Avocado Mousse and Smoked Salmon Verrines: A Perfect Festive Starter

French

Avocado mousse and smoked salmon verrines are a fresh, elegant starter, perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any special occasion.

This delightful combination brings together the creamy richness of avocado and the savory, slightly smoky flavor of salmon, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is a sophisticated choice for festive dinners or aperitif gatherings. Impress your guests with these vibrant, flavorful verrines that showcase both simplicity and refinement.

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Appetizer

Avocado mousse and smoked salmon verrines make the perfect starter for any festive meal or elegant aperitif.

Simple to prepare yet incredibly refined, these verrines balance sweet and slightly salty flavors, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dish for your guests.

Inspired by Samar’s blog, this recipe features two delicious mousses: a creamy, rich avocado mousse with a hint of lemon, paired with a light, fragrant smoked salmon mousse.

The contrast between the two is both visually striking and a delight for the taste buds. With vibrant colors and varied textures, these verrines are a true feast for the eyes and palate.

Quick and easy to assemble, they’re ideal for dinners with friends, buffets, or any special event, making them a versatile choice for all occasions.

Ingredients to Make These Gourmet Avocado and Salmon Cups

For this elegant appetizer, you’ll need two delicious layers: a smooth smoked salmon mousse and a creamy avocado blend. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredients for the Salmon Mousse Layer

• 150 g smoked salmon – Use good-quality smoked salmon for a rich, savory flavor.
• 75 g soft creamy cheese (such as Boursin) – Adds a mild garlic and herb taste with a velvety texture.
• 75 g crème fraîche – Brings creaminess and a subtle tang to balance the salmon.
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped – Fresh dill gives a burst of freshness and pairs perfectly with salmon.
• Freshly ground black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the delicate fish.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – A touch of citrus to brighten and balance the richness.
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or more to taste) – Adds a gentle kick of heat for extra depth.

Ingredients for the Avocado Cream Layer

• 1 medium ripe avocado – The base of the cream, smooth and buttery in texture.
• 2 tablespoons crème fraîche – Makes the avocado cream light and velvety.
• Juice of 1 lemon (adjust to taste) – Prevents the avocado from browning while adding freshness.
• Salt, to taste – Balances flavors and brings out the natural creaminess of the avocado.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper – Gives the avocado layer a subtle warmth.
• Espelette pepper (to taste) – A refined, slightly smoky spice that elevates the avocado blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Avocado and Smoked Salmon Verrines

Follow these simple steps to create elegant, flavorful layers that make this appetizer both impressive and easy to prepare.

Make the Avocado Cream

1. Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh.
2. Blend until creamy: Place the avocado flesh in a blender with a splash of fresh lemon juice to keep it from browning. Add the crème fraîche and blend until the mixture is smooth and silky.
3. Season the mixture: Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne. Blend again to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
4. Pipe into verrines: Transfer the avocado cream into a piping bag and evenly pipe it into the bottom of your serving glasses (verrines).

Make the Smoked Salmon Mousse

1. Prepare the salmon: Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces and place them in a blender. Pulse lightly to roughly chop.
2. Create the mousse: Add the soft cheese, crème fraîche, fresh dill, and lemon juice to the blender. Mix until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
3. Season to taste: Add freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick. Blend briefly to incorporate.
4. Pipe over the avocado layer: Transfer the mousse to another piping bag and carefully layer it on top of the avocado cream in each glass.

Chill and Serve

1. Place the filled verrines in the refrigerator until serving time. This allows the flavors to develop while keeping them fresh.
2. Serve chilled as a refined starter or part of a festive appetizer spread.

Can You Make Ahead this appetizer?

Yes, you can easily make these avocado mousse and smoked salmon verrines ahead of time, which makes them a convenient and elegant option for busy holiday meals or special events.

Here are some tips for preparing them in advance:

– Prepare the Mousses in Advance: Both the avocado cream and smoked salmon mousse can be made up to a day before serving. After preparing the mousses, transfer them to piping bags and store them in the fridge. This will keep them fresh and ready to assemble when needed.

– Assemble Just Before Serving: To maintain the vibrant green color of the avocado mousse, assemble the verrines up to 2 hours before serving. If you want to prepare them further in advance, cover the top of the avocado mousse with plastic wrap to limit exposure to air.

– Keep the Verrines Chilled: Store the filled verrines in the fridge to ensure they stay fresh and maintain their texture. If you’re making them more than a few hours ahead, cover the verrines tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight container.

More appetizers ideas

• Gingerbread toasts with foie gras
• Homemade Lebanese falafel
• Vichy Carrots Recipe