Smoked Trout Salad with Potatoes and Horseradish Dressing

Flaked smoked trout, tender baby potatoes and crisp cucumber make this a satisfying salad with a distinctly northern European feel. The creamy crème fraîche dressing is sharpened with horseradish, lemon and dill, giving enough acidity and heat to cut through the richness of the fish. Red onion adds bite, while keeping the trout in larger pieces makes the salad feel generous rather than mixed through like a pâté. It works well chilled or at room temperature, making it useful for a make-ahead lunch, a light supper or a simple platter-style dish with good bread on the side.
Cuisine style German-inspired fish salad
Flavor profile Smoky • Creamy • Tangy
Techniques Boiling • No-cook assembly
Key equipment Large pot • Colander • Mixing bowl
Cooking style Make-ahead friendly • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Smoky, sharp and creamy: Smoked trout brings savoury depth, while horseradish, lemon and crème fraîche create a dressing with brightness and bite.
  • Good texture in every bite: Soft potatoes, crisp cucumber, sliced red onion and chunky trout keep the salad varied rather than heavy.
  • Flexible serving temperature: It works chilled or at room temperature, making it practical for lunch, picnics or a simple make-ahead meal.

Get the most out of this recipe

Timing notes

  • Cool the potatoes briefly: Let the potatoes cool until just warm before dressing; they will take on flavour without breaking down.
  • Serve chilled or room temperature: If chilled, stir gently and refresh with lemon juice and black pepper just before serving.

Make-ahead tips

  • Prepare components ahead: The potatoes and dressing can be prepared in advance, then combined with the cucumber, herbs and trout closer to serving.
  • Keep the trout chunky: For the neatest texture, fold in the smoked trout shortly before serving rather than mixing it too early.

Ingredient swaps

  • For a lighter dressing: Greek yoghurt can replace crème fraîche for a tangier, less rich finish.
  • For gentler heat: Dijon mustard can stand in for horseradish if you prefer a softer, less pungent dressing.
  • Alternative herb: Fresh chives work well in place of dill for a milder onion-like note.

Ingredient notes

  • Choose ready-to-eat trout: Use smoked trout that is clearly labelled ready-to-eat and keep it properly chilled, especially for anyone pregnant, elderly or immunocompromised.
  • Check for bones: Flake the trout into large pieces and remove any skin or pin bones before folding it through the salad.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Put the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water and add 1 tsp of the fine sea salt. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until a knife slides in easily. Drain well in a colander and leave to cool for 10 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk the crème fraiche with the horseradish. Finely grate in a little lemon zest, then squeeze in 2 tbsp lemon juice. Season with the remaining salt and the black pepper.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion, halve the potatoes if large, and slice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the fresh dill. Add the potatoes, onion, cucumber and dill to the bowl and fold through the dressing.
  4. Flake the smoked trout into large pieces, discarding any skin and pin bones, then gently fold it through so it stays chunky. Taste and add a little more lemon juice if you want it brighter. Chill for 10 minutes, or serve at room temperature.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best texture, let the potatoes cool until just warm before mixing so they absorb the dressing without turning mushy.
  • If serving chilled, cover and refrigerate for 10 to 20 minutes, then stir gently and re-season with lemon juice and black pepper just before serving.
  • If you are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, choose smoked trout that is clearly labelled ready-to-eat and keep it properly chilled.

Substitutions

  • Replace Crème fraiche with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
  • Replace Horseradish with Dijon mustard for a gentler heat.
  • Replace Fresh dill with fresh chives for a milder, oniony finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Serve cold or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes; stir gently to avoid breaking up the smoked trout.

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Smoked Trout Salad with Potatoes and Horseradish Dressing
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Total time: 45min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: German
  • Allergens:
    Fish Milk
Beginner friendly

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