Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Avocado is a light, sophisticated appetizer (or brunch option) that marries the rich, buttery texture of ripe avocado with the delicate, salty flavor of high-quality smoked salmon. What makes this dish so appealing is its perfect balance of creaminess, freshness, and subtle acidity, all served with minimal fuss.
It’s often presented beautifully-typically on a bed of greens or arranged in elegant layers or stacks-making it a frequent star at garden parties, holiday brunches, or any occasion where you want something stylish yet not overwhelming.
This dish is a celebration of textures and clean flavors. The softness of avocado contrasts with the silky smoked salmon, while a citrusy vinaigrette or squeeze of lemon ties everything together. It’s the kind of dish where the quality of ingredients does most of the heavy lifting, which is why Mary Berry’s version emphasizes freshness and simplicity.
Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Avocado Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break down the ingredients that you’ll need for this wonderfully fresh dish. Each component plays a pivotal role, so sourcing the best you can find really elevates the final plate.
Core Ingredients
- Smoked salmon – 200g; choose a good-quality cold-smoked salmon with a delicate texture and a subtly salty taste.
- Ripe avocados – 2 medium; they should be just soft enough to mash or slice, without being overripe or stringy.
- Lemon juice – from 1 lemon; freshly squeezed, not bottled, to bring brightness and prevent the avocado from browning.
- Crème fraîche – about 2 tablespoons; adds creaminess and a gentle tang.
- Fresh dill or chives – finely chopped, about 1 tablespoon; for garnish and added flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste.
Optional Add-ins (Mary-style Flair)
- Mixed salad leaves – for serving, adding freshness and crunch.
- Cucumber slices or radishes – for a touch of crisp texture.
- Brown bread or rye crackers – toasted and served on the side.
Equipment Needed
One of the joys of this dish is that it requires no complicated gadgets or heavy-duty prep. Here’s what you’ll want at the ready:
- Cutting board – for slicing and prepping.
- Sharp knife – especially important for cleanly slicing avocado and salmon.
- Mixing bowl – to gently combine ingredients if you’re doing a mash-style avocado base.
- Spoon or fork – to scoop out the avocado and mix ingredients.
- Citrus juicer or reamer – makes juicing the lemon easy and mess-free.
- Serving plates – preferably chilled, for presentation.
- Small whisk – optional, if making a vinaigrette or mixing crème fraîche with herbs.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Avocado
Here’s how to pull together this fresh, flavorful dish, step-by-step. Remember, it’s all about presentation and letting each ingredient shine.
Step 1: Prepare The Avocado
Start by cutting your avocados in half, removing the pits, and scooping the flesh into a bowl. You have a couple of presentation options here:
- For a chunky salad texture: Dice the avocado into neat cubes.
- For a smoother base: Mash it gently with a fork, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
Make sure to toss or mix it immediately with lemon juice to prevent oxidation-that dreaded browning that makes avocado less appealing.
Step 2: Arrange The Base
On each serving plate, place a bed of mixed salad leaves or a few cucumber slices. This adds color and crunch to the dish and acts as a fresh contrast to the rich toppings.
Step 3: Layer The Avocado And Salmon
- If you’re using mashed avocado, spoon a dollop on top of the greens and smooth it gently with the back of the spoon.
- If you’re using cubed avocado, scatter it across the base.
Now, drape or curl slices of smoked salmon on top of the avocado. Try not to lay them flat-create a little volume by folding or curling them to give a professional, elevated appearance.
Step 4: Add Crème Fraîche And Herbs
Spoon a dollop of crème fraîche over the salmon. For an extra elegant touch, stir some chopped dill or chives into the crème fraîche beforehand.
Scatter a few extra herbs over the top for color and flavor.
Step 5: Season And Finish
Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt and cracked black pepper. Give a final drizzle of lemon juice or a light vinaigrette, if desired.
If you’re serving this with toasted bread or crackers, arrange them alongside the plate.
Tips And Tricks
Now for the secret sauce-the little nuggets of wisdom that elevate this dish from ‘nice’ to “extraordinary”.
- Choose ripe avocados: They should yield slightly when pressed but not feel mushy. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the avocados whole until right before serving to avoid browning.
- Use top-tier smoked salmon: This dish hinges on quality. Look for wild-caught or Scottish smoked salmon with a silky texture and delicate flavor.
- Enhance with a vinaigrette: Whisk a quick lemon vinaigrette with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey for an elegant drizzle.
- Customize the herbs: Dill is classic, but tarragon, parsley, or microgreens can add an interesting twist.
- Chill your plates: A cold plate helps keep the dish fresh longer-especially important in warmer weather.
- Make it ahead, smartly: You can prepare the salmon and crème fraîche mix ahead of time, but keep the avocado prep until the last minute.
Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Avocado dish isn’t just a recipe-it’s a celebration of fresh, simple, and elegant ingredients coming together with minimal effort and maximum flair. It’s exactly the kind of dish Mary herself would serve at a spring luncheon or as a classy starter to a holiday meal.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to a special brunch, this dish hits all the right notes: refreshing, indulgent, and visually stunning. So go ahead-channel your inner Mary Berry and give this beautifully balanced recipe a try. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can feel so sophisticated.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Avocado
Mary Berry’s original version is typically minimalist-a hallmark of her cooking. She often pairs smoked salmon and avocado with a light dressing of lemon juice and perhaps a sprinkle of chives or dill. But the beauty of this dish is how versatile it is. You can tweak it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or the occasion. Here are some inspiring ways to riff on the classic:
1. Add A Creamy Element
While the avocado already brings a buttery creaminess, you can elevate this further:
- Crème fraîche or Greek yogurt: Stir in a dash of lemon juice, salt, and a pinch of horseradish for a tangy contrast.
