Pin it
This salmon avocado tartare brings together amazing textures and bright flavors that'll wow you from the first bite. The melt-in-your-mouth salmon pairs perfectly with creamy avocado, all topped with crunchy, seaside-inspired elements that make this starter truly unforgettable.
I first tried this tartare at a friend's dinner party. It was so fresh and elegant that I spent months working on my own version, playing around until I got that perfect balance of texture and taste.
Pin it
Picking Your Ingredients
- Fresh salmon: go for bright color, no spots, and firm flesh
- Avocado: pick one that's ripe but still feels a bit firm when gently squeezed
- Lemon: organic works best if you're using the zest
- Fresh herbs: just-cut chives and cilantro pack the most flavor
- Salmon roe: look for shiny, separate eggs for that touch of class
Mastering The Tartare
- The Creamy Foundation:
- Cut avocado into even chunks for smooth texture throughout
- The Salmon Pieces:
- Use a super sharp knife for clean, neat cuts
- The Flavor Mix:
- Gently fold in herbs and seasonings without mashing everything
- The Fancy Plating:
- A ring mold helps get that perfect shape every time
- The Finishing Touch:
- Place toppings thoughtfully to make it look amazing
This tartare has become my go-to dish for special meals. It's so naturally fresh and elegant that my guests always ask me to make it again.
Pin it
Perfect Pairings
Serve this fancy tartare with some thoughtful sides:
- A dry white wine like Chablis or Sancerre
- Lightly toasted pumpernickel bread
- A simple dressed baby greens salad
- Fresh lime wedges for extra zing
Tasty Variations
Let your imagination run wild:
- Throw in some mango for a surprising tropical twist
- Mix in wasabi for a Japanese-inspired kick
- Swap avocado with cucumber for something lighter
- Try trout roe instead for different flavors
Keeping Everything Fresh
For the best experience:
- Get everything ready just before you're going to eat
- Keep salmon in the fridge until the last minute
- Sprinkle lemon juice on avocado immediately after cutting
- Don't prep too far ahead or textures will change
Pin it
This salmon avocado tartare is what I think of as the perfect starter. It's simple to make but shows off quality ingredients beautifully. Every time I make it, I'm amazed at how something so straightforward can create such an elegant food moment. It just goes to show that with fresh ingredients and a few careful steps, you can make something that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of salmon is best?
- Go for high-quality, sushi-grade fresh salmon meant to be eaten raw.
- → How do I keep avocado from browning?
- Drizzle the diced avocado with lemon juice right away and serve it quickly.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- It's best to prepare it just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
- → What can I serve with this?
- Pair it with grilled toast or soft blinis for a great bite.
- → How do I pick the right avocado?
- Choose an avocado that's ripe yet firm enough to cut into clean chunks.