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    Home » Appetizers » Smoked Salmon and Avocado Tartare

    Smoked Salmon and Avocado Tartare

    Published: Dec 23, 2015 · Modified: Jan 18, 2023 by Jessica Montanelli · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Total time to make this recipe: 15 minutes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    portion of salmon avocado tartare

    A quick and easy appetizer with layers of mashed avocado, smoked salmon tartare, and cream cheese with chives. Add a zing with lemon zest and serve it with crunchy tortillas. A perfect start of a meal for an informal or even formal dinner. It's ready in just 15 minutes and you only need 5 ingredients!

    2 portions of smoked salmon tartare with a fork

    This smoked salmon avocado tartare is a perfect appetizer for Christmas, Valentine's Day, or New Year's Eve if you're having a seafood menu. But it's actually perfect for any kind of dinner - formal or informal.

    It's quick and easy and it tastes delicious (of course, you can't go wrong pairing smoked salmon with cream cheese and avocado!). You can use normal drinking glasses - it's nice if you use glasses because you can see all the layers. But you can also make them in cocotte or use a pastry ring to make a tower on a plate as I did in this case. Also a very stunning presentation!

    If you like this recipe, try also the Tuna and Lime Tartare. This recipe would pair well with the Limoncello Prosecco Drink.

    Jump to:
    • The best way to serve Salmon Tartare
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • FAQ & Tips
    • Related Recipes you might like
    • 📖 RECIPE
    portion of salmon avocado tartare

    The best way to serve Salmon Tartare

    Tartare, in general, indicates a dish of raw protein (either red meat or fish) marinated and chopped finely and usually accompanied by other side ingredients to enhance the flavor.

    The most famous is the beef tartare, but I also love fish variations, like Tuna Tartare and Salmon, either fresh or smoked. If you don't feel confident using fresh fish, smoked salmon is the best alternative. It's ready to use and so delicious!

    This type of tartare is served in layers with avocado and cream cheese, but you can also serve the 3 ingredients separately on the dish. There are many ways of serving a tartare, but my favorites are either inside a glass or using a pastry ring on a plate to then remove it at the last minute, leaving a nice tower of ingredients.

    This recipe can be either used for 2 large portions or 4 small portions. Make some tests with the quantities to find the perfect size of glasses or pastry rings for the servings.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Smoked Salmon. There are several types of smoked salmon available, and also several other smoked fish like trout. For this recipe, I prefer to use natural smoked salmon.
    • Avocado. Avocado has a mild flavor and creamy texture that complements the smoked salmon beautifully.
    • Cream Cheese. It gives a fresh contrast between avocado and salmon. Make it more aromatic with chives, lemon zest, and minced onion for a perfect combo.

    Instructions

    steps to assemble the avocado salmon tartare

    Mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin. (1)

    In a bowl, mix the finely chopped chives with the cream cheese. (2)

    Chop the smoked salmon and season it with lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. (3)

    Assemble the tartare by spreading a layer of avocado, one of cream cheese, and one of smoked salmon in a pastry ring onto the plate. Remove the ring and serve. (4)

    FAQ & Tips

    Can I make this in advance?

    You can prep the salmon and the cream cheese in advance, then mash the avocado and assemble it at the last minute before serving. I do not recommend preparing the whole dish much in advance as the avocado would turn brown.

    Can I make this dairy-free?

    You can substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese or omit it altogether serving only the avocado and smoked salmon in two or more layers.

    How do I store leftovers?

    You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. The avocado might turn brown but it will still be edible. I do not recommend freezing the leftovers.

    2 portions of smoked salmon tartare with a fork

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    If you like this recipe, you can leave a comment and a star rating to support me. ★★★★★
    Thank you so much!

    📖 RECIPE

    portion of salmon avocado tartare

    Smoked Salmon and Avocado Tartare

    A quick and easy appetizer with layers of avocado, smoked salmon and cream cheese.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Author: Jessica Montanelli

    Ingredients

    • 1 Avocado, ripe
    • 3.5 oz Smoked Salmon
    • 6 tablespoon Cream Cheese
    • 1 tablespoon Chives, fresh
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
    • ½ tablespoon Lemon zest
    • Cumin
    • Salt
    • Black Pepper

    Instructions

    • First, grate the lemon zest and set it aside. Cut the avocado in half, scoop out the pulp and roughly chop it, toss it in a food processor and immediately add the juice of ½ lemon so it doesn't turn brown.
    • Season with salt, black pepper and a pinch of cumin and blend it until it's reduced in small chunks (or if you prefer you can blend it until it's smooth and creamy). Alternatively, you can also mash it with a fork.
    • With a spoon or a sac-a-poche, fill the bottom of a glass (or use a pastry ring on a plate) with the mashed avocado.
    • Finely chop the chives and mix them with the cream cheese. Add it on top of the avocado.
    • Chop the salmon and season it with the lemon zest (to taste) and black pepper. Add it on top of the cream cheese.
    • Serve the tartare with grated lemon zest and toasted tortillas or saltine crackers on a side.

    Notes

    For an extra "zing", add a thin layer of finely chopped yellow onion in the middle and add a few drops of aged balsamic vinegar on top!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 185 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Cholesterol: 30 mg

    Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: International
    Have you tried this recipe?Snap a photo and tag @jess.cookingmydreams or use the hashtag #cookingmydreams!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. sue|theviewfromgreatisland

      January 11, 2016 at 6:13 pm

      This is absolutely beautiful! I can imagine all sorts of pretty variations, too 🙂

      Reply
      • Jessica

        January 11, 2016 at 8:17 pm

        Thank you! Yes, it is really versatile! 🙂

        Reply

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