Smoked salmon salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked nova salmon with crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and vibrant herbs. This smoked salmon salad recipe provides a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch, brunch, or a refreshing dinner. The combination of salad with smoked salmon and salty notes with the freshness of vegetables creates a harmonious and satisfying dish that will surely impress your guests.
How to Make Smoked Salmon Salad
This is the best smoked salmon salad recipe for a quick and delicious seafood meal, while also satisfying your tastebuds.
Smoked Salmon Salad Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Smoked pastrami salmon, thinly sliced (~4 ounces each)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/4 cup capers
For Smoked Salmon Salad Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh dill sprigs
- Lemon wedges
- Black olives
- Edible flowers
Preparation:
- Start by rinsing and drying the mixed salad greens, then place them in a large bowl. Thinly slice the cucumber, red onion, and avocado. Halve the cherry tomatoes and set all the vegetables aside. Drain the capers and keep them ready for later use.
- In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and the dressing has emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Take a large serving platter or individual salad plates and arrange the mixed salad greens as the base. Place the thinly sliced smoked salmon over the greens, evenly distributing it. Next, add the sliced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and capers on top of the salmon.
- Before serving, give the dressing a quick whisk to ensure it is well-mixed. Drizzle the dressing over the smoked salmon and vegetable mixture, making sure to coat all the ingredients evenly. Use as much or as little dressing as desired, depending on your taste preference.
- Sprinkle fresh dill sprigs over the salad for a vibrant touch. Arrange a few lemon wedges around the platter or plates for guests to squeeze over their individual servings. The citrusy flavor of the lemon adds a refreshing element to the dish.
Tips for Variation:
- For added crunch, consider including some toasted almonds or pine nuts as a topping.
- To incorporate more color, you can add sliced radishes or bell peppers to the salad.
- For a creamier dressing, mix in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the dressing ingredients.
- Serve the salad with crusty bread or baguette slices on the side to complete the meal.
