This Ina Garten Salmon Tartare is a fresh and elegant recipe, which uses fresh salmon and smoked salmon. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Ina Garten Salmon Tartare Ingredients
- 1 lb skinless fresh salmon fillet, diced
- ½ lb smoked salmon, thickly sliced and diced
- ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 3 limes)
- ⅓ cup minced shallots (about 2 shallots)
- 2 Tbsp good olive oil
- ¼ cup minced fresh dill
- 3 Tbsp capers, drained
- 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp whole-grain mustard
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 loaf seven-grain bread, thinly sliced and toasted
How To Make Ina Garten Salmon Tartare
- Dice the salmon: Cut both the fresh and smoked salmon into ¼-inch cubes. Place them in a chilled mixing bowl.
- Add flavorings: Stir in lime juice, shallots, olive oil, dill, capers, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Chill to marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2–3 hours to let the flavors blend.
- Adjust and serve: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve cold on slices of toasted seven-grain bread.

Recipe Tips
-
How fresh should the salmon be?
Use sushi-grade fresh salmon for the safest and best flavor. -
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, but lime provides a sharper, more vibrant flavor that complements the salmon. -
How to slice salmon evenly:
Use a sharp knife and partially freeze the fish for 15 minutes to make it easier to dice. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but serve within 3 hours to keep the texture and flavor fresh.
What To Serve With Salmon Tartare
This chilled tartare pairs well with crisp and fresh sides:
- Toasted baguette or crostini
- Cucumber slices
- Pickled red onions
- Chilled white wine or champagne
- Mixed green salad
How To Store Salmon Tartare
Refrigerate:
Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours before serving. It’s best enjoyed the same day it’s made.
Freeze:
Not recommended. Freezing alters the texture of raw salmon and is unsafe for raw preparations.
Salmon Tartare Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
FAQs
Can I use canned salmon instead?
No, this recipe relies on the texture and freshness of raw and smoked salmon.
How long does salmon tartare stay fresh?
It should be served within a few hours of preparation for best taste and food safety.
Can I serve this without bread?
Yes, it’s also great with endive leaves, crackers, or cucumber rounds.
Why does the tartare need to rest?
Resting allows the lime juice and seasonings to gently “cure” the salmon and meld the flavors.
Try More Recipes:
Ina Garten Salmon Tartare
Description
A chilled, flavorful appetizer made with fresh and smoked salmon, herbs, and citrus—ideal on toasted bread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice salmon and place in a chilled bowl.
- Add lime juice, shallots, olive oil, dill, capers, both mustards, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve on toasted bread.
