Delicious Pink Fish Salad Recipe -- Easy, Frugal, and Allergy Friendly

When I first married, my then husband complained about the food I made, that it was weird, and why couldn't I "just make normal food". When I asked him what constituted normal food, he didn't have many answers beyond pasta with mince meat and tomato sauce (aka bolognese). So I called up his mother and got a bunch of recipes that she would make for the family during his childhood, and this was one of them.

Pink fish salad, granted, is an amusing name. It makes one think that it is made from a type of pink fish, like salmon, but it is really a white fish salad with a dressing that makes it pink. It is super simple and tasty to boot.

Last week I went to a potluck picnic with a bunch of friends and it was requested that all the food be pescetarian. Since I don't eat egg based things or most dairy, and don't do so well with legumes, I was trying to think of a low cost fish dish that would serve many, and this dish came to mind. I used St. Peter's fish which is one of the lowest cost animal proteins in my area.

It uses any white fish, and it is very forgiving. (I literally forgot that I was simmering the fish until nearly all the water was gone and it was still perfect.) I use tilapia but you can use whatever white fish you prefer.

As for the health, I used homemade egg free flax based mayonnaise but store bought ketchup, and if you want you can use a healthier homemade ketchup. 

This works great as a dip for crudites, or as a spread on sandwiches ideally with lettuce.

If you're doubtful, let me reassure you—the flavor is far better than this simple recipe suggests.

Delicious Pink Fish Salad Recipe -- Easy, Frugal, and Allergy Friendly

Ingredients
5 fillets skinless white fish such as tilapia, sole, cod, etc...
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt

Water to cover
1/4 +1/8 cup (or 6 tablespoons) mayo 
1/4+1/8 cup (or 6 tablespoons) ketchup
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1-2 pinches garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Put fish, bay leaves, pepper, and salt in a pot, and put water to cover it.

2. Simmer until the fish is fully cooked and can be easily flaked.

3. Strain and remove the bay leaves. Let cool.

4. Mash up with mayonnaise and ketchup, and season with salt and garlic powder.

Enjoy! It's terrific fresh but also great as leftovers.

That's it. Super simple, yet absolutely delicious.

Have you ever heard of this dish before? Does this sound intriguing, strange, or both to you, or quite normal? Do you think you'll make this recipe? What is the cheapest fish where you live?