Cucumber Tinned Fish Salad (Print Version)

Refreshing blend of cucumber, avocado, radishes, and tinned sardines with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
02 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
03 - 4 radishes, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small shallot, finely sliced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

→ Protein

07 - 1 can (4–4.4 oz) premium sardines or mackerel in olive oil, drained

→ Dressing

08 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
11 - 1 teaspoon honey
12 - 1 teaspoon capers, chopped
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - Lemon wedges
15 - Freshly cracked black pepper

# Method:

01 - In a large jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, layer the cucumber, avocado, radishes, shallot, dill, and parsley.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped capers, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Pour the dressing over the layered vegetables in the jar. Seal and shake gently to mix evenly.
04 - Divide the salad between two plates and top each with half the drained sardines or mackerel.
05 - Garnish with lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately with optional crusty bread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in the time it takes to pour a glass of wine and light a candle.
  • The shaker method keeps everything fresh and lets you shake it again if you prefer more dressing.
  • Premium tinned fish tastes luxurious, not like a shortcut, and that matters on a date night.
02 -
  • Don't drain the tinned fish completely if you love the oil; a little of that liquid adds richness and helps the dressing cling to the vegetables.
  • The salad tastes even better if you let it sit in the jar for five minutes after shaking—the vegetables soften slightly and everything becomes one thing instead of separate parts.
03 -
  • Buy the best tinned fish you can find—this is not the place to save money, because the fish is half the dish.
  • Slice the cucumber and radishes as thin as you can manage; thinner vegetables absorb flavor faster and stay crisp longer in the dressing.
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