Description
Grilled Summer Salmon Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish that pairs smoky grilled salmon with crisp mixed greens, seasonal fruits, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or memorable dinner, this salad showcases the best flavors of summer in a quick, easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 fresh wild-caught salmon fillets
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for seasoning and grilling)
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1 cup seasonal fruits, sliced (peaches, strawberries, mangoes, or alternatives)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill, basil, or parsley)
Dressing
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, a pinch
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt, black pepper, and a touch of olive oil. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and grill for another 3–4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside.
- Assemble the Salad Base: While the salmon is grilling, thoroughly rinse and dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice your chosen seasonal fruits, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. Arrange them all in a large salad bowl or on individual plates to create a colorful, fresh salad base.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the quantities to your taste to ensure the dressing is bright and balanced, enhancing the salad’s natural flavors.
- Combine and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, flake it into large chunks. Gently toss the salmon with the prepared salad base. Drizzle the lemon-olive oil dressing evenly over the salad. Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs on top and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Keep salmon moist by not overcooking; it should remain juicy and tender.
- Use the freshest seasonal fruits and greens for optimal flavor and presentation.
- Dry greens thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad and diluted dressing.
- Balance the dressing acidity with a small amount of honey or agave if desired.
- Oil the grill grates well before cooking to prevent the salmon from sticking and breaking apart.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: grilled salmon salad, summer salad, healthy salmon recipe, fresh salmon salad, light summer meal, omega-3 salad, seasonal fruit salad