As the weather warms up and summer approaches, our thoughts turn to lighter, fresher meals that still pack a flavor punch. One of our favorite ingredients for a quick and easy salad is smoked salmon – its rich, smoky taste pairs perfectly with a variety of greens, vegetables, and dressings. In this article, we’ll explore 18 refreshing smoked salmon salad recipes that are sure to become new favorites in your household.
From classic combinations like Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette to more adventurous pairings like Smoked Salmon and Beetroot Salad with Horseradish Dressing, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch or a show-stopping dinner party centerpiece, these recipes are sure to impress.
Stay tuned for the full list of recipes and get ready to elevate your salad game!
Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing and flavorful combination of smoked salmon, creamy avocado, and tangy lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, diced avocado, and mixed greens.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil to make the vinaigrette.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (prep time only, no cooking required)
Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad with Green Beans and Olives
This salad combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon, green beans, and olives with the classic nicoise dressing for a refreshing and flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 1 cup cooked green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp nicoise dressing (see below)
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Nicoise Dressing:
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine green beans, olives, cherry tomatoes, and smoked salmon.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together nicoise dressing ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Creamy Smoked Salmon and Dill Pasta Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the richness of smoked salmon with the brightness of fresh dill, all wrapped up in a creamy pasta package.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. bow tie or penne)
– 1/2 cup smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard. Mix well to combine.
3. Add chopped fresh dill to the salmon mixture and stir to combine.
4. Add cooked pasta to the bowl and toss until coated with the creamy salmon mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked Salmon Salad with Pickled Red Onions and Capers
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the richness of smoked salmon with the tanginess of pickled red onions and capers. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal or as a starter for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/2 cup pickled red onions (see recipe below)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice and Dijon mustard.
2. Add the flaked salmon and toss gently to coat.
3. Add the chopped parsley and stir to combine.
4. Spoon the pickled red onions over the top of the salad.
5. Sprinkle with capers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Drizzle with olive oil.
Pickled Red Onions Recipe:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
Cooking Time: None required! Just assemble the salad and serve.
Smoked Salmon and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and flavorful combination of smoked salmon, quinoa, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/2 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp tahini paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cooked quinoa, smoked salmon, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and tahini paste until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Smoked Salmon Caesar Salad with Crispy Croutons
Elevate the classic Caesar salad with the rich flavor of smoked salmon and crispy croutons.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked smoked salmon, flaked
– 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
– 1 cup croutons (see below for recipe)
– 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Crispy Crouton Recipe:
– 1 baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss crouton ingredients together and spread on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, stirring halfway.
4. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, smoked salmon, and Caesar dressing.
5. Top with crispy croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoked Salmon Cobb Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this Smoked Salmon Cobb Salad, featuring creamy ranch dressing and a delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup Creamy Ranch Dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced chicken breast, flaked smoked salmon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped pecans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Creamy Ranch Dressing ingredients (below).
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Creamy Ranch Dressing:
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp ranch seasoning
– 1 tsp chopped fresh dill
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-cook recipe!
Smoked Salmon and Beetroot Salad with Horseradish Dressing
This vibrant salad combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon, sweet beetroot, and a tangy kick from horseradish dressing.
Ingredients:
– 150g smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 medium beetroot, cooked and peeled
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp freshly grated horseradish
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the flaked salmon, beetroot, Greek yogurt, horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time) + chilling time
Smoked Salmon and Arugula Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and flavorful combination of smoky salmon, peppery arugula, and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as an impressive appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound smoked salmon, flaked
– 4 cups arugula
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the arugula and flaked salmon.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top and toss gently to combine.
3. Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Cucumber Salad with Yogurt Dressing
A refreshing summer salad that combines the rich flavor of smoked salmon with the coolness of cucumber and a tangy yogurt dressing.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, cucumber slices, and chopped dill.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salmon mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Apple Salad with Walnuts and Honey Mustard
A refreshing salad that combines the richness of smoked salmon with the sweetness of apples, crunch of walnuts, and tanginess of honey mustard.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp honey mustard (homemade or store-bought)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, apple dice, and chopped walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the salmon mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep time) + no cooking required!
Smoked Salmon and Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe combines the smoky richness of salmon with the earthy sweetness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup poppy seeds
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, spinach leaves, and salt and pepper to taste.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Add the poppy seeds to the dressing and whisk until they are evenly distributed.
4. Pour the dressing over the salmon and spinach mixture, tossing gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional poppy seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Farro Salad with Herbs and Citrus
This refreshing salad combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon, nutty farro, and bright citrus notes, all tied together by a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked farro
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook farro according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine flaked salmon, lemon juice, parsley, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add cooked farro to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and mix again.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Radish Salad with Chive Cream
A refreshing and flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner, featuring smoked salmon, crunchy radishes, and a tangy chive cream.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 large radishes, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream and chopped chives until well combined.
2. Arrange radish slices on a serving plate or platter.
3. Top the radishes with flaked smoked salmon.
4. Dollop the chive cream over the salmon.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Fennel Salad with Orange Zest
Smoked Salmon and Fennel Salad with Orange Zest Recipe
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the richness of smoked salmon, the crunch of fennel, and the brightness of orange zest.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 1 large bulb of fennel, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flaked smoked salmon, sliced fennel, and orange juice.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
3. Stir in the orange zest and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley or dill leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (mostly hands-off time)
Smoked Salmon and Sweet Potato Salad with Maple Dressing
This sweet and savory salad combines the rich flavor of smoked salmon with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, all tied together with a hint of maple syrup.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast sweet potato cubes for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
3. Add flaked smoked salmon, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
4. Once sweet potatoes are cooked, add them to the bowl and toss again to combine.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Smoked Salmon and Endive Salad with Blue Cheese Crumbles
This refreshing salad combines the rich flavors of smoked salmon, crisp endive, and tangy blue cheese for a delightful appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 heads Belgian endive, separated into leaves
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, endive leaves, and blue cheese crumbles.
2. Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional blue cheese crumbles if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (assembling the salad)
Smoked Salmon and Kale Salad with Miso-Ginger Dressing
A harmonious balance of flavors and textures, this salad combines the richness of smoked salmon with the earthiness of kale, all tied together by a tangy miso-ginger dressing.
Ingredients:
– 6 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tbsp miso paste
– 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale with your hands for about 30 seconds to help break down the fibers.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil to make the dressing.
3. Add the flaked salmon, chopped red onion, and toasted sesame seeds to the kale. Toss gently to combine.
4. Drizzle the miso-ginger dressing over the salad and toss again to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these refreshing smoked salmon recipes! From classic combinations like Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, to more unique pairings such as Smoked Salmon and Quinoa Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing, there’s something for every taste. These 18 recipes showcase the versatility of smoked salmon, paired with creamy dill, tangy citrus, and crunchy textures. Whether you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing lunch or a show-stopping dinner party, these salads are sure to impress.
