Salmon Salad

Salmon Salad

Salmon salad in a bowl

This easy Salmon Salad recipe strikes the ideal balance between casual and fancy. With flaked salmon, crisp veggies, and a creamy, herby Greek yogurt dressing, it’s fresh, protein packed, and exactly what I want for lunch.

Salmon salad in a bowl
  • Big Flavor. This salmon salad draws inspiration from some classic Waldorf salad ingredients such as dill and nuts and has a touch of Mediterranean flair. It’s a little bit unexpected, but in the best kind of way.
  • A Fantastic Meal Prep Lunch. I always feel better about the week ahead when I’ve taken time to make myself a batch of this salmon salad (or Italian Tuna Salad or Chickpea Tuna Salad) and stash it in the fridge. It’s one less thing to think about during the hectic work week!
  • Lean Protein + Creamy Dressing + Crunch. Creamy, protein-rich salads are healthy, filling, and make lunch something to look forward to, instead of a weekday drag. This salmon salad is also packed with all kinds of yummy crunchy bits to liven things up.
  • So Many Ways to Enjoy It. Scoop it onto buttery crackers, spoon it onto lettuce leaves, stuff it into mini peppers—there are endless possibilities here, which means even if you eat it all week long, it never gets boring!
A plate with lettuce and salmon salad

5 Star Review

“Fantastic recipe! Definitely a keeper.”

— Anne —

How to Make Salmon Salad

The Ingredients

  • Salmon. I use Baked Salmon as the base of this recipe, but Smoked Salmon would be fantastic too. Salmon can be swapped for another firm, flaky fish, such as halibut or trout.
  • Greek Yogurt. This healthy salmon salad contains NO MAYONNAISE. Greek yogurt gives the same creaminess and a bit of tanginess.
  • Red Onion. For the right amount of bite and balance.
  • Cucumber. For freshness and the crunch factor. I like English or mini cucumbers because you don’t need to peel them.
  • Lemon. Its citrusy brightness helps the dressing sing.
  • Cumin + Oregano. A surprising but sublime combo that makes the dressing a stand out.
  • Dill + Cilantro. Fresh herbs are the move. They make the salad taste exciting and fresh. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Feta Cheese. The creamy bits are a lovely contrast with the crunch of the cucumbers.
  • Sliced Almonds. Nuttiness and crunch give the salad an additional layer of flavor, texture, and satisfaction.
  • Currents or Raisins. My nod to the grapes in traditional Waldorf salad. They add a pleasant sweetness and yummy chewiness.

Substitution Tip!

If you don’t care for currants or regular raisins, you can swap in golden raisins, dried cranberries, or omit them.

The Directions

Salmon in a baking dish
  1. Cook the Fish. Bake the salmon fillet in the oven.
Salmon pieces on a plate
  1. Flake It. Flake the salmon into a large bowl.
Raisins, almonds, and cheese being added to a bowl
  1. Combine. Add the remaining salad ingredients to the bowl with the salmon.
Dressing being mixed in a bowl
  1. Make the Dressing. Stir together all of the ingredients in a bowl.
Ingredients being mixed with dressing in a bowl
  1. Add the Dressing. Pour it over the salad.
Scrumptious salmon salad in a bowl
  1. Finish. Stir gently to combine. Season to taste and ENJOY!
Baked salmon salad recipe in lettuce cups

How to Serve Salmon Salad

  • As a Sandwich. Pile this salad onto slices of your favorite bread and enjoy a scrumptious salmon salad sandwich. (Salmon salad with avocado on bread would be especially tasty!)
  • In Lettuce Wraps. Keep things light and healthy by serving this salad inside lettuce cups, use a lettuce leaf like romaine lettuce or bibb lettuce leaves.
  • Over Greens. You can’t go wrong with serving a green salad to go with salmon salad. What salad you have with salmon salad is up to you. A simple bed of greens or Arugula Salad would be delightful.
  • With Crackers. Give snack time a major upgrade by serving this salmon salad with crackers (these Ranch Crackers are divine).
  • With Grains. For a more filling meal, I love serving this salad over a bed of couscous or quinoa. (This Moroccan Couscous would be delish! Or, try this Quinoa Chickpea Salad or Lemon Rice.)
a salmon salad sandwich

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Yes, You Can Make It With Mayo. For a more traditional dressing, you can swap mayonnaise for the Greek yogurt in this recipe.
  • Try Another Cooking Method. Although I haven’t tried it, it should work just fine! Season the salmon as directed in this recipe, then follow my recipe for Grilled Salmon in Foil, Pan Seared Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, or Broiled Salmon.
  • Don’t Use Canned. As much as I appreciate budget-friendly canned salmon for certain purposes, for this salmon salad recipe, I strongly recommend using fresh salmon to achieve the proper texture. The salmon is tender and satisfying, without making the salad mushy.
Salmon salad in a bowl

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Salmon Salad

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Use this easy salmon salad recipe as a filling, flavorful and creamy addition to sandwiches, wraps, crackers and more. Perfect for meal prep!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 430kcal
Author Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pound center-cut, skin-on side of salmon
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin divided
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground oregano divided
  • ½ small red onion finely chopped
  • cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 2 mediums lemon about 2 teaspoons
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove minced or grated garlic
  • 2 mini cucumbers or ½ English cucumber, cut into ½-inch dice (about 1 ½ cups)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta optional
  • ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds
  • ¼ cup currents raisins, or golden raisins
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking dish large enough to hold the salmon with a sheet of parchment paper.
  • Place the salmon in the pan and with paper towels, pat dry. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon oregano. Rub to evenly coat the salmon. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F on an instant read thermometer (I typically remove the salmon a few degrees early and let the carryover cooking finish the rest). The salmon should no longer be raw-looking in the center and flake easily with a fork. Let cool to room temperature.
    Salmon in a baking dish
  • While the salmon roasts, place the red onion in a bowl and cover with cold water. Set aside to soak (this removes some of the onion’s harsh bite without losing its flavor).
  • Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining ¼ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon oregano.
    Dressing being mixed in a bowl
  • Flake the salmon in chunky pieces into a large serving bowl (discard the skin).
    Salmon pieces on a plate
  • Add the cucumber, feta, currants, dill, and cilantro.
    Raisins, almonds, and cheese being added to a bowl
  • Drain the red onion, then add it to the bowl.
  • Pour the dressing over the top.
    Ingredients being mixed with dressing in a bowl
  • Gently stir to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired (I add an extra pinch of each). Serve chilled or at room temperature as a wrap (or lettuce wrap), sandwich, on toast, over greens, or mixed with couscous.
    Scrumptious salmon salad in a bowl

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: Refrigerate salad in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4) | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Potassium: 1142mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 497IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 187mg | Iron: 3mg

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Check out these ideas below and all of my salmon recipes.

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