Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just minutes—no cooking required.
- Packed with flavor thanks to smoky, savory salmon.
- Loaded with fresh vegetables and healthy fats.
- Easy to customize with your favorite greens and toppings.
- Ideal for meal prep, brunch spreads, or a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Smoked salmon
- Mixed greens, arugula, or spinach
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Avocado
- Capers
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Optional additions: fresh dill, hard-boiled eggs, everything bagel seasoning, feta cheese
Directions
- Arrange the greens on a large plate or salad bowl.
- Slice the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion. Add them over the greens.
- Add slices or chunks of smoked salmon evenly around the salad.
- Add avocado slices and sprinkle capers over the top.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh dill or optional toppings.
Servings and timing
Serves 2–3 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add quinoa, couscous, or farro for a heartier bowl.
- Substitute arugula with kale (massaged) or butter lettuce.
- Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Use a creamy dill dressing instead of lemon and olive oil.
- Include roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for a more filling meal.
- Swap smoked salmon for grilled shrimp or canned tuna if desired.
Storage/Reheating
Store the salad components separately for best freshness.
Greens, chopped veggies, and salmon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Do not pre-dress the salad; add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Avocado should be added only when ready to eat to prevent browning.
This salad is not suitable for reheating.
FAQs
What type of smoked salmon should I use?
Cold-smoked salmon is most common, but hot-smoked salmon also works and adds a flakier texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all components except avocado and dressing. Add those right before serving.
Is smoked salmon cooked?
Yes, smoked salmon is cured and safe to eat without further cooking.
Can I use canned salmon instead?
Yes, canned salmon works for a budget-friendly alternative.
What dressing goes best with this salad?
Lemon-olive oil, creamy dill, honey mustard, or yogurt-based dressings work well.
Can I add grains?
Yes, quinoa, farro, or barley make the salad more filling.
How do I keep the salad fresh for lunch?
Store dressing and salmon separately; assemble just before eating.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit any cheese or creamy dressings containing dairy.
Is smoked salmon healthy?
It’s rich in omega-3s and protein but can be high in sodium, so enjoy in moderation.
What herbs pair well with smoked salmon?
Dill, chives, parsley, and basil all complement the flavors beautifully.
Conclusion
Smoked salmon salad is a crisp, refreshing, and flavorful dish that requires minimal time and effort yet delivers maximum taste. With customizable ingredients and endless pairing options, it’s perfect for quick meals, brunches, or healthy cravings any day of the week.
PrintSmoked Salmon Salad
Smoked salmon salad is a refreshing, no-cook meal featuring tender smoked salmon, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a bright lemon dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, brunch, or a light and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 4–6 oz smoked salmon
- 4 cups mixed greens, arugula, or spinach
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tbsp capers
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: fresh dill, hard-boiled eggs, everything bagel seasoning, feta cheese
Instructions
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large plate or in a salad bowl.
- Add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on top of the greens.
- Evenly distribute smoked salmon pieces around the salad.
- Add avocado slices and sprinkle with capers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Garnish with optional toppings like dill, eggs, or feta if desired.
Notes
- Use cold-smoked or hot-smoked salmon depending on texture preference.
- Add grains like quinoa or farro for a heartier salad.
- Prepare components ahead and dress just before eating to keep it fresh.
- Add avocado only when ready to serve to prevent browning.
- Try with creamy dill or yogurt-based dressing for a richer variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg