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Refreshing Cold Salmon Salad Recipe

Refreshing Cold Salmon Salad Recipe

The Refreshing Cold Salmon Salad is a light, nourishing summer dish combining flaky cold-cooked salmon with crisp mixed greens, zesty citrus dressing, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 20 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, delivering freshness, nutrition, and gourmet flair with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • Fresh salmon fillet, skin-on or skinless, cooked and cooled (about 6 oz per serving)

Greens and Vegetables

  • Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine) – 4 cups
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1 cup
  • Cucumber slices – 1 cup
  • Red onion, thinly sliced – ¼ cup

Herbs and Flavorings

  • Fresh dill, finely chopped – 2 tbsp
  • Optional capers – 1 tbsp

Dressing

  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 2 tbsp
  • Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tbsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Salmon: Start by gently poaching, baking, or grilling your salmon fillet until just cooked through. Let it cool completely before handling to maintain the firm texture perfect for salads.
  2. Prepare Your Veggies: While the salmon cools, wash and chop your mixed greens, slice cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, and thinly shave the red onion. Fresh herbs like dill should be finely chopped for maximum flavor release.
  3. Make the Dressing: Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing emulsifies, balancing tanginess and smoothness beautifully.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the greens, vegetables, and herbs with the dressing. Break the cooled salmon into bite-sized pieces and fold it in carefully to keep the flaky texture intact.
  5. Final Touches: Sprinkle optional capers or fresh dill on top to add extra bursts of flavor and set the salad aside for 5-10 minutes for all flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh salmon for best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it tender and moist.
  • Ensure salad greens and vegetables are well dried to prevent sogginess.
  • Taste and adjust the balance of lemon juice and olive oil in the dressing for the perfect zing.
  • Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld flavors and keep it cool.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon salad, cold salad, summer recipe, healthy salad, quick salad, gluten free, omega-3, light meal