Skip to main content

Crisp Mackerel Salad with Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette

Fatty cold-water fish, such as Atlantic mackerel (also called Boston mackerel), deliver the most important forms of omega-3 fatty acids, helping to reduce cholesterol and even stave off type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Avoid king mackerel, however, as it has high mercury levels. Here the fish is marinated in lemon juice, then broiled so the skin crisps.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

4 skin-on fresh Atlantic mackerel fillets (about 4 ounces each)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons whitewine vinegar
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for broiler pan
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
1 tablespoon snipped fresh chives
1 to 2 bunches watercress, thick stems removed (4 cups)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat broiler with rack 4 inches from heat source. Place mackerel in a nonreactive (glass or ceramic) baking dish. Pour lemon juice over fish, and let stand 10 minutes, turning once or twice.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, whisk together vinegar, shallot, mustard, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt; season with pepper. Let stand 10 minutes. Gradually add oil, whisking until emulsified. Whisk in tarragon and chives.

    Step 3

    Remove mackerel from lemon juice (discard juice), and pat dry with paper towels. Score skin a few times with a sharp knife. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and season with pepper.

    Step 4

    Lightly brush a broiler pan or rimmed baking sheet with oil. Arrange mackerel, skin side up, on pan. Broil until fish is cooked through and skin is crisp and browned, 3 to 4 minutes.

    Step 5

    Toss watercress with 1 tablespoon vin aigrette. Divide watercress among four plates; top each with a fish fillet, and drizzle with remaining vinaigrette, dividing evenly.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 6

    (Per Serving)

    Step 7

    Calories: 338

    Step 8

    Saturated Fat: 5.2g

    Step 9

    Unsaturated Fat: 19g

    Step 10

    Cholesterol: 79.4mg

    Step 11

    Carbohydrates: 2.2g

    Step 12

    Protein: 22g

    Step 13

    Sodium: 405mg

    Step 14

    Fiber: .3g

Power Foods
Read More
Like “absolutely decadent” chocolate pudding and fattoush salad.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Every salad should have pita chips.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Biscuits and gravy, but make it spring.