Minnesota Smoked Salmon Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 oz smoked salmon (cut into 1-inch pieces) to the salad bowl, then pour the dressing over the top.
  4. Step 4: Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing, then serve immediately.

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.

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