This Potato and Smoked Fish Salad recipe post has been sponsored by Seasonal Spuds. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Read my Disclosure Policy.
The sun is high, and delicious, seasonal new potatoes are on the Food To Glow menu! Why not make this Potato Salad with Smoked Fish and Mustardy Creme Fraiche Dressing for an easy, light summer supper? Use bang-in-season Ayrshire New potatoes, fresh herbs and pre-packed beetroot and smoked mackerel for a very affordable and delicious meal.
As most of you know, I love a hearty salad. I even have them for breakfast. And now that new potatoes are in season, I am steaming and boiling up these pale beauties to add to my salad – as well as drop into curries, vegetable tray bakes, and dip into gooey cheese fondue.
But seasonal new potatoes don’t need to be gussied up. We also enjoy them simply steamed, with just a pat of the best butter, or a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, to highlight their delicate, delicious flavour. And, much to Andrew’s delight, roasted new potatoes – lightly oiled, gently smashed and dusted with crunchy sea salt before roasting – are also on the menu. Frequently. We really love their versatility.
Of course you can make this recipe and other potato recipes year-round. After all, potatoes are a staple food in many countries. But there’s something very special about using seasonal, summer-grown spuds to really make a simple recipe such as this shine.
What potatoes to use
Up here in Scotland, the very best potatoes grow in Ayrshire (pronounced air-shur), on the balmy west coast of Scotland. The light sandy soils and winds off the nearby sea help to keep the fields frost-free, so the plants get an early start in comparison to potatoes grown elsewhere in Scotland.
Ayrshire New potatoes are proper new potatoes: small pale orbs, with delicate papery skins that you can gently rub away. Or, you can keep the skin on for extra fibre and flavour as I did. Unlike other potatoes, these new potatoes are harvested while the green leaves are still swaying in the summer breeze. So they are very new indeed.
The taste of Ayrshire New potatoes is as you might expect – delicate, buttery and clean. A true potato flavour. And the texture is slightly firm and fluffy rather than fully firm and waxy. So they are perfect for salads, as well as roasting or mashing.
What do you need?
New potatoes – I use Ayrshire New potatoes. But use any new potatoes/baby potatoes that are available to you. If you use a maincrop potato I would recommend cubing and steaming rather than whole and boiled.
Smoked fish – the type is really up to you. Smoked mackerel is very common in the UK. But use smoked salmon (hot or cold-smoked), herring, whitefish, trout or even eel. Vegans or vegetarians, why not use smoked tofu?
Cooked beetroot – you can buy ready-cooked beetroot in most UK supermarkets: get the kind in its own juices rather than in a marinade or vinegar. Or, you can boil/steam/roast a few baby beetroots, slipping off the skins once cool then slicing. Easier than boiling your own would be very thinly slicing a couple of small beets. I prefer buying cooked beetroot for this recipe.
Creme fraiche – this gives cool acidity, and tastes just fabulous. If this is expensive or unavailable, try full-fat Greek yogurt, quark or good soured cream. Vegan creme fraiche is also an option.
Extra virgin olive oil – this blends with the creme fraîche to make a great dressing.
The fresh herbs – this is where you can go your own way. For this recipe I use what is growing in my vegetable garden – sorrel, chives, parsley and lovage. You could use dill, cilantro, basil, tarragon or mint. Whatever you wish! You can also add or sub in firm little Gem lettuces. Note: You will be using some herbs in the dressing and some to green up the potato and smoked fish salad itself.
Lemon juice – always lemon for me, but you might prefer apple cider vinegar. Either will balance out the fat in the dressing.
Dijon mustard – this pantry staple ingredient is perfect for a little punch. You could instead use a wholegrain mustard, or even horseradish mustard. Mustard-phobes can leave this out.
Freshly ground black pepper – you can add salt, but I find the smoked fish plenty salty. But absolutely season with plenty of black pepper, either directly on the salad or just in the dressing.
And finally, crispy onions. You don’t *have* to use these. But I highly recommend them. Otherwise, thinly sliced shallots, tempered in cold water for 15 minutes before draining and using, will add that extra bite that complements the oily fish and new potatoes so well.
How do I make this recipe?
1) Wash the potatoes and either steam the new potatoes for 10-15 minutes; or boil them by covering in cold water and bringing to a boil. When they begin to boil, set the timer for 12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes in case they are done to your liking earlier.
