Creamy Catfish Salad

Creamy Catfish Salad Recipe - Delicious and Fresh from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Creamy Catfish Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This salad is made with U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets, hard-cooked eggs, celery, olives, pickles, and a creamy dressing. It is a great way to enjoy the mild and delicate flavor of catfish in a new and exciting way.

History

Catfish is a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine, and this salad is a modern twist on classic catfish recipes. The creamy dressing adds a rich and tangy flavor to the dish, while the combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

2 cups water
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 lb (454 g) U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.33 cup chopped ripe olives
0.25 cup chopped dill pickle
2 tbsp chopped pimento
0.33 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp horseradish
1 tsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

How to prepare

In a skillet, bring water and 2 tbsp of lemon juice to a boil.
Add catfish.
Return to boiling, then reduce heat.
Cover and simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Remove from water.
Allow it to cool slightly.
Finely chop the cooked fish.
In a bowl, combine the cooked catfish, eggs, celery, ripe olives, dill pickle, and pimento.
Stir together mayonnaise, horseradish, 1 tsp of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the mixture to the catfish, stirring until well combined.
Chill before serving.

Variations

For a lighter version of the salad, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise. You can also add diced bell peppers, onions, or capers for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When cooking the catfish fillets, be sure to simmer them gently to prevent them from becoming tough or dry. It is important to allow the fish to cool slightly before chopping it to ensure that it stays moist and tender. Be sure to chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Creamy Catfish Salad on a bed of lettuce or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. It can also be served as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering, boiling, chopping, stirring

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned tuna or cooked chicken in place of catfish. You can also use pickles or relish instead of dill pickles.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Be sure to stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Creamy Catfish Salad with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Creamy Catfish Salad with a crisp white wine or a light beer for a refreshing and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10% DV

Vitamin C: 15% DV

Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

Contains eggs and soy

Summary

Creamy Catfish Salad is a rich source of protein and healthy fats, while also providing essential vitamins and minerals. It is a well-balanced dish that is perfect for a nutritious meal.

Summary

Creamy Catfish Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its creamy dressing and flavorful ingredients, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for creamy catfish salad. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning to cook in my mother's kitchen. We lived in a small town, and my mother was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. She had a knack for taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly magical.

One day, a new neighbor moved in next door. She was a sweet old lady named Mrs. Jenkins, and she had a reputation for being an excellent cook. My mother was eager to get to know her, hoping to learn some new recipes to add to her collection. Mrs. Jenkins was more than happy to share her culinary secrets, and soon enough, she became a regular guest in our kitchen.

One afternoon, Mrs. Jenkins arrived at our door with a platter of creamy catfish salad. I had never seen anything like it before – chunks of tender catfish mixed with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing that was out of this world. Mrs. Jenkins explained that it was a family recipe passed down through generations, and she was happy to share it with us.

As we sat down to eat, I marveled at the flavors and textures in the dish. The catfish was perfectly cooked, flaking apart at the touch of a fork. The vegetables added a fresh crunch, and the creamy dressing tied everything together beautifully. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the next few months, Mrs. Jenkins took me under her wing and taught me the ins and outs of making creamy catfish salad. She showed me how to select the freshest catfish, how to season it just right, and how to whip up the creamy dressing from scratch. I was like a sponge, soaking up every bit of knowledge she had to offer.

I remember spending hours in the kitchen with Mrs. Jenkins, chopping vegetables, stirring dressings, and carefully cooking the catfish. She taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail, and I soon found myself falling in love with the art of cooking.

As the years went by, I continued to make creamy catfish salad for my family and friends, each time adding my own little twist to the recipe. I experimented with different seasonings, tried out new vegetables, and even swapped out the catfish for other types of seafood. But no matter what changes I made, the dish always had that special touch that Mrs. Jenkins had taught me.

Now, as I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of creamy catfish salad for dinner, I can't help but think back on those days spent with Mrs. Jenkins. She passed away many years ago, but her legacy lives on in every bite of this dish. I like to think that she's looking down on me now, smiling as I carry on her tradition.

As I take a bite of the creamy catfish salad, I am transported back to that moment when I first tasted it all those years ago. The flavors are just as delicious as I remember, the memories just as sweet. And as I finish my meal, I feel grateful for the gift that Mrs. Jenkins gave me – not just a recipe, but a passion for cooking that has enriched my life in more ways than I can count.