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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
