This Healthy Salmon Salad is a tasty mix of fresh greens, juicy salmon, and crunchy veggies. Drizzled with a light dressing, it’s both refreshing and good for you!
I love how quick this salad is to whip up. Perfect for lunch or dinner when you want something light but satisfying. And hey, who can resist that lovely pink salmon? 🐟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Salmon is the star of this salad, providing healthy omega-3 fats. If you don’t like salmon, you can substitute with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Dill: Dried dill is used for flavor, but fresh dill works wonders too. If you don’t have dill, try using parsley or basil for a different taste.
Mixed Greens: This recipe calls for mixed greens, but you can use any leafy greens you prefer. Spinach, arugula, or a hearty romaine can all work well.
Kalamata Olives: While Kalamata olives add a nice brininess, you can swap them with green olives or omit them altogether if you’re not a fan.
How Can I Make the Salmon Perfectly Crispy?
Getting that perfectly crispy skin on the salmon can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to help.
- Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the salmon. This helps sear the skin quickly.
- Cook skin-side down first. Let it cook undisturbed for several minutes; this allows the skin to crisp up.
- Don’t rush! Cooking on medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side is key.
Allowing the salmon to rest after cooking helps keep it moist. Enjoy your crispy, golden fillets atop the fresh salad!
Healthy Salmon Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the salmon)
- 1 tsp dried dill (or fresh dill for garnish)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, cubed
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for garnish and juice)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This healthy salmon salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook the salmon, plus a few minutes to assemble the salad and dressing. In total, you can expect to spend around 20-25 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get crispier when cooked. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle with paprika, dried dill, salt, and pepper to add flavor.
2. Cook the Salmon:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crispy on the outside. Once done, remove the fillets from the heat and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
3. Assemble the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and cubed feta cheese. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper until well combined. This dressing adds a fresh and tangy flavor!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
6. Plate the Salad:
Evenly divide the dressed salad into plates or bowls, creating a beautiful base for our star ingredient.
7. Top with Salmon:
Place a cooked salmon fillet right on top of each salad. This adds a protein punch and complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
8. Garnish and Serve:
To finish, add lemon wedges on the side for that extra zesty flavor, and if you’d like, sprinkle some fresh dill over the top. Enjoy your delicious, healthy salmon salad packed with nutrients and Mediterranean flair!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Canned Salmon Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned salmon is a great time-saver. Just drain it and flake it over the salad. No need for cooking, but you might want to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salmon and salad separate to prevent the greens from wilting. Place both in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or enjoy it cold!
What If I Don’t Like Feta Cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with goat cheese, crumbled queso fresco, or even omit the cheese altogether. The salad will still be delicious!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, avocados, or radishes make excellent additions. Just make sure they complement the other flavors in the salad.
