Smoked Mackerel Salad with Apple and Bacon

Smoked mackerel salad, a quick and easy light main course salad featuring sweet and salty bacon offset by the sweet tartness of apple.

The salad dressing features reduced apple juice and ginger, which provides a bright and zingy complement to the salty mackerel.

Warm Mackerel Salad

I adore mackerel; it is one of those ingredients that I return to over and over again. It is one of the cheapest fish that you can buy; it is nutritious and tastes divine.

My 13 years living in landlocked Hungary starved me of fresh mackerel but gave me a love of smoked mackerel. You should definitely check out my devilled mackerel fillets, though!

It is commonly associated with smoked mackerel pate, but it has way more uses than just that!

It is just as good in an Anglo Indian smoked mackerel kedgeree as it is in a simple smoked mackerel pasta. If you are still on the fence, then you must try my really rather foxy smoked mackerel risotto or this smoked mackerel potato frittata!

This Smoked Mackerel Salad with Apple and Bacon is nothing more than a few good things that really work well together.

Apple and mackerel are a classic combination, and bacon makes everything better. The ginger in the dressing helps cut through the richness of the smoked mackerel.

Finally, reducing the apple juice to a syrup for the dressing elevates the whole dish. As with so many recipes, it is the little dishes that really push them over the top!

If these flavours are your mojo, then you must check out my sausage salad, which has a similar flavour profile! And if you like the idea of fish in a salad, check out my cod salad recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peppered mackerel?

Yes, it will work well in this dish, although I personally prefer a cleaner flavour in this salad.

What salad leaves work well?

This salad is pictured with lambs lettuce, but peppery leaves also work well. Rocket or arugula and watercress are both fantastic in this recipe.

What is streaky bacon?

This is a question I am often asked by my American readers. Streaky bacon is what you guys refer to as bacon; here in the UK, bacon typically means back bacon or Canadian bacon, as you call it.

Should I use smoked bacon?

You can, although I personally prefer non-smoked bacon in this recipe.

What is rapeseed oil?

Another question often asked by US readers, which is known as canola oil in the US. I like it in this dish because it has a very mild flavour; olive oil overpowers in this recipe, as far as I am concerned.

Serving Suggestions

This smoked mackerel salad is the perfect light meal for me, and it needs little else.

However, if you wanted to make a more substantial meal, adding eggs is a nice way of bulking out this dish.

A poached egg is my favourite addition; however, you do need to ensure that your egg is fresh. Crack the egg onto a plate, and if the egg white is watery, it will not make a good poached egg!

But fear not, if that happens, you can make a fried egg, which will also work really well. Either way, keep that yolk nice and runny to add an extra silky sauce!

One final suggestion would be to add some cooked cold rice, either black rice or wild rice, which makes an excellent addition to this salad.

Equipment Used

I only mention brands of equipment if I believe they make a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Hob/stovetop.
• Grill or broiler.
• Baking tray.
• Frying pan.
• Small (15cm or 6") saucepan.
• Grater.
• Mixing bowl.
• Chopping board.
• Kitchen knife.
• A combination of weighing scales, measuring cups and spoons.