Begin by taking your smoked whitefish, whether it’s whole or filleted.

If you have fillets, gently remove the skin. It should peel off easily.

Look for the center line on each side of the fish, running from tail to gill. Using a fork, carefully flake the meat away from this line, following the natural grain to avoid any tiny bones.

Transfer the flaked meat into a mixing bowl, ensuring to inspect and remove any remaining bones.

With the cleaned fish in the bowl, use a fork and your fingers to gently shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. This process helps achieve a desirable texture for your salad.

Take a moment to double-check for any overlooked bones and discard them.

Into the bowl of flaked whitefish, add a creamy blend of mayonnaise and low-fat sour cream, giving the salad a rich and tangy base.

Introduce minced celery ribs for a refreshing crunch that complements the smoky flavor of the fish.

Enhance the salad with freshly minced dill and chives, providing vibrant herbal notes.

Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.

Squeeze the juice of one or two lemons into the bowl, infusing the salad with a zesty citrus flavor.

Elevate the taste profile by incorporating diced red bell pepper, adding a hint of sweetness and a colorful visual appeal.

Introduce chopped scallions for a mild onion flavor and a subtle bite.

Incorporate Dijon mustard to deepen the flavor profile, offering a hint of tangy complexity.

Zest a lemon and sprinkle the zest over the mixture, imparting a bright and aromatic essence to the salad.

Gently blend all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the flavors meld harmoniously.

Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary to achieve the desired balance of flavors.

Once mixed, garnish the salad with julienned radishes, adding a crisp texture and a pop of color to the presentation.

For an extra burst of freshness, sprinkle additional lemon zest over the top before serving.

Your white fish salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as a standalone dish or explore creative serving options such as stuffing tomatoes or avocados, spreading it on crackers, or crafting a mouthwatering bagel sandwich.

Share this delicious homemade creation with your loved ones and revel in the satisfaction of a culinary masterpiece brought to life in your own kitchen!