Ballintoy

Have you tried... Mackerel?

There are a few little boats that catch mackerel from Ballintoy, using rod and line. This is a very sustainable method of catching fish. Mackerel is also responsibly sourced from state of the art vessels fishing in the Irish Sea using midwater trawl nets. Mackerel is a healthy choice of fish, high in Omega-3 and has a delicious, rich flavour. Embrace the white sands and blue seas of Ballintoy’s secret beach with this Greek salad and smoked mackerel recipe.

Smoked Mackerel & Greek Salad

Prep Time: 15 Mins
Skill Level: Easy
  • 2 x smoked mackerel fillets, skin removed
  • 150g vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1⁄4 red onion, finely sliced
  • 1⁄2 cucumber, deseeded and cut into chunks
  • 2 little gem lettuce, sliced
  • Handful greek olives, pitted
  • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • 70g feta cheese, crumbled
  • Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish
  • 2 pitta bread, warmed, to serve
Smoked Mackerel & Greek Salad
  1. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and season with salt and pepper and a little of the olive oil.
  2. Assemble the tomatoes, onion, cucumber, lettuce and olives in two large bowls or plates. Top with the flaked mackerel and crumbled feta cheese.
  3. Dress the salad with the remaining olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt and pepper. Garnish with the parsley and serve immediately with the pitta bread.

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