Paddleboard-Inspired Citrus Salmon Salad

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

A refreshing salmon salad with bright citrus and crunchy greens, inspired by the lively paddleboarding tours along the Ohio River. This american-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs salmon fillet, mixed salad greens, grapefruit segments 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 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 6 oz salmon fillet on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Roast for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until the dressing emulsifies and thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1/2 cup grapefruit segments, 1/2 cup orange segments, 1/2 sliced avocado, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Flake the roasted salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold into the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Paddleboard-Inspired Citrus Salmon Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Paddleboard-Inspired Citrus 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 salmon fillet from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Paddleboard-Inspired Citrus 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 Paddleboard-Inspired Citrus Salmon 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 Paddleboard-Inspired Citrus Salmon Salad?

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.

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