

Conclusion: A Light and Zesty Appetizer

In conclusion, Easy Salmon Tartare is a delicious, light, and refreshing appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh, high-quality ingredients and vibrant, zesty flavors, it’s a dish that is sure to impress your guests while being quick and easy to prepare. Whether served on crostini, crackers, or salad greens, this tartare offers a sophisticated yet accessible way to enjoy the natural flavors of fresh salmon.

This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, providing essential nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking for a healthy snack, Easy Salmon Tartare is a crowd-pleaser that offers both elegance and flavor in every bite. Try it today, and enjoy a light, fresh, and zesty appetizer that everyone will love!