Are you looking for a healthy and delicious brain-friendly dish? I think you’ll enjoy this wonderful quick and delicious recipe: salmon spread with tangy pickles and creamy mayo. Only three ingredients. So simple, yet so flavourful. If you love salmon, then this spread is for you.
This recipe holds a special place in my family’s favorites, serving as a go-to for quick and wholesome breakfasts or after-school snacks. In fact, it’s the very recipe that transformed my son’s aversion to pickles when he was younger. Unlike my daughter who loves sour foods, my son was shying away from them. But I was determined to help him love pickles as they are a fermented food, which we all know are so good for gut health.
Your Guide For The Quick Brain-Healthy Salmon Spread
- Benefits For The Brain
- How To Make This Recipe
- Watch The Recipe Video
- Boost The Nutrition Of The Quick Brain-Healthy Salmon Spread
- Frequently Asked Questions
The first time my son tried the salmon spread, he thoroughly enjoyed it. We then made it a few times together and he noticed that there were pickles in it. I said nothing about them and neither did he. He now eats pickles with Romanian potato stew, with grilled cheese sandwiches and with other meals. He is not as fond of them as his sister (who eats them often on their own), but he eats them anytime they are served at the dinner table.
Have you ever made salmon spread? Feel free to share your favourite add-ons in the comments. Let’s all learn from each other.
Quick Brain-Healthy Salmon Spread – Benefits For The Brain
Salmon, a superfood rich in omega-3 fatty acids, goes beyond its delicious taste. Did you know that salmon can boost mood by balancing serotonin and dopamine, which are two important brain messengers?
Are you familiar with the gut-brain connection? Pickles contain probiotics which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. In turn, a healthy gut has a positive effect on mood and mental well-being.
Parsley isn’t just a garnish; it’s packed with antioxidants that support memory and shield brain cells from free radicals. Parsley also lowers inflammation, which can boost emotional well-being.
How To Make This Quick Brain-Healthy Salmon Spread
Step 1
Place the salmon in a medium-sized bowl.
Step 2
Chop the pickles and add them to the bowl with the salmon.
Step 3
Add the mayo to the salmon and pickle mixture.
Mix the 3 ingredients well, cover the bowl with a lid and refrigerate.
Step 4
Chop fresh parsley to sprinkle on top just before serving.
Step 5
Serve the chilled salmon spread on your favourite side.
Enjoy!
Storing and freezing tips
Store
Store the salmon spread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze
I don’t recommend freezing the salmon spread, as the mayo may undergo changes in texture and consistency, separating and becoming watery upon thawing.
Watch how to make it step-by-step!
How To Boost The Nutrition Of This Salmon Spread
There are many ways to enjoy this easy-to-make salmon spread. My favourite ways are pairing it with crackers, cucumber rounds and bell pepper slices. Other options are crostini, baked sweet potato rounds, pita bread, wraps, bagels, using it as a salad topper or sandwich filling.
Quick Brain-Healthy Salmon Spread (just 3 Ingredients!)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 8 small servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is one of the easiest and quickest dips you can make. Whether you’re planning a fancy brunch, a quick snack or a cozy get-together with family and friends, this recipe is sure to become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cans (160 g each) of salmon (see note)
- 1 cup pickles, chopped small
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- fresh parsley – optional
Serve on:
crackers, toast, cucumber rounds, pita bread, baked sweet potato rounds or bell pepper slices.
Instructions
- Place the salmon in a medium-sized bowl.
- Chop the pickles and add them to the bowl with the salmon.
- Add the mayo to the salmon and pickle mixture.
- Mix the 3 ingredients well, cover the bowl with a lid and refrigerate.
- Chop fresh parsley to sprinkle on top just before serving.
- Serve the chilled salmon spread on your favourite side.
Enjoy!
Notes
I chose canned salmon for convenience, but feel free to use fresh baked salmon if you have it on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions For Quick Brain-Healthy Salmon Spread
Is store-bought mayo healthy?
Most store-bought mayos aren’t the healthiest, often containing not-so-kind-for-us ingredients. In my opinion, homemade mayo is a healthier and more flavorful alternative. Drop a comment below if you’d like a great mayo recipe.
What can I substitute the mayonnaise with?
You can substitute mayonnaise with cream cheese.
What can I replace the pickles with?
You could replace pickles with capers, blending them with the mayo in a food processor for a finer texture.
Is the salmon spread gluten free?
Yes, it is.
Is the salmon spread dairy free?
The spread is dairy-free when made with a dairy-free mayonnaise.
What To Cook Next
Are you ready to whip up another mood-boosting delight? Then let’s make the only kale salad recipe you’ll ever need. It’s perfect for meal prep as it stays fresh in a fridge for a few days.
