Farmstead Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette
A fresh salad featuring delicate smoked salmon paired with a vibrant homemade pesto vinaigrette and crisp greens. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends smoked salmon slices, mixed salad 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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 smoked salmon slices
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium, thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 cup packed basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: To make the pesto vinaigrette, combine 1 cup packed basil leaves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/3 cup olive oil in a blender. Add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, toss 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 medium thinly sliced cucumber with half of the pesto vinaigrette, coating the leaves lightly.
- Step 3: Arrange 6 oz smoked salmon slices over the dressed salad. Drizzle remaining pesto vinaigrette over the top as a finishing touch.
- Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, smoky, and herbaceous flavors together.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Farmstead 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 Farmstead 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 Farmstead 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 Farmstead Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Farmstead Smoked Salmon Salad with Pesto Vinaigrette?
American 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.
