Smoked Salmon Salad

Welcome to a fresh twist on lunchtime luxury: Smoked Salmon Salad! Imagine velvety slices of smoked salmon layered over crisp spring greens, creamy avocado, punchy cucumber, and delicate poached eggs, all kissed by a zesty lemon dill vinaigrette. It’s vibrant, packed with nutrients, and absolutely stunning on the table. Whether you’re planning a laid-back brunch or a speedy supper, this salad brings together indulgence and ease in the most delicious way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can add up to something so undeniably special. Each component plays its unique part: color, crunch, richness, or zest. Here’s the line-up for making the very best Smoked Salmon Salad.

• Olive oil: The base of our vinaigrette—it brings a silky richness and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
• Lemon juice: Adds fresh brightness that lifts the salad and balances out the richness of salmon and avocado.
• Rice vinegar: A gentle acidity that gives the dressing a nuanced tang without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient and pulls the whole salad together.
• Fresh dill: Its aromatic, herby notes are the perfect match for lemon and smoked salmon.
• Spring salad mix: The colorful foundation—choose a blend with lots of greens and maybe some purples or reds for extra appeal.
• Smoked salmon (Lox): The hero of our dish, with a naturally briny, smoky depth.
• Avocados: Sliced for creamy texture and subtle flavor that melds delightfully with everything else.
• Cucumber: Crisp, cool, and so refreshing; it adds welcome crunch.
• Poached eggs: Silky yolks = instant luxe factor. These turn your salad into a meal.
• Fresh dill and lemon wedges for garnish: Adds bursts of color and fresh flavor right at the end.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Salad

Step 1: Make the Lemon Dill Vinaigrette

Begin by making the bright and herby vinaigrette that will tie all the flavors together. Just add olive oil, lemon juice, rice vinegar, kosher salt, and fresh dill to a mason jar. Give it a good shake until the mixture is emulsified and vibrant green. Set it aside—it’ll be ready when you are!

Step 2: Prep the Salad Base

Grab four generous serving bowls and divide the spring salad mix evenly between them. This colorful base sets the stage for all the other beautiful toppings you’re about to add, so go for a big, fluffy handful in each bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Main Ingredients

Now the fun part: arrange slices of smoked salmon artfully on each bed of greens, followed by fanned avocado slices and rounds of crisp cucumber. Take a moment here and make it pretty—Smoked Salmon Salad is as much about the eyes as the tastebuds!

Step 4: Poach Your Eggs

Decide whether you’d like one or two poached eggs per salad (truly, you can’t go wrong). Poach your eggs in simmering water for about 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still soft. You may need to work in batches, but it’s worth it! Place the eggs gently on top of each salad.

Step 5: Garnish and Dress

Scatter some fresh dill and add a lemon wedge or two to each bowl. Drizzle the lemon dill vinaigrette over the top right before serving. The dressing brings a zingy, herbal finish that makes the Smoked Salmon Salad utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Smoked Salmon Salad

Garnishes

The finishing touches really elevate this salad! Sprinkle with extra dill, a crack of black pepper, or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt. The lemon wedges don’t just look lovely—they let your guests add a bit more brightness to each bite.

Side Dishes

Smoked Salmon Salad pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or a soft baguette. For a heartier meal, serve alongside herbed new potatoes, a cup of chilled gazpacho, or a fresh fruit salad. Even a simple sparkling water with lemon makes this feel like a refreshingly special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, serve Smoked Salmon Salad family-style on a large platter so everyone can dig in, or try assembling the salads in jars for a picnic or on-the-go lunch. Mini versions in small glasses make a gorgeous amuse-bouche for brunch gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Smoked Salmon Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, keep the greens and toppings separate from the dressing and eggs. Store in airtight containers in the fridge and combine just before eating, so everything stays crisp.

Freezing

Salad greens and avocado don’t freeze well, and smoked salmon can lose its silky texture if frozen and thawed in a salad. It’s best to assemble only what you’ll eat; however, the vinaigrette keeps well for up to a week refrigerated.

Reheating

Poached eggs can be gently reheated by briefly immersing them in warm (not boiling) water for about a minute. Otherwise, enjoy all components of the Smoked Salmon Salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of green instead of spring salad mix?

Absolutely! Baby spinach, arugula, or a mix of tender greens work beautifully in this Smoked Salmon Salad. Pick your favorite, or whatever is freshest at the market.

How far ahead can I poach the eggs?

You can poach the eggs up to a day in advance. Simply store them in cold water in the fridge, then briefly warm them in hot water before serving to get that perfectly gooey yolk again.

What’s the best kind of smoked salmon to use?

Lox or cold-smoked salmon are both ideal here, as their tender texture and subtle smokiness shine in salads. Avoid heavily peppered or flavored varieties unless you want to change up the salad’s profile.

Is there a non-dairy substitute for the vinaigrette?

Great news—the vinaigrette is naturally dairy-free! If you want to swap the olive oil, try avocado oil for something more neutral, but you won’t need to make other modifications.

How can I bulk this salad up for a dinner party?

For a more substantial Smoked Salmon Salad, add blanched asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes, or even a scoop of quinoa. These additions play well with the existing flavors and make the dish more filling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a dish that feels luxurious but takes almost no time at all, this Smoked Salmon Salad is your answer. It’s a surefire hit for impressing at brunch or simply treating yourself. Dive in with your fork and discover just how satisfying healthy eating can taste!

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