2) While the potatoes are cooking, make the dressing. Do this by mixing the créme fraîche, olive oil, lemon juice and mustard until creamy. Add the chopped chives and parsley and stir into the dressing. Set aside.
3) Add the sliced/halved potatoes to a mixing bowl or back into the cooking pan. Pour over most of the dressing and very gently lift and fold with a spatula until the potatoes are well-covered.
4) Pour the dressing-slicked potatoes onto two plates or a serving platter. Tuck in slices of beetroot as well as chopped or whole herbs (or sliced gem lettuce), and tear over the smoked fish (or sliced smoked tofu). Serve with the remaining dressing and scatter with the crispy onions. Serve and eat.
Why you should try this recipe
- It is actually quite good. 🙂
- It’s a great way to use new potatoes – freshly boiled or leftover/cooked ahead
- The ingredients are relatively inexpensive
- It takes less than 20 minutes to make
- The options make it adaptable to your taste
Veganise. Make this vegan by using non-dairy creme fraiche or other “soured” non-dairy toppings, as well as using smoked tofu.
Make ahead. Boil or steam the potatoes the day before, slicing only when you will make up the salad. Cooking then cooling potatoes is a great way to get healthy resistant starch into the diet. Resistant starch is made in the potatoes as they cool. This unique dietary starch not only lowers the amount of carbohydrates we absorb, it feeds the bacteria in our gut. How cool is that?
Timing the potatoes. Check for doneness by inserting the tip of a knife into one potato: it should go in easily. Ayrshire New potatoes are perfectly boiled for this recipe at the 10-minute mark – quick, huh? The timings will depend on your potatoes – size, age and type. Once boiled or steamed, drain the whole potatoes in a colander and cool enough to cut in half or into slices – as you prefer.
Add-ins and options. This is an adaptable wee salad, so use your imagination. Just make sure to have the potatoes, something smoky, and a yummy, tangy dressing.
I know not everyone is growing or can get delightfully lemony broad-leaf sorrel, so use rocket/arugula for extra interest and greenery instead. Or, use slices of the previously suggested gem lettuce. If you don’t have lovage – which offers a celery-like taste in leaf form – use celery leaves. Or leave them out. I like the flavour of lovage, but it is kind of strong. I use it sparingly to complement rather than dominate.
If you want to use sliced radish rather than the beetroot, go ahead. But I would add a little honey to the dressing to make up for the hint of sweet that is in cooked beetroot. And lastly, the herbs you use should preferably be soft ones rather than woody – think dill, parsley, basil, sweet cicely, tarragon etc.
How to eat this potato and smoked fish salad
Enjoy this summer-kissed salad as a light-but-filling main supper for two. Or sling a box of it into your picnic basket to eat in the sunshine. If you think you might want some the next day, leave a portion free of the leaves/herbs and the onions, adding them in when you want them.

Potato and Smoked Fish Salad with Mustardy Créme Fraîche Dressing
Make this Potato Salad with Smoked Fish and Mustardy Creme Fraiche Dressing for an easy, light summer supper. Use bang-in-season new potatoes, fresh herbs and pre-packed beetroot and smoked mackerel for a very affordable and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 500 g new potatoes washed
- 150 g smoked fish e.g. smoked mackerel, hot-smoked salmon
- 3 small cooked beetroots
- 3 tbsp créme fraîche or non-dairy equivalent
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- soft fresh summer herbs e.g. chives, lovage, parsley, sorrel, cilantro/corander, tarragon, chervil, wild garlic
- 2 tbsp crispy fried onions
- gem lettuce optional
Instructions
-
Wash the potatoes and either steam the new potatoes for 10-15 minutes; or boil them by covering in cold water and bringing to a boil. When they begin to boil, set the timer for 12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes in case they are done to your liking earlier. Drain and rinse well; leave to cool down a bit. Halve the cooked new potatoes, or slice into thick coins. Warm potatoes will better absorb the dressing than cold potatoes.
-
While the potatoes are cooking, make the dressing. Do this by mixing the creme fraiche, olive oil, lemon juice and mustard until creamy. Add the chopped chives and parsley and stir into the dressing. Set aside.
-
Add the sliced/halved potatoes to a mixing bowl or back into the cooking pan. Pour over most of the dressing and very gently lift and fold with a spatula until the potatoes are well-covered.
-
Pour the dressing-slicked potatoes onto two plates or a serving platter. Tuck in slices of beetroot, as well as torn or whole herbs (or sliced gem lettuce), and tear over the smoked fish. Serve with the remaining dressing and scatter with the crispy onions. Serve and eat.
