Farmhouse Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette
A fresh salad featuring smoky salmon, local greens, and a vibrant pesto vinaigrette that highlights garden herbs. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends thinly sliced smoked salmon, mixed baby greens, halved cherry tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 6 oz, thinly sliced smoked salmon
- 4 cups mixed baby greens
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp basil pesto, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth to create the vinaigrette.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed baby greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 medium diced cucumber. Toss gently to mix.
- Step 3: Drizzle the pesto vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Arrange 6 oz thinly sliced smoked salmon over the top of the salad.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts over everything for a nutty crunch and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Farmhouse Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Farmhouse Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Farmhouse Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette?
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 Farmhouse Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette 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 Farmhouse Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette?
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.
