Ultimate Minute Salmon Salad (Print version)
Juicy pan-seared salmon over mixed greens with cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, and bright lemon-dijon dressing.
# What you'll need:
→ Fish
01 - 2 salmon fillets (approximately 4.25 oz each), skinless
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Salad Base
04 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
05 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
06 - 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1/2 avocado, sliced
→ Dressing
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 teaspoon honey
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
14 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
15 - Lemon wedges for serving
# How to make it:
01 - Pat salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until just cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced avocado.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
05 - Flake the rested cooked salmon into large chunks and distribute evenly over the salad base.
06 - Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine without damaging ingredients. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- This salad transforms ordinary salmon into something restaurant worthy with almost zero effort
- The entire meal comes together in fifteen minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights when takeout feels tempting
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing salmon or the fish will steam instead of getting that gorgeous crust
- The dressing might seem thin at first but keeps whisking and it will come together into something silky and gorgeous
03 -
- Buy the best salmon you can find since this recipe lets the fish shine
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly than cold straight from the fridge