Minnesota Smoked Salmon Salad
A refreshing salad featuring flaky smoked salmon, crisp greens, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing, celebrating the fresh flavors of the Great Lakes region. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs smoked salmon, mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes 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 280 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp fresh dill, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: Add 4 oz smoked salmon (cut into 1-inch pieces) to the salad bowl, then pour the dressing over the top.
- Step 4: Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Minnesota 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 Minnesota Smoked Salmon 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota Smoked Salmon Salad 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 Minnesota 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
