Lemon-Dill Smoked Salmon with Cucumber Salad
Flaky smoked salmon topped with fresh dill and lemon, served over a cool cucumber salad with a zesty dressing. This scandinavian-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs smoked salmon, chopped fresh dill, (zested and juiced) lemon into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 8 oz smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 (zested and juiced) lemon
- 1 medium (sliced thin) cucumber
- 1/4 cup (finely diced) red onion
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups (chopped) kale
- 1/2 (sliced) avocado
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 8 oz smoked salmon on a plate. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1/2 lemon zest, and 1 tsp lemon juice.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 medium cucumber (sliced thin), 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Arrange 2 cups chopped kale on a plate, top with the cucumber salad and 1/2 sliced avocado.
- Step 4: Place the seasoned salmon on top of the salad and garnish with additional lemon zest.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Smoked Salmon with Cucumber 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 Lemon-Dill Smoked Salmon with Cucumber Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked salmon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Smoked Salmon with Cucumber 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 Lemon-Dill Smoked Salmon with Cucumber 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 Lemon-Dill Smoked Salmon with Cucumber Salad?
Scandinavian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 0-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