- Soft goat cheese or ricotta: A mild, spreadable cheese makes a luscious base under the avocado and salmon.
2. Incorporate Fresh Vegetables
Give it some crunch and color:
- Cucumber ribbons or thinly sliced radish offer freshness and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes halved and tossed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar can add a juicy, acidic note.
3. Try A Different Bread Base
Although the original might be served with crusty bread or crackers, don’t limit yourself:
- Rye or pumpernickel bread adds depth and a nutty richness.
- Sourdough toasts give it a hearty bite.
- For a low-carb option, serve it on large lettuce leaves or sliced sweet potatoes roasted until tender.
4. Make It Into A Salad
Turn the whole concept into a main-course salad:
- Toss mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, capers, and avocado chunks.
- Drape over pieces of smoked salmon.
- Drizzle with a lemon-Dijon vinaigrette.
5. Add An Egg
A poached or soft-boiled egg perched on top makes it extra indulgent. The yolk mingles with the avocado and salmon in a silky symphony.
6. Use Flavored Oils And Garnishes
Infused oils or garnishes like:
- Chili oil for a gentle kick.
- Toasted sesame seeds for a nutty twist.
- Microgreens or edible flowers to elevate presentation for brunch or entertaining.
Storing Leftovers
Now, storing a dish like this can be tricky. Avocado, as we all know, is a diva when it comes to freshness-it browns easily and quickly loses its creamy, vibrant appeal. But here’s how you can stretch the life of your leftovers without sacrificing too much quality:
Separate The Components
If you’re planning ahead, store each element-smoked salmon, avocado, dressing, and any bread or garnishes-separately in airtight containers.
Avocado Tips
- To keep avocado from browning, coat the cut surfaces with lemon or lime juice and store tightly covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
- Alternatively, place the pit back in the container with the leftover avocado; it helps slow oxidation.
- Eat avocado leftovers within a day, maximum two.
Smoked Salmon Storage
- Smoked salmon can last 3-4 days in the fridge if stored properly.
- Make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.
Assembled Dishes
If you’ve already assembled everything and have leftovers:
- Wrap tightly and eat within 24 hours.
- Keep it refrigerated and avoid reheating, as both avocado and smoked salmon are best served cold or at room temperature.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Avocado?
This dish is versatile and lends itself beautifully to a range of accompaniments. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or as a light dinner, here are some perfect pairings:
1. Freshly Baked Bread
Serve with:
- Sourdough slices lightly toasted
- Bagels, especially seeded or whole wheat
- Buttery croissants for a more indulgent brunch
2. Salads And Greens
Complement the richness with freshness:
- Rocket (arugula) and fennel salad for a peppery crunch
- Beet and goat cheese salad for earthy-sweet contrast
- Citrus and endive salad adds a lovely bitterness and brightness
3. Eggs And Breakfast Staples
Make it a full breakfast plate:
- Poached or soft-boiled eggs
- Scrambled eggs gently folded with chives
- Asparagus spears or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side
4. Light Soups
Pair with a chilled or warm soup:
- Chilled cucumber soup or gazpacho in summer
- Light potato and leek soup in colder months
5. Beverages
Complete the experience with:
- Sparkling water with lemon
- A crisp white wine-think Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling
- Champagne or Prosecco for a celebratory twist
- Freshly brewed Earl Grey tea for a more traditional British touch
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon and Avocado dish is a masterclass in elegant simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but takes minutes to make. The combination of creamy avocado and smoky, savory salmon is sophisticated yet approachable-a blank canvas for culinary creativity.
With the right tweaks-whether you’re adding a poached egg, tossing it into a salad, or experimenting with flavorful oils-you can tailor it to any occasion, from a quiet weekday lunch to an upscale brunch gathering. And with mindful storage and thoughtful accompaniments, this dish transforms from a quick recipe into a memorable experience.
So the next time you need something effortless yet impressive, let Mary Berry’s elegant flavors guide you. A little lemon, a few silky slices of salmon, and a ripe avocado-that’s all you need to start.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Avocado Recipe?
To make Mary Berry’s smoked salmon and avocado recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients: smoked salmon slices, ripe avocados, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, mixed herbs (such as dill or parsley), salt and pepper for seasoning, and optional garnishes like capers or microgreens. The recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for a light lunch or appetizer.
How Do I Prepare The Smoked Salmon And Avocado For Mary Berry’s Recipe?
To prepare Mary Berry’s smoked salmon and avocado, first peel and pit the avocados, then slice them into thin pieces. Drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning. Lay the smoked salmon slices on a serving platter and arrange the avocado slices on top or beside them. For extra flavor, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with herbs like dill or parsley, or add capers for a tangy touch.
Can I Modify Mary Berry’s Smoked Salmon And Avocado Recipe For A Gluten-free Or Dairy-free Diet?
Yes, Mary Berry’s smoked salmon and avocado recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for people with those dietary restrictions. The recipe contains no bread, cheese, or cream, so it’s safe to enjoy without modification. However, you can experiment with adding other dietary-friendly garnishes or even swapping the olive oil for a flavored oil like sesame oil to add a unique twist.
