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Potato Latkes with Watercress, Smoked Salmon, and Avocado Salad

This sophisticated take on potato latkes offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavours, making it a standout choice for an indulgent weekend brunch or a light evening meal. The base consists of traditional, golden-brown potato cakes that are deliciously crisp on the outside and tender within. When paired with a vibrant salad, the dish transforms into a fresh, modern plate that feels both comforting and refined.

Belonging to our high-protein category, this recipe combines heart-healthy fats from the diced avocado with protein-rich smoked salmon. The addition of peppery watercress and a sharp mustard dressing cuts through the richness of the fried latkes perfectly. For a truly elegant presentation, serve these immediately while the potatoes are piping hot, perhaps accompanied by a dollop of soured cream to complement the savoury notes of the salmon.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Potato Latkes with Watercress, Smoked Salmon, and Avocado Salad

  • 325g finely chopped onions, divided

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 900g russet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1 tablespoon plain flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

  • 90ml olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar

  • 1/4 teaspoons dry mustard

  • 2 large bunches watercress, thick stems trimmed (about 1925ml )

  • 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, diced

  • 110g thinly sliced smoked salmon, cut into strips

How to make Potato Latkes with Watercress, Smoked Salmon, and Avocado Salad

Line colander with kitchen towel. Stir 240g onions, egg, salt, and pepper in large bowl. Place remaining 80g onions in processor; add potatoes. Blend until potatoes are very finely chopped and some of mixture is pureed; transfer to prepared colander. Wrap towel around potatoes, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Scrape into bowl with egg mixture. Stir in plain flour and baking powder.

Heat 60ml vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Drop potato mixture by scant 60ml fuls into skillet; flatten each latke to 2 1/2-inch round with metal spatula. Reduce heat to medium. Cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to large rimmed baking sheet. Repeat, adding more oil to skillet as needed. DO AHEAD: Latkes can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 218°C. Bake latkes until crisp and deep brown, about 6 minutes per side.

Whisk oil, vinegar, and dry mustard in small bowl to blend. Season with salt and pepper. Combine watercress, avocado, and salmon in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat.

Arrange 2 latkes on each plate. Mound salad alongside.

Bubbles. Louis Bouillot "Perle d'Aurore" Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé (France, $17) will taste great with the latkes and everything in the salad.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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