Zesty Avocado & Smoked Salmon Salad

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

Creamy avocado meets smoky salmon in a lemon-dill dressing, packed with healthy fats and only 4g net carbs per bowl. This keto (low carb) ready in about 12 minutes pairs medium avocado, ounces smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

Prep: 12 min Serves 2 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Dice 1/2 medium cucumber and thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and place in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Peel and slice 2 medium avocados into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Add to the bowl with tomatoes and cucumber, then pour dressing over and toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 4 ounces smoked salmon on top of the salad, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately to prevent avocado browning.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Avocado & Smoked Salmon Salad take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (12 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 Zesty Avocado & 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 medium avocado from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Avocado & 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 Zesty Avocado & Smoked 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.

Is Zesty Avocado & Smoked Salmon Salad low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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