Sardine Salad

By Ali Slagle

Updated July 18, 2022

Sardine Salad
Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Total Time
10 minutes
Rating
4(1,144)
Comments
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For a vivid take on lunchtime tuna salad, use oil-rich sardines and skip the mayonnaise. Emulsifying the deeply seasoned oil from the sardine tin with lemon juice and mustard makes the salad creamy like mayonnaise does but with flavors that are more intense and pronounced. Add any of the sharp, crunchy, fresh pops you like in your tuna or whitefish salad, such as capers, cornichons, pickled peppers or herbs, and eat this sardine salad over greens, on a bagel or English muffin, or between two slices of toast.

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings (about 2 cups)
  • 2tablespoons finely chopped red onion or shallot (about ¼ small red onion or ½ small shallot)
  • 1teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 large lemon), plus more as needed
  • Kosher salt
  • 2tins sardines packed in olive oil (about 4 ounces each)
  • 1tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1large celery stalk, finely chopped
  • Black pepper
  • 2tablespoons capers or chopped pepperoncini or cornichons (optional)
  • ¼cup dill or parsley leaves and tender stems (optional), chopped
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

83 calories; 3 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 1 gram monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 12 grams protein; 216 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, stir together the red onion, lemon zest, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Let sit about 5 minutes to mellow the onion’s sting.

  2. Step 2

    Add the sardines and their oil, along with the mustard. Use a fork to mash the sardines and vigorously stir until the mixture is creamy. Add the celery, a few grinds of pepper, and capers or herbs, or a combination, if using. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper and lemon juice. (Sardine salad will keep, refrigerated, for 3 days.)

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Ratings

4 out of 5
1,144 user ratings
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Comments

Min

My dad used to make a version of this and he always added a finely chopped hard-boiled egg. He knew the egg would temper the "fishiness" and that my brother and I would eat and enjoy the combo. We did and still do. Thanks for the recipe and memory.

Kate C

I love this and will make again. It’s not often one finds a sardine recipe (we are a rare breed, who love these cans of fish) and I’m adding it to my easy lunch rotation.

NMH

Mild Dijon does make an excellent substitute for mayo. I make something similar with tinned mackerel and a little tarragon vinegar instead of the lemon juice - for fish lovers only!

Art S

If you didn’t learn to eat sardines as a kid, then you are unlikely to start as an adult. But they are awesome. I learned to love the ones in tomato sauce. I just mash them in a bowl, toast bread and spread butter. I used to spoon the paste on bread, but now I just eat from bow with bites of bread. I love adding a hard cheese to the bread like Edam. This recipe is awesome and gives me an alt to sardines with tomato sauce. If anyone is turned off by the look of the mashed fish, then try to turn this into more of a salad - add more veggies. I like some of the suggestions to try with while beans and apples. I will also try to dial up the celery, maybe scallions, or jarred roasted red pepper (or fresh) that is diced.

Rhianna

My mom and I made this together and loved it. If you are watching your salt, maybe go easy on the salt pinch into the lemon and onion mix. The sardines and capers are already a little salty. It was delicious but a bit naughty for someone on a salt restricted diet.

Megan

This is really good. I was nervous about using the oil from the cans but it really wasn't fishy. I used the Season brand from Costco.

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