Taramosalata (Ταραµοσαλάτα)

Taramosalata is a classic Greek dip made of potato and fish roe
Don’t you just love pink food? Us too! Like strawberry yogourt, raspberry smoothies and cotton candy, taramosalata is beautifully pink. Its colour is not only beautiful, but handy, because when taramosalata has difficulty rolling off the tongue, its lovely hue is mentioned, and suddenly, everyone knows what you are referring to. That pink Greek dip is universally understood to be the traditional carp roe spread which is a staple in many Greek restaurants and homes. It is caviar for the masses.
The key ingredient for taramosalata is carp roe (yes, fish eggs), which is called tarama. It can be found in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern stores, or on-line. Tarama is not usually eaten in its pure form, but is instead mixed with other ingredients to create a spread which is delicious slathered over a thick slice of bread, some crackers, or even used as a dip for vegetables.

Taramosalata is a lenten friendly food, which is particularly important if you are concerned that you may not be getting enough nutrients in your diet while fasting. Thankfully, all fish eggs, including carp roe, are very high in Omega-3 fats, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Roe is also one of the only foods which contains Vitamin D. In addition, it is a great source of Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Vitamin K2, zinc, and iodine. Who knew that such teeny tiny little eggs could pack such a nutritional punch.
Helpful hints:
There are recipes for taramosalata which use bread, but our parents make their taramosalata with mashed potatoes. When it comes time to mash your boiled potatoes, be sure not to include any other ingredients. The only thing you may add to the potatoes is some of the water they were boiled in, in case the mash is too thick and clumpy. You want to end up with mashed potatoes which have a very smooth consistency.
Our parents are not particular about the type of potato they use here; they simply use whatever they have on hand.

Keep in mind that this recipe makes a lot of taramosalata – 5 – 6 cups worth. If the recipe is too large, you can easily half it.

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Looking for more dips? We think you’d enjoy these:
Melitzanosalata (Eggplant dip)
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Taramosalata
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand held mixer
Ingredients
- 2- 2 1/4 pounds potato about 6-7 medium size potatoes
- 1 cup (250 mL) vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium size onion, grated or finely minced
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 250 grams tarama
Instructions
- Peel and cut your potatoes into chunks. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook your potatoes until they are fork tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of the water that the potatoes boiled in and then drain the potatoes.
- Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are smooth. Add a bit of the reserved water if you need some liquid to make the potatoes easier to mash. Allow to cool.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the mashed potatoes with the vegetable and olive oil. Mix until well combined and then add the grated onion and the lemon juice. Mix until well combined and your mixture is smooth and free of any lumps.
- Stop your mixer and then spoon in your tarama. Turn the speed back up to medium and mix until just combined. You will need to use a rubber spatula to scape down the sides. If you find that your taramosalata is too thick, fill the jar which your tarama came in with cold water and shake it. Then, add up to 6 tablespoons of this water to the taramosalata until you get the texture that you like.
- Store your taramosalata in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy!
Love It! I had this the first time when I was in Greece about 20 years ago😊
Awesome! Let us know if you try this recipe 🙂 It’s pretty simple (and delicious)
Love this version and great method too. Just whipped up half a batch. Can you tell me how long the Taramasalada will last in the fridge?
Amazing Francesca! Thanks so much for stopping by. We’re so glad that you love this taramosalata recipe. We usually keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days…if it lasts that long!
I cannot find Tarama. What do you use instead?
Hi Amalia, sorry for the late reply. We find Tarama in Mediterranean Grocery stores. Unfortunately, it’s becoming harder and harder to find. For this particular salad, we are afraid that there is no substitution.
Tarama is probably a Greek word and no fishmonger will know it outside of Greece. Tarama = Fish roe. Ask a fishmonger for SMOKED or SALTED cod roe. If the smoke or salt flavour is too strong just remove the skin of the roe sack and keep it in water for 30 minutes.
Good tip! Thanks 🙂
And where can you find it. I live in California
Hi Amalia, sorry for the late reply… we actually have a recipe for Koulourakia that uses Orange juice.. it’s called Koulourakia with Orange.
Great recipe! have always bought it, but decided to make my own this year. I added 2 cloves of garlic and it was a hit with my family
Thank you Voula for letting us know that you have tried, and enjoyed, our recipe! We are SO happy!! Kali Sarakosti. xoxo Helen & Billie
Can this taramosalata also be made by only using olive oil?
Either way looking forward to making it for the first time! Thank you!
Hi Irene! Yes it can, but keep in mind that the flavour will be “heavier” if that makes sense – should still be delicious however. Let us know what you think 🙂 Enjoy! xoxo Helen & Billie
I made mine with toast bread instead of potatoes, unfortunately it was way too salty!
I have to experiment next time ….
Regards from Germany 🇩🇪, Michelle 🙋🏻♀️🌸
Hope you give our recipe a try next time 🙂 We hope that you will love it! xoxo Helen & Billie