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Today I am sharing one of my favorite easy appetizer recipes for any festive occasion. This salmon appetizer with avocado is super quick and can – largely – be prepared in advance. Whenever the festive season hits I like easy recipes such as this prawn cocktail or quick vitello tonnato. This is a new favorite!
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
This salmon cocktail is a wonderfully easy appetizer that feels festive without any fuss. Using hot-smoked salmon gives it a richer, slightly different flavor compared to the classic version with cold-smoked salmon. It is perfect for the holidays when you want something delicious that you can prep ahead.
Recipe Ingredients
Here is a quick overview of what you will need, plus a few simple variations you can try.
- Hot-smoked salmon – If you do not like hot-smoked salmon, you can easily swap it for regular cold-smoked salmon. Just keep in mind that cold-smoked salmon is a bit saltier, so be careful when adding extra salt.
- Avocado – A few cubes of avocado make the salad extra creamy.
- Mayonnaise – Keep the dressing simple with lime juice and a splash of soy sauce. Want more kick? Add chipotle or a little crispy chili oil.
- Pickle – I like adding finely diced pickles for a bit of tang. You can replace them with capers if you prefer.
For exact ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below
How To Make Salmon Appetizer with Avocado
Step 1: Break the salmon into pieces
Place the hot-smoked salmon in a bowl and break it into chunks. Keep the pieces small enough to mix easily but not too fine.
Step 2: Prep the vegetables
Dice the avocado and chop the pickles. Drizzle with a little lime juice. Make the dressing and chop the dill.
Step 3: Mix everything together
Add the avocado, pickles, dill, and dressing to the salmon. Stir gently and taste to check if anything needs adjusting.
Step 4: Serve
You can prepare everything up to this point ahead of time. Assemble the salmon cocktail in glasses just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp. Decorate with a bit of cress or another microgreen and finish with a slice of lime on the side of each glass.
FAQ Salmon Appetizer
Yes. You can use cold-smoked salmon, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Hot-smoked salmon is firmer and milder.
You can prepare the salmon appetizer 4 to 6 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the avocado and dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Butter lettuce, romaine, or Bibb lettuce are great choices. Lamb’s lettuce or arugula also work well. Pick whatever fits nicely in your serving glasses.
Serve it in small (but not too narrow) glasses or a pretty bowl. Garnish with cress or fresh dill right before serving for a festive look.
Yes. Use vegan mayonnaise or replace the mayo entirely with yogurt (regular or plant-based) plus a bit of extra lime juice.
You might like these easy appetizers as well
Easy smoked salmon appetizer with cream cheese
Did you try the recipe? I would love it if you let me know through a rating or review on the recipe card below. And if you never want to miss another new recipe, make sure to sign up for the newsletter here and I will keep you up to date!
Salmon Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 grams warm-smoked salmon about 7 oz
- 1 avocado diced
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- 2 to 3 small pickles finely chopped
- Lettuce of choice for serving
- Cress or microgreens for garnish
Dressing
- 2 to 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
Equipment
- 4 pretty serving glasses
Instructions
- Break the warm-smoked salmon into chunks and place in a bowl.
- Dice the avocado and chop the pickles. Sprinkle with a little lime juice.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, and lime juice to make the dressing.
- Add the avocado, pickles, dill, and dressing to the salmon and mix gently.
- Assemble the glasses with a small layer of lettuce, then spoon the salmon salad on top.
- Garnish with cress and a slice of lime. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
