The BEST Salads That Go With Mackerel

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

For a light, nutritious, and tasty lunch, mackerel and salad is a fantastic option. 

It’s quick and easy, and whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or you want to get a little more experimental in the kitchen, there are plenty of choices. 

Let’s take a look at a selection of the very best… 

(Be sure to also check out more accompaniments for mackerel to take your lunch to the next level!) 

The Most Delicious Salads That Go With Mackerel

Potato Salad

A classic choice for serving with mackerel is a potato salad. The carbohydrates provided by the potatoes complement the rich, oily fish well.

To make this salad, you can simply boil potatoes and combine them with ingredients such as:

  • Dill
  • Radishes
  • Chopped onions
  • Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • Chives

Feel free to add avocado, roasted carrots, or green beans for extra flavour and texture.

Lettuce-Based Salad

A crisp lettuce-based salad adds a refreshing counterpoint to the bold taste of mackerel.

Start with a base of Romaine lettuce, and add a variety of other veggies, such as:

  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell pepper
  • Radishes

Toss these ingredients together with a light vinaigrette dressing to harmonise the flavours.

Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy touch! 

Greek Salad

Another great option is a Greek salad, which pairs well with mackerel and brings a Mediterranean twist.

The main ingredients include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Onions
  • Kalamata olives
  • Feta cheese

Combine these ingredients with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano for an authentic taste.

(Want more salad inspiration? You’ll love what to serve with bean salad too!) 

Bean-Based Salad

If you’re looking for a healthier and more protein-packed option, try a bean-based salad.

This can include lentils, chickpeas, or even green beans. The choice is yours!

For a simple and tasty bean salad, mix together:

  • Cooked lentils or green beans
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sliced onions
  • Fresh parsley

Finish your bean salad with a light vinaigrette dressing for added flavour.

Mixed Vegetable Salad

Lastly, a mixed vegetable salad offers you the opportunity to explore a variety of textures and flavours that marry well with mackerel.

You can create this type of salad by combining various vegetables, such as:

  • Green beans
  • Carrots
  • Bell peppers
  • Sliced onions
  • Cherry tomatoes

You can add even more depth to the dish by including different herbs, like basil, parsley, or coriander.

A simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing finishes off this colourful side dish perfectly.

Seasoning and Dressing Recipes

Lemon and Olive Oil Dressing

For a simple yet zesty dressing, mix together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.

Combine the ingredients until they are well-blended, and then taste-test your dressing.

Adjust the amounts of lemon juice and olive oil to suit your palette.

When you are satisfied with the taste, drizzle it over the salad to complement the mackerel’s flavour.

Vinaigrette Dressing

To prepare a light vinaigrette dressing, whisk together the following ingredients in a bowl:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • A pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Once you’ve combined these ingredients well, taste the vinaigrette and make any adjustments necessary.

To enhance the vinaigrette’s flavour, consider adding horseradish or shallots.

Drizzle this dressing over your salad and enjoy it with the mackerel.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing

Create a deliciously creamy Greek yogurt dressing to go with mackerel by mixing the following ingredients in a bowl:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients until smooth and silky.

Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

This creamy dressing adds a delightfully smooth tanginess to salads that go with mackerel. 

Dijon Mustard Dressing

Lastly, try a Dijon mustard dressing to give your salad an extra kick.

In a small bowl, whisk together the following:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • A pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Mix the ingredients thoroughly, taste and adjust as needed.

The sharpness of the Dijon mustard dressing complements the rich flavour of mackerel quite nicely.

Simply select a salad, choose your dressing, and you’re ready to go!