Appetizer · Snack · Mediterranean ·

Portuguese Sardine Pâté with Lemon Zest

Name: Portuguese Sardine Pâté with Lemon Zest
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 cans of sardines in olive oil, drained; 100g cream cheese; 1 tablespoon butter, softened; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; Zest of one lemon; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

This classic Portuguese sardine pâté brings together the richness of sardines with a bright citrus kick, perfect for a simple appetizer or a sophisticated snack.

4.7(448 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 25, 2025

Portuguese Sardine Pâté with Lemon Zest — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Difficulty

Easy

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Pâté Base

For the Flavor Enhancements

For the Finishing Touches

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 217 kcal
Protein: 13.5 g
Carbs: 2.5 g
Fat: 18.5 g
Fiber: 0 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 867 kcal
Protein: 54 g
Carbs: 10 g
Fat: 74 g
Fiber: 0 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F
2 cans of sardines in olive oil drained	400	48	0	28
100g cream cheese	349	6	6	34
1 tablespoon butter softened	102	0	0	12
1 tablespoon lemon juice	4	0	1	0
1 garlic clove minced	4	0	1	0
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley	1	0	0	0
Zest of one lemon	6	0	2	0
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0
Freshly ground black pepper to taste	1	0	0	0

These nutritional estimates are approximate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Ingredients

1
Drain Sardines
Drain the sardines and remove any visible bones.
Tip: Ensure all bones are removed from the sardines to achieve a smooth texture.
2
Prep Aromatics
Mince the garlic and chop the parsley finely.
Tip: Let the cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature for easy blending.
3
Zest Lemon
Zest the lemon using a fine grater.

How to Make Portuguese Sardine Pâté with Lemon Zest

Total time: 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Blend the Pâté
Combine sardines, cream cheese, butter, and lemon juice in a food processor; blend until smooth.
2
Enhance the Flavor
Add garlic, parsley, and lemon zest to the mixture and pulse until just combined.
3
Season to Taste
Season with salt and pepper, pulsing once more to ensure even distribution.