Name: Smoked Trout Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 3.7-ounce can smoked trout, drained; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs (like dill, basil, or chives; see Notes); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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This canned smoked trout salad recipe is creamy, smoky, and loaded with fresh herbs, ready in 5 minutes with no cooking required! It’s perfect on toast, over quinoa, or in a grain bowl.

I’m a cookbook author who has written thousands of recipes, but at 5:00 pm I still feel like I’m constantly wondering, “What’s something easy I can make for dinner?” My new solution: tinned fish. Specifically: canned smoked trout.

Yes, I realize “tinned fish” can be polarizing, but’s having a moment right now on Tik Tok and for good reason. It’s shelf-stable, high in protein and omega-3s, and when you make it in this salad: it’s also very delicious. Smoked salmon has always been one of my favorite foods (my family is Norwegian and I grew up in Minnesota, so it was never a weird thing). Smoked trout, it turns out, is just as good (or better?) and this five-minute salad is proof!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

5 minutes, zero cooking. No oven or stove needed!
High protein and filling. Chickpeas and trout together make this fiber and protein packed lunch.
Pantry-friendly. Everything you need is in your pantry (plus some fresh herbs).
Mediterranean diet, gluten-free, dairy-free, and pescatarian friendly. Olive oil, legumes, fish, fresh herbs: it perfectly fits the Mediterranean diet.

Where To Find Smoked Trout

Canned smoked trout is trout that is cold or hot-smoked before being packed in tins. It has an irresistible smoky undertone and doesn’t taste too fishy at all (it’s way better than canned tuna, in my opinion!).

You can find it in many grocery stores in the canned fish aisle, near the smoked salmon and sardines. Trader Joe’s carries it, some specialty food shops stock it, and it’s easy to order online.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tinned fish is having a moment right now on social media, and for good reason: it’s loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Canned smoked trout also has a flavor depth that makes it taste very satisfying without a lot of added calories. Here’s what you’ll need for this smoked trout salad:

Canned chickpeas: You’ll mash them to create a creamy, chunky texture. They also stretch the trout to more servings and add fiber, making this filling enough for a real meal.
Canned smoked trout (1 3.7-ounce can): The star — I love the Fishwife brand in the photos because it tastes great and also has fun colorful packaging.
Smoked paprika and garlic powder: If you know me, you’ll know these are my spice secret weapons for a punch of savory flavor.
Fresh herbs: Dill is my first choice with smoked fish! I also love chives. Whatever is in your herb garden is great. If you don’t have access to herbs, try some dried dill.
Mayonnaise and olive oil: The binder that brings everything together.

Tips for Making Smoked Trout Salad

This recipe is a true dump and stir recipe. If you’re ready to make it jump to the recipe below, but here are a few quick notes:

The serving size is about 2 hearty servings, so double it for 4. It also lasts up to 3 days in the fridge.
Don’t over-mash the chickpeas: the contrast between smooth and whole beans is what makes this feel more interesting than a spread. Aim for “chunky.”

How to Serve It

OK I love serving this smoked trout salad in many different ways. Here are some ideas:

On toast: I like it on sourdough or toasted whole grain bread with a few extra herb sprigs on top.
Over pesto quinoa: One of my favorite summer ideas: mix leftover cooked quinoa with a spoonful of pesto, then add a big scoop of this salad on top.
In a grain bowl: Toss with farro, brown rice, or whatever grain you have. See my easy grain bowls.
With a Mediterranean chickpea or quinoa salad: I love this with my Mediterranean chickpea salad or Mediterranean quinoa salad.
On crackers: It’s great for snacking or as an appetizer, even
Over mixed greens: It’s light and fresh; a drizzle of lemon and olive oil is all you need.
As a wrap: Throw it into a tortilla with arugula and sliced cucumber for an easy lunch.

Canned Fish and Chickpeas Nutrition

Why are fish and chickpeas good for health and longevity? Here are some sources:

5 reasons you should eat more canned fish (Eating Well)
The underrated fish you should be eating more of (Eating Well)
Why to eat chickpeas (Harvard)

Dietary Notes

This canned smoked trout salad recipe is pescatarian, gluten-free, and Mediterranean diet friendly.