Salmon-and-Potato Cakes with Mixed Greens

Salmon cakes are one of our favorite old-fashioned dishes. Here, they top mixed greens dressed with a mustard vinaigrette for a familiar yet fantastic salad. Amazing Seafood Recipes

Salmon-and-Potato Cakes with Mixed Greens
Photo: © Melanie Acevedo
Yield:
4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons cooking oil

  • 1 1/2 pounds baking potatoes (about 3), peeled and sliced thin

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1 onion, grated

  • 1 pound skinless salmon fillets

  • 1 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper

  • 1 1/2 cups water

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • 4 scallions, white bulbs only, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon red- or white-wine vinegar

  • 1/2 pound mixed salad greens (about 4 quarts)

  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Directions

  1. Brush the bottom of a large deep frying pan with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Put the potatoes in the pan and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Top with the onion and then the salmon. Sprinkle another 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper over the salmon. Add the water to the pan, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the salmon and potatoes are done, about 15 minutes.

  2. Remove the salmon and flake. Drain the potatoes well and put in a medium bowl. Add the cream and mash, leaving the potatoes fairly chunky. Add the salmon, another 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper, the scallions, and 2 tablespoons of the dill. Form the mixture into eight cakes; they needn't be perfectly symmetrical or smooth.

  3. Wipe out the frying pan. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat over moderately high heat. Add half the salmon cakes to the pan and brown well on both sides, about 5 minutes in all. Drain on paper towels and repeat with another tablespoon oil and the remaining salmon cakes.

  4. In a medium glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon dill and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the remaining 1/4 cup oil slowly, whisking. Add the greens, toss, and put on plates. Top each salad with two salmon cakes and a lemon wedge.

Suggested Pairing

The full flavors of this salad can take on a Chardonnay that would drown out other dishes. Select a bottle from California's Napa or Sonoma Valley for a memorable treat.

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