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Lemon-Dill Sardine Salad with Capers and Green Onions Recipe

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4.1 from 40 reviews

This Lemon-Dill Sardine Salad with Capers and Green Onions is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that combines tender sardines with fresh herbs, tangy lemon, and bold Dijon mustard. Perfect as a sandwich filling or spread on artisan bread, this light and healthy option can be prepared in just 12 minutes and is ideal for a tasty lunch or snack.

Ingredients

Sardines and Oil

  • 2 cans sardines in olive oil
  • Olive oil from 1 can of sardines

Salad Dressing and Seasonings

  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon (add more to taste)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Fresh Herbs and Add-ins

  • 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped (including dark green tops)
  • 1 tbsp capers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base dressing: Empty the olive oil from one can of sardines into a large bowl. Add the zest of half a lemon into the same bowl, adding more to taste if desired, then squeeze the juice from the whole lemon into it.
  2. Mix seasoning and herbs: Add salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard into the bowl. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are well combined and creamy. Then stir in chopped green onions including the dark green tops, fresh dill, and capers to evenly distribute the flavors.
  3. Add and mash sardines: Drain the sardine fillets from both cans and add them to the dressing mixture. Use a fork to gently smash the sardine fillets and fold them into the mixture until evenly combined but still retaining some texture.
  4. Serve: Spread the sardine salad onto slices of your favorite artisan bread or assemble it as a sandwich. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate briefly for a chilled option.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten the flavors of the sardines.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference; capers add additional saltiness.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • For a gluten-free option, serve on gluten-free bread or crackers.
  • Using sardines packed in olive oil enhances moisture and flavor; avoid draining all the oil.