Happy Fish Salad

Happy Fish Salad: an explosion of flavors and textures

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

I invite you to discover a vibrant and flavorful salad, perfect for a light lunch or a delicious dinner. The Happy Fish Salad combines smoked fish with rice noodles, fresh vegetables, and a refined dressing, offering you an exceptional culinary experience. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also packed with nutrients, making it ideal for anyone looking for a healthy meal.

The history of this salad is linked to the tradition of combining seafood with the freshest vegetables, resulting in a symphony of tastes that brings joy with every bite. Over time, fish salads have been appreciated for their versatility, and Happy Fish is a modern version adapted to contemporary tastes.

Ingredients

- 1 piece of smoked fish (mackerel) – 300 g
- 100 g red onion
- 100 g corn (canned or boiled)
- 50 g lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 3 cherry tomatoes
- 150 g rice noodles
- 2 kiwis – 100 g
- 50 g pickled carrots
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation of ingredients

1. Boiling the noodles: Put water in a large pot, add salt and a few drops of rice vinegar. Wait for it to reach boiling point. At this moment, add the rice noodles and cook them according to the package instructions. They cook quickly, in about 4-7 minutes, so be careful not to leave them on the heat for too long. Once ready, drain them and set aside.

2. Cutting the vegetables: Take the red onion and slice it julienne (thin strips). Then, wash the lettuce and chop it finely. Cut the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters, depending on your preference.

3. Preparing the fish: If you don’t have boneless fish already, carefully remove the bones from the mackerel and cut it into suitable pieces. This will be the main base of your salad.

Assembling the salad

1. In a large bowl, add the smoked fish, the julienne-cut onion, lettuce, corn, pickled carrots, and cherry tomatoes. Gently mix to combine the ingredients.

2. Add the boiled noodles to the vegetable and fish mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix again, being careful not to break the noodles.

Preparing the dressing

1. Classic dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with the rice vinegar. Mix well and pour the dressing over your salad. This will add a fresh note and enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

2. Kiwi sauce: To add a touch of originality, take the two kiwis and cut them into smaller pieces. Put them in a blender and blend until you get a smooth puree. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. You can use this sauce as a garnish for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving the salad

The Happy Fish Salad is now ready to serve! You can garnish it with the kiwi sauce for a vibrant look and a sweet-sour taste. This salad pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold green tea, which will complement the flavors perfectly.

Helpful tip

For a heartier version of the salad, you can add diced avocado or even some nuts for a crunchy texture. Also, for a more intense flavor, use smoked fish with a stronger flavor, such as salmon.

Nutritional information

This salad is rich in protein due to the smoked fish and rice noodles, while the fresh vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C, and lettuce contributes to hydration. One serving of Happy Fish Salad has approximately 350 kcal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of smoked fish, such as salmon or herring.

2. How can I make the salad spicier?
You can add a few slices of chili pepper or a little Sriracha sauce to the dressing for an extra kick.

3. Is this salad suitable for vegans?
No, but you can adapt the recipe using smoked tofu and omit the fish for a vegan version.

4. How can I store the salad?
It is recommended to consume it immediately, but you can keep the salad in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The dressing should be added just before serving to maintain the fresh textures.

Conclusion

The Happy Fish Salad is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a healthy and refreshing meal. With a combination of smoked fish, crunchy vegetables, and a savory dressing, this dish will surely become a favorite recipe in your kitchen. So, step out of the routine and enjoy an explosion of flavors and textures with every serving. Enjoy your meal!