Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad with Dill Yogurt Sauce – RecipeIneed

Imagine yourself sitting by the seaside, with the salty breeze in your hair and the sound of waves crashing against the shore. In front of you is a plate of smoked salmon and avocado salad, drizzled with a creamy dill yogurt sauce. The freshness of the ingredients and the burst of flavors in every bite transport you to a culinary paradise.

History and Origins

The combination of smoked salmon and avocado in a salad is a classic dish that originated in Scandinavia. The rich, buttery texture of the avocado complements the smoky flavor of the salmon perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Reasons to Make This Dish

1. It’s a healthy and nutritious meal option.
2. It’s quick and easy to prepare.
3. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner.
4. It’s a crowd-pleaser and great for entertaining guests.

What Makes This Dish Different and Unique

What sets this smoked salmon and avocado salad apart is the addition of the dill yogurt sauce. The tangy and herby sauce adds a refreshing twist to the dish, elevating the flavors to a whole new level.

Ingredients

• Smoked salmon: Provides a rich, smoky flavor to the salad.
• Avocado: Adds a creamy and buttery texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Red onion: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor.
• Dill: Adds a fresh and herby aroma.
• Yogurt: Provides a creamy and tangy base for the sauce.

Quantities

• **Smoked Salmon**: 6 ounces
• **Avocado**: 1 large, diced
• **Cherry Tomatoes**: 1 cup, halved
• **Red Onion**: 1/4 medium, thinly sliced
• **Fresh Dill**: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or more to taste)
• **Yogurt**: 1/2 cup (Greek yogurt or plain yogurt)

### Additional Ingredients for the Salad (optional):

• **Mixed Greens**: 4 cups
• **Lemon Juice**: 1 tablespoon (for added brightness)
• **Olive Oil**: 1 tablespoon (for drizzling)
• **Salt and Pepper**: to taste

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start assembling the salad, make sure to dice the smoked salmon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Chop the dill finely for the sauce.

Cutting Techniques

When cutting the avocado, make sure to slice it in half, remove the pit, and then scoop out the flesh with a spoon. For the cherry tomatoes, simply cut them in half. For the red onion, slice it thinly to add a subtle crunch to the salad.

To make this dish, you will need a sharp knife for cutting the ingredients, a cutting board for prep work, a mixing bowl for tossing the salad, and a whisk for preparing the dill yogurt sauce.

Temperature and Timing Guide

For best results, serve the smoked salmon and avocado salad chilled. You can prepare the dill yogurt sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to use. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Common Issues and Solutions

• If the avocado is too ripe, it may turn mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. To prevent this, use a slightly firmer avocado for the salad.
• If the dill yogurt sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or lemon juice.

Instructions

1. Prepare the dill yogurt sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine diced smoked salmon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
3. Drizzle the dill yogurt sauce: Pour the dill yogurt sauce over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. Serve and enjoy: Divide the salad into individual plates and garnish with extra dill leaves. Serve chilled.

Prep and Cooking Time

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Value

This smoked salmon and avocado salad with dill yogurt sauce is a healthy and balanced meal option. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, vitamins and minerals from the avocado and vegetables, and probiotics from the yogurt. One serving contains approximately 300 calories.

Tips to Achieve Restaurant Quality Results

• Use high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
• Make sure all the ingredients are fresh and ripe for optimal taste.
• Adjust the seasoning of the dill yogurt sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Alternative Ways to Change the Recipe

If you want to switch things up, you can try adding different herbs to the dill yogurt sauce, such as parsley or chives. You can also experiment with different types of smoked fish, like trout or mackerel, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

Smoked salmon and avocado salad with dill yogurt sauce is a delightful dish that combines the richness of smoked salmon with the creaminess of avocado and the freshness of dill. Whether you’re looking for a light and healthy meal option or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of culinary bliss!