How to Pair Salmon and Avocado: Delicious Ideas Beyond Your Usual Tartare

Salmon and avocado, avocado and salmon: these are two ingredients that you often find paired because they go really well together. Avocado toast  and salmon tartare are two of the most famous recipes in which the two foods are combined, but the possibilities are endless: the salmon can be raw, cooked or smoked, while the avocado can be used in pieces or reduced to a cream like in guacamole, but in terms of flavors (and colors!) the result does not change, the combination is always spot on. But why do salmon and avocado work so well together? Let's discover their secret and how to pair them differently from the two most common preparations that feature them.

Why Salmon and Avocado Work So Well Together

The fact that salmon and avocado go so well together in this case is not due to the contrast, but to the similarity between the two products. At first glance they might seem like two foods that have nothing in common – one is a fruit, the other a fish – but in reality both are made up of "good fats" that make them very similar in terms of perception when you chew them. Salmon and avocado have very similar properties thanks to these fats that compose them, rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as a significant dose of proteins, which are very good for the body. Even in terms of flavor, the two foods go very well together: the delicate and slightly sweet flavor of the avocado marries perfectly with the saltiness of the salmon, creating a harmonious and pleasant contrast.

How to Pair Avocado and Salmon, Apart From Tartare and Avocado Toast

The creamy texture of avocado and the firm flesh of salmon offer a complete sensory experience, but how can you balance them properly in recipes that are tasty, perhaps together with other ingredients? The most famous preparations are tartare and avocado toast, but they are not the only ones. First of all, to create a perfect match, you must keep in mind some rules. Since both are fatty foods, you need to add an acidic taste, which helps to degrease and leave a clean sensation in the mouth: citrus fruits, fruits such as pomegranate or green apple or a cream with an acidic flavor, for example yogurt-based, are good.

It is also important to work on the flavor, because avocado and salmon are both quite sweet. In this sense, soy sauce can be very useful, and in fact if you think about it, Japanese uramaki made with salmon and avocado are soaked in this sauce, or you can use a bitter flavor like rocket. Also remember to play with consistencies: both ingredients are soft and creamy, so it would be good to include a crunchy part in the recipe, which can be a crouton, dried fruit or seeds.

At this point, once you have learned the basic rules of pairing, you can give space to your creativity and try the most varied combinations. Some inspiration? We suggest the puff pastry with salmon and avocado, a light but tasty appetizer, a rich mixed salad for light but tasty lunches and dinners, barley and salmon salad when you want a more substantial meal. And if you want to prepare something tasty, try making the avocado stuffed with salmon, served directly in the emptied shell of the exotic fruit.