SALADS

Asparagus, Potato and Snap Pea Salad with Smoked Salmon and Honey Mustard Dressing

Asparagus,  Potato and Snap Pea Salad with Smoked Salmon and Honey Mustard Dressing

Asparagus, Potato and Snap Pea Salad with Smoked Salmon and Honey Mustard Dressing

Course: Salads
Servings

4

servings


This salad is a true celebration of spring. It strikes the perfect balance between fresh and savory, with the smoky richness of salmon complementing the bright, crisp vegetables. Plus the potatoes give it a little more staying power. It’s easy to make, looks stunning on the plate, and tastes even better. An all around win!

A note about using “hot smoked” salmon: The main difference between cold-smoked and hot-smoked salmon is the smoking temperature and the resulting texture and flavor.  Cold-smoked salmon is smoked at a low temperature, typically between 70–90°F (21–32°C) which yields a raw, silky texture similar to sashimi. It has a delicate, mild smoky flavor and is often used on bagels or for canapés. In contrast, hot-smoked salmon is smoked at a higher temperature, usually between 120–180°F (49–82°C), which fully cooks the fish, resulting in a firm, flaky texture and a stronger, more pronounced smoky flavor. Hot-smoked salmon is commonly eaten on its own, in salads, or flaked into pasta and dips.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. asparagus, woody ends trimmed

  • Kosher salt

  • 8 oz. snap peas

  • 1 lb. baby Yukon gold potatoes

  • 6-8 oz. “hot smoked” salmon (not gravlax style, see note above for the difference)

  • 1/2 shallot, thinly sliced on a mandoline slicer

  • black pepper

  • Honey Mustard Dressing
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • Kosher salt

  • black pepper

Directions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, and vinegar. Drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking until all the oil is emulsified. I find it works best to alternate between a side to side whisking motion and a circular whisking motion. Season to taste with Kosher salt and black pepper. 
  • Bring 4 qts water and 2 tbsp Kosher salt to a boil in a large pot. Prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl halfway with ice, then add enough water until the bowl is 2/3 full. Add the snap peas to the boiling water and cook for 45-60 seconds. Remove the snap peas from the water and plunge into the ice bath. Repeat with the asparagus. Bring potatoes and fresh water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork tender. While the potatoes cook, drain the asparagus and snap peas, pat dry gently with a towel, and move to a cutting board.  Slice the asparagus half crosswise, then lengthwise and julienne the snap peas. Drain and rinse the potatoes in cold water, then transfer to a large plate or platter.  Using a sturdy glass or a mason jar, gently smash the potatoes. Layer the asparagus and snap peas on top of the potatoes. Break the smoked salmon apart with your hands and scatter atop the veggies. Garnish with the sliced shallots and dress with Honey Mustard Dressing.

Notes

  • I am an independent blogger and product reviews I share are based on my own opinions.  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and when used to make a purchase I may earn a commission. I link to these products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases.