Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe
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Looking for a healthy and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare? This Grilled Salmon Salad recipe is the perfect choice! Tender, flavorful salmon is grilled to perfection and served over a bed of fresh salad greens, juicy tomatoes, and crisp onions. Topped with a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing, this light dish is not only healthy but incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or anytime you want a nutritious meal in just under 15 minutes!
If you are looking for a healthy lunch or dinner, grilled salmon salad is a perfect choice! Grilled or pan-fried salmon fillet is placed on top of the green salad of lettuce, tomatoes and onions – delicious!
Why You’ll Love Grilled Salmon Salad
- Healthy and nutritious: This grilled salmon salad is packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and fiber from the fresh greens, making it a nutrient-dense meal that’s both delicious and good for you.
- Quick and easy: With less than 15 minutes to prepare, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients by adding your favorite vegetables or even swapping the salmon for another protein like shrimp or tofu. It’s versatile enough to suit everyone’s preferences.
- Fresh and flavorful: The combination of grilled salmon, crisp salad greens, juicy tomatoes, and onions tossed in a light olive oil and vinegar dressing creates a refreshing, vibrant dish.
- Perfect for any meal: Whether you’re making this for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week, this grilled salmon salad is sure to satisfy without feeling too heavy.
When making a main dish salad, most of the time people revert to chicken as a protein of choice. This time let’s use salmon as the protein for a change! If you are trying to get more healthy fish into your diet, adding it to salads is a great option.
Ingredients For Grilled Salmon Salad
- Salmon fillets – The star of the dish, rich in omega-3s and delicious when grilled or pan-fried.
- Salad greens – A fresh, crisp base for the salad. You can use lettuce, spinach, or a mix of greens.
- Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, adding color and flavor to the salad.
- Onion – Adds a little bite and extra crunch to balance the softer greens and tomatoes.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Used for the simple dressing, adding a rich, fruity flavor.
- Vinegar – Gives the dressing a tangy, refreshing kick.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Grilled salmon salad is light, healthy and very tasty! Best of all, it is also extremely quick and easy to make. It takes less than 10 minutes to cook the salmon, and while the salmon is cooking you can slice the tomatoes and onions and prepare the salad. This way you’ll have the salad already on the plates, and once the salmon is cooked through just put it on top of the greens. You can cut the salmon into pieces if you wish, or place the whole filet on top of the salad – it’s completely up to you and is simply a matter of personal preference, it will taste great either way!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Grilled Salmon Salad
- Grill or frying pan – To cook the salmon fillets to perfection, whether you choose to grill or pan-fry them.
- Measuring spoons – To measure out the olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings for the dressing.
- Knife – For chopping the tomatoes and onions.
- Cutting board – A sturdy surface for prepping your vegetables.
- Salad bowl – To toss the salad greens, tomatoes, and onions with the dressing.
- Tongs – For flipping the salmon and tossing the salad.
How To Make Grilled Salmon Salad
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper, making sure to rub the seasoning in evenly.
- Grill the salmon on a preheated grill or cook it in a non-stick frying pan. Flip it halfway through and cook until it’s fully done (about 4 minutes on each side).
- While the salmon is cooking, chop the tomatoes and onion. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Whisk together olive oil and vinegar to make a simple dressing.
- Toss the salad greens, tomatoes, and onions with the dressing in a large bowl, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Once the salmon is cooked, place it on top of the salad and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the grilled salmon salad with a slice of challah bread or a whole grain roll for a more filling meal.
- Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese on top for a creamy and tangy addition.
- For a refreshing side, pair the salad with a chilled glass of Spanish Red wine Sangria or a light sparkling water with lemon.
- If you prefer a heartier meal, serve the salad alongside roasted potatoes or a rice pilaf.
- For a touch of sweetness, add some sliced avocado or fresh berries to the salad before serving.
Tips For Success
- Cooking the salmon: To ensure perfectly cooked salmon, avoid overcooking. You want the fish to flake easily with a fork but still remain moist inside. Depending on the thickness of the fillets, 4 minutes per side is typically enough, but keep an eye on the color and texture.
- Choosing fresh ingredients: Since this salad is simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes and crisp salad greens. If possible, buy fresh salmon from a trusted source to ensure the best flavor.
- Customizing the dressing: If you prefer a different dressing, feel free to experiment. A lemon vinaigrette, balsamic glaze, or honey mustard dressing would all work well with the salmon.
- Prepping in advance: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time. Just store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge, and toss them together when you’re ready to serve.
- Grill marks: If you’re grilling the salmon and want those beautiful grill marks, don’t move the fillets too much while cooking. Let them cook undisturbed on one side for a few minutes before flipping them.
Variations And Substitutions
- Different proteins: While salmon is the star of this dish, you can easily swap it out for another protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives that will also taste delicious with the salad greens and dressing.
- Greens swap: Feel free to mix up the greens based on what you have on hand. Spinach, arugula, kale, or even mixed greens can be used instead of traditional lettuce. Each will add a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.
- Add grains: For a heartier salad, consider adding grains like quinoa, farro, or couscous. These will boost the meal’s fiber content and make it more filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Vegan option: To make this salad fully plant-based, swap the salmon for grilled tofu or tempeh. You can also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or hemp seeds for extra flavor and protein.
- Flavorful dressings: Though olive oil and vinegar create a simple and classic dressing, you can try different options to change things up. A honey mustard dressing, lemon tahini, or creamy avocado dressing would complement the salad beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salmon and salad separately. Place the cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For the salad, store the greens and vegetables without dressing in a separate container to keep them fresh.
- Reheating the salmon: To reheat the salmon, place it in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes, or warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon rubbery.
- Preparing ahead: You can prep the salad ingredients in advance, but wait to dress the salad until just before serving to prevent the greens from wilting. The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in a small jar in the fridge.
- Cold option: If you prefer a cold salad, you can skip reheating and serve the salmon cold on top of the salad. This makes for a quick, refreshing meal, especially on hot days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned salmon instead of fresh salmon?
Yes, you can! If you’re in a pinch, canned salmon can be a quick alternative. Just be sure to drain it well, and consider mixing it with some olive oil and seasonings for added flavor. Freshly cooked salmon will give a better texture, but canned works well for a speedy option.
What type of vinegar should I use for the dressing?
You can use any type of vinegar you like, but red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar are excellent choices for this salad. Each brings a different level of tanginess, so feel free to experiment with your favorite.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the components ahead of time, but it’s best to store them separately. Keep the salad undressed in the fridge and add the dressing right before serving. The salmon can be cooked ahead, stored in the fridge, and reheated or served cold.
What sides pair well with this grilled salmon salad?
This salad is a great standalone meal, but if you’re looking for sides, a slice of crusty bread, roasted sweet potatoes, or a light soup would make excellent additions. You can also pair it with grains like quinoa or farro for a heartier meal.
Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other fish like tuna, cod, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different fish types may cook faster or slower than salmon.
Other Easy Salmon Recipes
Crunchy Air Fryer Salmon Belly: This air fryer salmon belly recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and tender, flavorful fish in just minutes.
Skillet-Seared Salmon Recipe: Sear your salmon to perfection with a golden crust and juicy center, all in one skillet.
Oven-Baked Sockeye Salmon: Enjoy a simple and healthy oven-baked sockeye salmon with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Foil-Wrapped Salmon in Air Fryer: Lock in moisture and flavor with this easy foil-wrapped salmon cooked in the air fryer.
Instant Pot Foil-Steamed Salmon: Steam salmon in the Instant Pot with this quick and mess-free foil method, perfect for a tender, flaky result.
Air Fryer Salmon Fillet Recipe: Make perfectly cooked salmon fillets in the air fryer, with a crispy exterior and juicy inside.
Creamy Canned Salmon Soup: Whip up a comforting and creamy soup with canned salmon, perfect for a quick, hearty meal.
Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets
- 4 cups salad greens
- 4 to matoes
- 1 onion
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Grill or frying pan
- Salad bowl
Instructions
- Sprinkle the salmon with 3/4 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper, and rub the salt and pepper in with your hands.
- If using the grill, grill the salmon on pre-heated grill, turning once, for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- If pan-frying, spray the non-stick frying pan with a non-stick spray and preheat the pan over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon, turning once, for about 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- While the salmon is cooking, chop the tomatoes and onion. Sprinkle the tomatoes and onions with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Put the olive oil and vinegar in a cup and whisk with the fork to make a dressing.
- Put the lettuce, tomatoes and onions in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. Toss with your hands to combine, until all lettuce leaves are coated with dressing.
- Divide the salad between 4 plates.
- After the salmon is cooked, put it on top of the salad and serve.
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding other fresh vegetables like cucumbers or avocados for extra flavor and texture.
- For added richness, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
Nutrition
More Grilled Recipes
- Grilled Turkey and Cheese Panini
- Charred Cauliflower Steaks on Grill
- Grilled Skinless Chicken Thighs
Love how quick and easy this salmon salad is to make…
Such a simple yet satisfying meal. The salmon is cooked to perfection.