Whitefish Salad
A creamy, smoky deli-style salad made with flaked smoked whitefish, crisp celery, and fresh dill folded into a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect scooped onto bagels, crackers, or served over a bed of greens for a light lunch.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Flake the smoked whitefish.
1.Remove any skin and pin bones from the smoked whitefish fillets.2.Use a fork to flake the fish into bite-sized pieces into a large mixing bowl.3.Feel through the fish with your fingers to ensure no small bones remain.TIPUsing your fingers is the best way to catch tiny pin bones — they're hard to spot by eye. - mix · ~1 min
Add the vegetables.
1.Add the finely diced celery to the bowl.2.Add the minced red onion.3.Add the chopped fresh dill. - mix · ~2 min
Fold in the dressing.
1.Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh lemon juice to the bowl.2.Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper.3.Gently fold everything together with a spatula until evenly combined, keeping the fish chunky.TIPDon't overmix — the salad should have texture with distinct flakes of fish, not be a paste. - rest · ~30 min
Chill before serving.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. The salad tastes even better the next day.
TIPChilling is essential — it firms up the salad and deepens the smoky flavor. - serve
Serve the whitefish salad.
1.Give the salad a gentle stir before serving.2.Serve chilled on toasted bagels, crackers, or over a bed of mixed greens.3.Garnish with an extra sprig of dill and a lemon wedge on the side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use your fingers to feel for tiny pin bones after flaking the fish — they're easy to miss by eye.
- 2Dice the celery and red onion very finely so they distribute evenly without overwhelming the fish.
- 3Fold the dressing gently with a spatula to keep the whitefish in distinct, chunky flakes rather than a paste.
- 4Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld; it tastes even better the next day.
- 5If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or extra sour cream.
- 6For a brighter pop, add a teaspoon of drained capers or chopped cornichons along with the herbs.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-Oil
Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt and use light sour cream to reduce fat while keeping a creamy, tangy texture.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped hard-boiled egg whites or a scoop of unflavored protein powder to boost protein content without altering the flavor profile.
JainJain
Omit the red onion and substitute with finely chopped green bell pepper or cucumber; use a vegan mayo and skip the sour cream (or use a dairy-free alternative) to honor Jain dietary restrictions.
VeganVegan
Replace the smoked whitefish with flaked smoked tofu or marinated hearts of palm, and use vegan mayonnaise and vegan sour cream for a plant-based version that still delivers smoky, creamy flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Smoked whitefish provides high-quality, low-fat protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety.
Rich in Omega-3s
Whitefish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
Hydrating Vegetables
Celery adds crunch and hydration with minimal calories, while red onion offers prebiotic fiber and antioxidants.
Vitamin D from Fish
Smoked whitefish contains natural vitamin D, important for immune function and bone health.
Antioxidant Herbs
Fresh dill is rich in antioxidants and may aid digestion, adding flavor without sodium.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute with flaked smoked mackerel, trout, or even canned salmon, but the flavor and texture will differ — whitefish is milder and flakier.
