Enjoy a delicious twist on traditional potato salad with our smoked salmon potato salad recipe. This side dish is perfect for BBQs, picnics, or any summer gathering. Its unique blend of flavors combines the creaminess of mayonnaise, the zest of lemon, and the smoky goodness of salmon. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a standout choice for both casual meals and special occasions.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For Garnish
- How to Make Smoked Salmon Potato Salad
- Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
- Step 2: Cook the Eggs
- Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- Step 4: Slice the Eggs
- Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Step 6: Serve Your Salad
- How to Serve Smoked salmon potato salad
- For a Summer Picnic
- As an Elegant Dinner Side
- At a BBQ Gathering
- How to Perfect Smoked salmon potato salad
- Best Side Dishes for Smoked salmon potato salad
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Smoked salmon potato salad
- Reheating Smoked salmon potato salad
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use cold smoked salmon for this recipe?
- How long will smoked salmon potato salad last?
- Can I customize my smoked salmon potato salad?
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- What goes well with smoked salmon potato salad?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up this flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of hot smoked salmon and crunchy gherkins adds depth and excitement to your palate.
- Versatile Dish: Ideal as a side for summer barbecues or a light lunch option, this salad fits various occasions seamlessly.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy ingredients like baby potatoes and eggs, this dish is not only tasty but also good for you.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully before serving.
Tools and Preparation
To make this smoked salmon potato salad, you’ll need a few essential tools that will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A large pot
- A small pot
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Perfect for boiling potatoes efficiently without overcrowding.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 500 g Baby potatoes (1.1 lbs)
– 3 Eggs (medium)
– ¼ cup Mayonnaise
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 50 g Gherkins (sliced into rounds (⅓ cup))
– ¼ Red onion (thinly sliced)
– 125 g Hot smoked salmon (4.4 oz)
– ½ Lemon juice and zest
– 1 tsp Chopped parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Smoked Salmon Potato Salad
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Place the baby potatoes into a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Boil the potatoes until they are just soft; you can test their doneness by piercing them with a knife or skewer. Once cooked, strain off the water and allow them to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
While the potatoes are boiling, bring a small pot of water to a rapid boil. Once boiling, gently add the eggs using a spoon. Cook the eggs for six and a half minutes. After cooking, remove them from the boiling water and place them into an ice bath to cool quickly.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sliced gherkins, sliced red onions, lemon zest and juice, and chopped parsley (reserve some parsley for garnish). Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 4: Slice the Eggs
Once the eggs have cooled down, peel them carefully and slice each egg in half. Set aside for later use in your salad.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once cooled, take the baby potatoes and cut larger ones in half while keeping smaller ones whole. Add these potatoes into your mayonnaise mixture. Toss gently using a spoon until all ingredients are well-coated.
Step 6: Serve Your Salad
Transfer the potato salad into a serving bowl or plate. Arrange the halved eggs on top then flake over pieces of hot smoked salmon. Finally, sprinkle any remaining chopped parsley for garnish before serving.
With these simple steps, your smoked salmon potato salad is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Smoked salmon potato salad
Serving smoked salmon potato salad can elevate any meal or gathering. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of options, making it a versatile choice for different occasions.
For a Summer Picnic
- Pair with Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside seasonal berries or sliced melons for a refreshing contrast.
- Accompany with Cold Beverages: Consider chilled white wine or sparkling water infused with citrus for a light touch.
As an Elegant Dinner Side
- Serve with Grilled Meats: This salad complements grilled chicken or steak beautifully, adding a gourmet touch to your meal.
- Add Crusty Bread: A slice of artisanal bread can help scoop up the flavorful salad, enhancing the dining experience.
At a BBQ Gathering
- Offer with Charcuterie Board: Include your smoked salmon potato salad among cured meats and cheeses for a delightful spread.
- Combine with Veggie Platters: Fresh vegetables and dips can balance the richness of the salad, appealing to all palates.
How to Perfect Smoked salmon potato salad
To make your smoked salmon potato salad even better, consider these tips for the best flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baby potatoes and herbs will enhance the overall taste and presentation of your salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t hesitate to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your preferences.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding capers or avocado for additional texture and flavor variations that complement the smoked salmon.

Best Side Dishes for Smoked salmon potato salad
When serving smoked salmon potato salad, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast in texture and is easy to prepare.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus complements the richness of the potato salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring color and depth to your table setting.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds protein and balance.
- Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers pair perfectly with the flavors in your smoked salmon potato salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making smoked salmon potato salad, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.
- Overcooking potatoes: If you boil the potatoes for too long, they may become mushy. Aim for fork-tender potatoes and start checking them after 10 minutes of boiling.
- Neglecting seasoning: A bland salad can ruin the experience. Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Using low-quality ingredients: The quality of smoked salmon can greatly affect the taste. Choose a good quality hot smoked salmon for a richer flavor in your salad.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the potato salad to chill can prevent flavors from melding. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving for better taste.
- Not balancing textures: Be sure to include crunchy elements like gherkins and red onions. This adds contrast and makes each bite more enjoyable.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it in the coldest part of your fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezing Smoked salmon potato salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in potatoes and mayonnaise.
- If necessary, consume within 1 month if frozen, but expect changes in consistency.
Reheating Smoked salmon potato salad
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm it gently until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover lightly, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat while stirring frequently until warm; avoid overheating as it may change texture.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cold smoked salmon for this recipe?
You can use cold smoked salmon, but keep in mind that it has a different flavor profile compared to hot smoked salmon. Adjust other ingredients accordingly to balance flavors.
How long will smoked salmon potato salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this smoked salmon potato salad will last up to 3 days. Make sure it’s sealed well in an airtight container.
Can I customize my smoked salmon potato salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like capers, avocado, or even different herbs such as dill or chives for added flavor and variety.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This smoked salmon potato salad is perfect for meal prep since it keeps well in the fridge and is great as a side dish or light lunch throughout the week.
What goes well with smoked salmon potato salad?
This dish pairs nicely with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread. It’s versatile enough for BBQs or casual gatherings.
Final Thoughts
Smoked salmon potato salad is a delightful twist on traditional recipes that offers both richness and freshness. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients while maintaining its appeal. We encourage you to try this tasty dish at your next gathering or picnic!
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Smoked Salmon Potato Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Experience a fresh twist on classic potato salad with our Smoked Salmon Potato Salad. This vibrant dish combines the creamy richness of mayonnaise and the zesty brightness of lemon with the smoky flavor of hot smoked salmon. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch, this salad is not only simple to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients like baby potatoes and eggs. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful side that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 500 g Baby potatoes
- 3 medium Eggs
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 50 g Gherkins (sliced)
- ¼ Red onion (thinly sliced)
- 125 g Hot smoked salmon
- ½ Lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 tsp Chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil baby potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Strain and cool.
- In a small pot, boil water and cook eggs for 6.5 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, gherkins, red onion, lemon juice and zest, and parsley; season with salt and pepper.
- Peel and slice cooled eggs in half.
- Cut larger potatoes in half and add them to the dressing mixture; gently toss until coated.
- Serve in a bowl topped with sliced eggs, flaked salmon, and remaining parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 200mg