Salmon Tartare with Avocado

Name: Salmon Tartare with Avocado
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz sushi-grade salmon, diced; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro or dill for garnish

Highlighted under: Traditional World Food Ideas

I absolutely love making Salmon Tartare with Avocado for gatherings and special occasions. The combination of fresh, buttery salmon and creamy avocado creates a delightful dish that not only looks beautiful but tastes amazing. I've found that using the freshest ingredients makes all the difference, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Plus, it comes together in just a few minutes, making it a perfect choice for when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:57:39.181Z

Preparing Salmon Tartare with Avocado is one of my favorite culinary experiences. I remember the first time I made it for friends; we were all amazed at how simple yet elegant it was. The key is to choose high-quality, sushi-grade salmon because it elevates the flavor significantly. While chopping the ingredients, I like to squeeze a little lime juice over the salmon to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

Another tip I've learned is to serve the tartare chilled. I often put the bowl in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving, which enhances the refreshing taste. The combination of creamy avocado and tender salmon, paired with a hint of zest, is truly unforgettable. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Fresh, vibrant flavors that delight the palate
Creamy avocado paired with tender salmon for a luxurious mouthfeel
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining

      

Ingredient Spotlight: Salmon

Choosing the right salmon is crucial for a successful tartare. Opt for sushi-grade salmon, which means it's been handled with utmost care to ensure it's safe to eat raw. Look for vibrant color and firm texture; this indicates freshness. If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your fishmonger about the salmon’s origin and how long it has been since it was caught. The quality of the salmon directly impacts the flavor and overall experience of the dish.

When dicing the salmon, aim for uniform pieces roughly 1/2 inch across. This size ensures that every bite offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. A sharp knife is essential here, allowing for clean cuts that won't bruise the fish. If you find that your hands are getting too warm while handling the salmon, a quick rinse in cold water can help maintain its freshness and firmness during preparation.

Texture and Serving Suggestions

The contrast between the creamy avocado and tender salmon is one of the key highlights of this dish. To enhance the textures further, consider using ripe but slightly firm avocados, which can hold up better against the mixing process. If your avocado is too soft, it may turn mushy, masking the dish's intended mouthfeel. It’s essential to combine the ingredients gently; over-mixing can break down the avocado and lead to a less appealing presentation.

For serving, elevate your tartare by presenting it in elegant ways. Instead of simply plating it, consider using a ring mold for a beautiful, layered look. If you're hosting a gathering, individual servings in small bowls or cups can create a refined touch. Pair the tartare with thinly sliced radishes or cucumber for additional crunch, and serve alongside tortilla chips or crackers for some extra texture contrast.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious salmon tartare:

Ingredients

8 oz sushi-grade salmon, diced
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or dill for garnish

Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to prepare your salmon tartare!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salmon tartare:

Mix the Ingredients

In a bowl, gently combine the diced salmon, avocado, red onion, and capers. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Mix carefully to maintain the texture of the avocado.

Chill (Optional)

For added freshness, refrigerate the tartare for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve

Spoon the tartare onto a plate or serve it in small bowls. Garnish with cilantro or dill as desired.

Enjoy your beautiful salmon tartare with avocado as an appetizer or light meal!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use the freshest salmon available to achieve the best flavor and texture. You can also customize the dish by adding ingredients like cucumber or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

While salmon tartare is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save on last-minute stress. Dice the onions and capers a few hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Similarly, you can pre-cut the avocado but keep it in a separate container and lightly coat it with lime juice to stave off browning. Just mix everything together right before serving to preserve the vibrant colors and freshness.

If you plan on serving this dish at a gathering, consider making extra tartare and use it as a filling for mini tacos or cucumber boats. These variations not only offer a fun twist but also allow your guests to enjoy a different texture and flavor experience without much additional effort. Just be sure to keep the extra tartare chilled until ready to serve.

Storing and Serving suggestions

If you find yourself with leftover tartare, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 24 hours for the best quality. Avoid freezing the tartare, as the texture of the salmon and avocado can be severely compromised when thawed. Additionally, if you plan to make this for meal prep, it's best to prepare each component separately and mix them just before enjoying to ensure optimal taste and texture.

Serving suggestions can vary! For a more substantial meal, consider pairing the salmon tartare with a side salad or on top of a bed of mixed greens. Additionally, a light drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sea salt right before serving can enhance the overall umami experience. Don't forget to serve with fresh lime wedges on the side; a final squeeze of lime can brighten flavors right before eating!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, if it's sushi-grade and has been properly thawed. Just ensure it was frozen to kill any parasites.

→ How do I know if my avocado is ripe?

A ripe avocado should yield slightly when pressed and have a darker skin.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

It's best to make it fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients a few hours ahead and mix them just before serving.

→ What can I serve with tartare?

Serve it with crispy tortilla chips, toasted bread, or alongside a light salad.