This Healthy Salmon Salad is a light and tasty dish packed with fresh veggies and tender salmon. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner, bringing a burst of flavors in every bite!
I love how quick it is to make—just mix your ingredients, drizzle on some dressing, and enjoy! Plus, you get a healthy dose of omega-3s. What’s not to love? 😍
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal here, but you can also use canned salmon for a quicker option. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider baked chicken or grilled shrimp for different protein sources.
Salad Greens: Mixed salad greens give a nice variety, but spinach or kale can work well, too. If you’re not a fan, try shredded cabbage or even a bed of quinoa for a heartier base.
Avocado: The avocado adds creaminess. If you’re avoiding avocados, you can use a scoop of hummus or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a similar texture.
Feta Cheese: Feta cheese gives a tangy flavor. If you want to skip cheese or need it dairy-free, try using nutritional yeast or leave it out completely.
How Do I Cook Salmon Perfectly Without Drying It Out?
Cooking salmon properly is key for this salad! Here are some steps to ensure it’s juicy and tender:
- Preheat your oven or grill pan. For the oven, 400°F is perfect.
- Rub salmon with olive oil, salt, and pepper to lock in moisture.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes if in the oven or 4-5 minutes per side on a grill pan. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
Keep an eye on it, and remember that salmon continues to cook slightly after being removed from heat. This helps prevent overcooking!
Healthy Salmon Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix, spinach, arugula)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for salmon)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Healthy Salmon Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, which includes cooking the salmon and mixing the salad. It’s a quick, tasty meal that’s great for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Salmon:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub the salmon fillets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and half of the chopped dill. This will make your salmon flavorful and juicy!
2. Cooking the Salmon:
Place the salmon in the oven and cook for about 10-12 minutes or grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want the salmon to be flaky and cooked through. It should look deliciously golden on the outside!
3. Making the Salad:
While the salmon is cooking, grab a large bowl. Combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, diced avocado, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful mix is not just pretty, but super nutritious too!
4. Preparing the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This dressing will add a zesty touch to your salad!
5. Assembling the Salad:
Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine. Divide the salad into nice serving bowls and top each one with a salmon fillet.
6. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Garnish your salad with extra fresh dill and if you like, a little more dressing for added flavor. Now it’s ready to be served!
7. Enjoy:
Serve your Healthy Salmon Salad immediately and dig in! You’ll love the fresh tastes and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and fulfilling.
Can I Use Canned Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned salmon is a great time-saver and can work well in this salad. Just drain and flake the salmon, then add it to the salad. You might want to skip cooking steps, as it’s already cooked!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives to feta cheese, try goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor or use ricotta for creaminess. You can also omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If possible, keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent the greens from wilting. Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or enjoy it cold!
Can I Add More Veggies to This Salad?
Definitely! This salad is super versatile. Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and nutrition. Just chop them up and toss them in!
