This Healthy Salmon Salad is packed with tasty ingredients like fresh greens, juicy salmon, and crunchy veggies. It’s light, colorful, and perfect for a quick meal!
Honestly, I love how easy it is to throw together. Just mix everything in a bowl, and you have a yummy dish that’s good for you. Plus, eat it while watching your favorite show for double the enjoyment! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Salmon is a great source of protein and healthy fats. Fresh wild-caught salmon is my favorite, but you can also use farm-raised salmon or even canned salmon if you’re in a pinch. Just drain it well before adding!
Salad Greens: Mixed salad greens offer great texture and flavor. If you can’t find a mix, you can use just spinach or romaine. Kale is another hearty option, but chop it well for easier eating.
Cheese: Goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess. If you’re not a fan, feta is a good alternative. For dairy-free options, try a plant-based cheese or just skip it altogether.
Dressings: Olive oil and lemon juice are classic, but feel free to mix it up! Apple cider vinegar or lime juice can refresh the flavor. For something creamy, consider a yogurt-based dressing.
How Do I Cook Salmon Without Overcooking It?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to get it right:
- Use a medium heat; this helps cook the fish evenly.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Salmon continues to cook even after you remove it from the heat, so aim for slightly undercooked.
- Look for that gorgeous crispy skin—it’s a good sign! A meat thermometer is great for checking; 145°F is the target.
Let the salmon rest a few minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy, so don’t skip this step!
Healthy Salmon Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and red leaf lettuce)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking salmon)
- 1 tsp dried mixed herbs (such as oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for salad dressing)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional for salad dressing)
Time Needed:
This Healthy Salmon Salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the salmon and chopping the veggies, making it a quick and tasty meal option!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Salmon:
Start by preheating a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, season both sides of the fillets with salt, pepper, and dried mixed herbs.
2. Grill the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have a slightly charred look. Once done, remove the salmon from the heat and let it rest briefly.
3. Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, mix together the salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and optional sliced chili for some heat.
4. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese over the salad mixture, giving it a nice creamy touch.
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of half a lemon, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Season with a small pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine and Serve:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix everything together. Now, slice the rested salmon into chunky pieces and lay them on top of the delicious salad.
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while the salmon is warm, and enjoy this fresh, healthy, and flavorful salmon salad!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking. Thaw frozen salmon in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Goat Cheese?
If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, feta cheese works perfectly and offers a similar texture with a bit of tang. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based cheese or simply skip it—this salad is still delicious without it!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the salmon separate from the salad if possible to maintain freshness. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or on the stove without overcooking.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately (dressing too!). Just add the cooked salmon and dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
