Smoked Salmon and Dill Salad Recipe: A Refreshing and Nutritious
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful dish, this Smoked Salmon and Dill Salad Recipe is a must-try. The combination of smoky salmon, fresh dill, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients, making it a fantastic option for a nutritious meal. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner, this elegant dish is sure to impress.
Nutrition & Instructions
This salad is rich in omega-3 fatty acids from smoked salmon, fiber from fresh greens, and antioxidants from vibrant vegetables. It is also low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, European
- Course: Salad, Appetizer, Main Course
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 280 kcal
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Large salad bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Small mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 200g (7 oz) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional for a slight sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and drying all the vegetables. Thinly slice the red onion and cucumber. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the avocado. Chop the fresh dill finely.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and capers. Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Smoked Salmon
Carefully layer the smoked salmon slices over the salad. You can either roll the slices for a fancy presentation or spread them out evenly.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk until well combined and emulsified.
Step 5: Drizzle and Toss
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh dill and crumbled feta or goat cheese on top. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Smoked Salmon and Dill Salad
- Use high-quality smoked salmon – The quality of the smoked salmon greatly impacts the taste of the salad. Look for wild-caught, sustainably sourced salmon for the best flavor.
- Balance the flavors – The tanginess of capers and lemon juice complements the richness of the smoked salmon. Adjust the ingredients to your taste preference.
- Make it heartier – Add cooked quinoa or boiled eggs for extra protein and texture.
- Serving suggestion – This salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a light soup, or even a glass of white wine.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture.
- Dressing Alternatives: Replace the lemon dressing with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing or balsamic vinaigrette.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add radishes, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for additional freshness.
Conclusion
This Smoked Salmon and Dill Salad Recipe is a quick, elegant, and nutrient-dense dish perfect for any occasion. With its harmonious mix of flavors and textures, it provides a satisfying yet light meal option. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch, a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week, this salad is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy your delicious and healthy creation!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.