Recipe Notes
Veganise. Make this vegan by using non-dairy creme fraiche or other “soured” non-dairy toppings, as well as using smoked tofu.
Make ahead. Boil or steam the potatoes the day before, slicing only when you will make up the salad. Cooking then cooling potatoes is a great way to get healthy resistant starch into the diet. Resistant starch is made in the potatoes as they cool. This unique dietary starch not only lowers the amount of carbohydrates we absorb, it feeds the bacteria in our gut. How cool is that?
Timing the potatoes. Check for doneness by inserting the tip of a knife into one potato: it should go in easily. Ayrshire new potatoes are perfectly boiled for this recipe at the 10-minute mark - quick, huh? The timings will depend on your potatoes - size, age and type. Once boiled or steamed, drain the whole potatoes in a colander and cool enough to cut in half or into slices - as you prefer.
Add-ins and options. This is an adaptable wee salad, so use your imagination. Just make sure to have the potatoes, something smoky, and a yummy, tangy dressing.
I know not everyone is growing or can get delightfully lemony broad-leaf sorrel, so use rocket/arugula for extra interest and greenery instead. Or, use slices of the previously suggested gem lettuce. If you don’t have lovage - which offers a celery-like taste in leaf form - use celery leaves. Or leave them out. I like the flavour of lovage, but it is kind of strong. I use it sparingly to complement rather than dominate.
If you want to use sliced radish rather than the beetroot, go ahead. But I would add a little honey to the dressing to make up for the hint of sweet that is in cooked beetroot. And lastly, the herbs you use should preferably be soft ones rather than woody - think dill, parsley, basil, sweet cicely, tarragon etc.
Terrific tatties and a delicious salad. The sharp, creamy flavours with those air-shur potatoes are brilliant!
Thanks so much, chief taste tester 😉
Resistance starch FTW! Salad weather is here! Love reading all of your wee tips and tricks, too. You write in such an effortlessly poetic manner, it’s such a joy to read.
Aw, thank you Rachel. :-)And I love that you are on board for a bit of resistant starch! It’s such a great thing to remember to “make” occasionally. A good excuse to get in some more carbs!
This looks fabulous! I think I’ll try this with smoked salmon. Btw your description makes it even more tantalizing
Oh, it will be so good with smoked salmon. I hope you can get some hot-smoked as it is lovely and firm. But any kind would taste great. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated 🙂
Looks delish!!!
Thanks, Madison! I hope you have a chance to make it sometime. 🙂
Lets do this one tomorrow!!
Woo hoo! I’m glad to read this, Barbara. I really hope that you like this simple salad. And can get some nice baby/new potatoes your way. 🙂
Oh I really like the sound of this! And a reason to buy crispy onions. Thank you
Gotta have that crunch! I really think they bring this all together. I mean I would eat it without the crispy onions. BUt yes, a good reason to buy them. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Pat. 🙂
Just right for this lovely weather. I had some green beans so added them.
Such a great addition, Ann. I will try that next time. Thanks for leaving this helpful hint. 🙂
Awesome (and healthier) summer replacement for dauphineoise tatties. Saturday night dinner, sorted!
Oh, there should be room in anyone’s diet for both dauphinoise and salad. 🙂 Enjoy both! Thanks for leaving a comment, Niall. I really appreciate it so much. 🙂
What a delightful taste sensation!
I’m glad you think so, Tripp. 🙂
I can’t wait to make this! I love everything in this!
Oh that’s great, Julie. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. Any tweaks that you make, let me know, will you? Thanks!
this looks amazing can’t wait to make this.
Oh thank you, Yvonne. An easy supper for busy people like you 🙂
A dream combo how delicious. I love new potatoes, especially Scottish ones, lovely!
Oh, the Scottish ones are THE best, aren’t they? We are crushing on these loose Aryshire ones that you can get at the supermarket.
delicious and healthy as always Kellie x
Thanks so much, Sally. Although I am lower carb most of the time, seasonal new potatoes always have room on the menu. Especially as “leftovers” because they give so much good resistant starch to feed good gut bacteria! Any excuse 😉
Yum! This looks so delicious and tasty!
Lovely salad, dear Kellie.
Truly appreciate the way you made this wonderful salad recipe. Everything is so nicely described that really helped me. I am looking forward for more such yummy recipes in future too.