Northern-Style Smoked Salmon Salad with Dill and Cucumber
A light and refreshing salad featuring smoky northern salmon, crisp cucumbers, and fresh dill in a tangy lemon dressing. This northern european-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced English cucumber, chopped fresh dill, small, thinly sliced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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, sliced into bite-sized pieces smoked salmon
- 1 medium, thinly sliced English cucumber
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp, drained capers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 6 oz sliced smoked salmon, 1 medium thinly sliced English cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/4 small thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until well emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salmon mixture and gently toss to coat. Add 1 tbsp drained capers and 4 cups mixed salad greens, tossing lightly again.
- Step 4: Serve immediately for a fresh, bright salad or chill for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Northern-Style Smoked Salmon Salad with Dill and Cucumber 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 Northern-Style Smoked Salmon Salad with Dill and Cucumber?
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 chopped fresh dill from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northern-Style Smoked Salmon Salad with Dill and Cucumber?
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 Northern-Style Smoked Salmon Salad with Dill and Cucumber 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 Northern-Style Smoked Salmon Salad with Dill and Cucumber?
Northern European seafood 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.
