Cucumber-Dill Smoked Salmon Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, hydrating salad featuring cold-smoked salmon and crisp cucumbers, perfect for easing headaches and nausea during Whole30 transitions. This mediterranean-inspired salads (anti-inflammatory) ready in about 15 minutes pairs smoked salmon, cucumber, dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1 medium cucumber into 1/4-inch half-moons and place in a medium bowl.
  2. Step 2: Flake 6 oz smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces over the cucumbers.
  3. Step 3: Finely chop 2 tbsp fresh dill, add to the bowl with 1/2 medium diced avocado and 1/4 lemon juiced.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the mixture, then season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated and the avocado is slightly mashed, about 2 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber-Dill Smoked Salmon Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cucumber-Dill Smoked Salmon Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Dill Smoked Salmon Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cucumber-Dill Smoked Salmon Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cucumber-Dill Smoked Salmon Salad?

Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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