Zesty Smoked Salmon Salad with Lemon-Dill Dressing Recipe

My favorite weekend brunch features a delightful smoked salmon salad that brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to the table.

Crisp greens provide a perfect canvas for delicate, smoky fish.

Layers of cucumber and red onion add vibrant crunch to each bite.

Bright lemon-dill dressing weaves through the ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Simple yet elegant, this dish works wonderfully as a light lunch or starter course.

Sharp herbs and tangy capers complement the rich salmon perfectly.

FAQs

• What makes poached eggs perfect for this salad?

Poached eggs add a creamy, rich texture that complements the smoked salmon. When the soft yolk breaks, it creates a luxurious dressing that enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

• Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

Fresh dill provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but you can substitute dried dill. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried dill compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

• How do I know if my poached egg is cooked correctly?

Look for whites that are fully set but still soft, with a runny yolk in the center. The eggs should take about 4 minutes in gently simmering water. The egg should look delicate and have a smooth, rounded shape.

Smoked Salmon Salad with Lemon-Dill Dressing Flair

• Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Quick Protein Powerhouse: Deliver a nutritious meal packed with protein from smoked salmon and poached eggs that keeps you satisfied.
• Restaurant-Style Elegance at Home: Impress guests or enjoy a sophisticated lunch with professional-looking plating and fresh, vibrant flavors.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the salad by swapping greens, adding extra toppings, or adjusting dressing intensity to suit personal taste preferences.

Ingredients to Prepare Smoked Salmon Salad

• Smoked Salmon: A delicate and flavorful fish that adds richness to the salad.
• Salad Greens: Fresh leafy base that provides a crisp and light foundation for the dish.
• Eggs: Poached eggs that add creamy texture and protein to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice, Dill: A zesty and herbal combination that creates a bright and tangy dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Additional seasonings to adjust the taste according to personal preference.

How to Make Smoked Salmon Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Lemon-Dill Dressing

In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper.

Let the dressing sit and allow the flavors to mingle while you prepare the remaining components.

Step 2: Poach Eggs Perfectly

Fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.

Crack each egg into a small bowl. Create a gentle whirlpool in the water and carefully slide the eggs into the center.

Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain gloriously runny.

Step 3: Assemble Stunning Salad

Spread fresh salad greens across serving plates.

Artfully arrange delicate smoked salmon slices over the greens. Gently transfer the perfectly poached eggs onto the salmon.

Sprinkle with a touch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the vibrant lemon-dill dressing generously over the salad.

Serve immediately while the eggs are still warm and the dressing is fresh. Enjoy this elegant and light meal that combines smoky, creamy, and bright flavors in every bite.

Tips to Perfect Smoked Salmon Salad Every Time

• Master the poaching technique by maintaining a gentle simmer to prevent egg whites from breaking and creating a messy texture.
• Swap smoked salmon with grilled chicken or tofu for a protein alternative that suits different dietary preferences.
• Opt for fresh dill over dried herbs to enhance the dressing's bright, zesty flavor and aromatic quality.
• Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, giving you a quick sauce for future salads.
• Choose mixed greens with varying textures like arugula or baby spinach to add complexity and nutritional value to the salad base.

Variations to Switch Up Smoked Salmon Salad

• Vegan Salmon Alternative: Replace smoked salmon with marinated carrots or tempeh strips seasoned with nori for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Remix: Swap traditional greens with quinoa base, use gluten-free smoked salmon, and add roasted cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute salad greens with mixed spinach and arugula, add grilled chicken instead of salmon, keep the lemon-dill dressing for a lighter meal.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use baby spinach as base, replace poached eggs with soft-boiled eggs, incorporate avocado slices, and maintain the original lemon-dill dressing for a high-fat, low-carb adaptation.

Pairings That Match Smoked Salmon Salad

• Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the delicate smoked salmon and bright lemon-dill dressing, cutting through the richness while highlighting the seafood's subtle smoky notes.
• Serve with toasted sourdough bread or rustic whole grain crackers to add a satisfying crunch that balances the soft poached eggs and tender salmon.
• Garnish with fresh dill sprigs or chives to echo the dressing's herbal profile and provide an extra layer of aromatic freshness to the salad.
• Include a small side of cucumber salad dressed with light vinaigrette to refresh the palate between bites and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage Guidelines for Smoked Salmon Salad

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep dressing, eggs, salmon, and greens in different sealed containers to maintain freshness for up to 2 days.
• Egg Handling: Poached eggs don't keep well, so consume immediately. If needed, quickly reheat refrigerated eggs in warm water for 30 seconds to restore texture.
• Salmon Storage: Wrap smoked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or place in a sealed container. Consume within 3 days for best quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Dressing Preservation: Transfer lemon-dill dressing to a glass jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, shaking well before each use to remix separated ingredients.

Smoked Salmon Salad With A Lemon-Dill Dressing Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 14 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Delightful smoked salmon salad with a lemon-dill dressing showcases fresh ingredients from Nordic coastal regions. Crisp greens, delicate fish, and tangy dressing create perfect harmony for light summer dining.

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Ingredients

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• 4 oz (113 g) smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 4 cups (960 ml) baby chard, baby kale, baby spinach, or other greens
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 ml) fresh dill, chopped
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set the lemon-dill dressing aside.
2. Fill a saucepan with water about 3 inches deep and heat until small bubbles form around the edges, maintaining a gentle simmer.
3. Carefully crack each egg into a separate small bowl to prepare for poaching.
4. Gently slide eggs into the simmering water, ensuring they remain separate. Cook for approximately 4 minutes until egg whites are set but yolks remain soft.
5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer poached eggs to a paper towel to drain excess water.
6. Divide salad greens evenly between two serving plates, creating a fresh base.
7. Layer smoked salmon slices across the greens, distributing them equally.
8. Delicately place one poached egg on top of each salad.
9. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper if desired.
10. Drizzle the prepared lemon-dill dressing over the salads just before serving to maintain the greens’ crisp texture.

Notes

• Master the poaching technique by maintaining a gentle simmer to prevent egg whites from breaking apart during cooking.
• Swap out traditional salmon for hot-smoked or cold-smoked varieties depending on personal flavor preference and texture desires.
• Choose fresh, high-quality dill and organic eggs to elevate the overall taste and nutritional profile of this elegant salad.
• Create a gluten-free and dairy-free version by using alternative greens like arugula or baby spinach and ensuring all ingredients meet dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 185 mg