Citrus-Cured Fish Salad with Aji Amarillo
Brightly flavored fish cured in lime juice, layered with sweet potato and aji amarillo for a refreshing Peruvian-inspired salad. This peruvian-inspired salads ready in about 27 minutes pairs cut into 1/2-inch cubes fresh fish, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1/2-inch cubes fresh fish
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced red onion
- 1 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potato
- 1/4 cup aji amarillo paste
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine fish cubes, 1/2 cup lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Gently toss and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes until fish turns opaque.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 cup aji amarillo paste with a pinch of salt.
- Step 3: Add diced sweet potato to a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil, and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until tender and golden, then set aside.
- Step 4: Mix cured fish, lime juice, and aji amarillo mixture in a large bowl. Add sliced red onion, sweet potato, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, then toss gently to combine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Cured Fish Salad with Aji Amarillo take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (20 min prep + 7 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Cured Fish Salad with Aji Amarillo?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Cured Fish Salad with Aji Amarillo?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Cured Fish Salad with Aji Amarillo for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Cured Fish Salad with Aji Amarillo?
Peruvian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've been looking for a new salad recipe and this is amazing. The fish was so fresh and the dressing was zesty.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit at my dinner party! The citrus cure was perfect and the aji amarillo added the perfect heat.
- ★★★★☆
Curing the fish took way longer than the recipe said. Still tasty, but I was rushed.
Equipment for this recipe
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