Perfectly Balanced Salmon Salad Recipe

Serving Size: 4 servings Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Salmon salad is a delightful dish that combines the rich, flaky texture of salmon with fresh vegetables and tangy dressing. This recipe offers a balance between flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal.

• Main ingredient: Fresh Salmon
• Accompaniments: Cucumber, Red Onion, Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes
• Topping: Lemon Wedges for Garnish
• Dressing: Olive Oil and Lemon Juice

Ingredients

For the salmon salad, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced into small cubes
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced and then finely chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered depending on their size
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions for the Perfect Salmon Salad Recipe

To start making your salmon salad, first prepare the dressing by mixing half a lemon's juice with two tablespoons of olive oil in a small bowl. If desired, add some zest from one lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

Next, place the chopped cucumber and red onion into a mixing bowl along with the cubed avocado. Toss these together gently to combine. Season this mixture lightly with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.

1. Cook the salmon fillets in a pan or on the grill until they are fully cooked but still moist inside, about 10-12 minutes depending on their thickness. If grilling outside, ensure it's done at medium heat for best results.
2. Once done, allow the fish to cool slightly before breaking it apart into smaller flakes with a fork or two spoons. Add these flaked pieces of salmon into your prepared vegetable mixture and toss everything together thoroughly so all components are well combined.
3. Drizzle over the lemon-olive oil dressing that you prepared earlier until the salad looks nicely glazed but not overly saturated. Adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Tips for Success:

• Ensure your salmon is fresh; there should be no signs of discoloration.
• To prevent the avocado from turning brown after being cut open, cover it with lemon juice right away.
• For optimal flavor distribution throughout the dish, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together effectively.

Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional value may vary slightly based on individual ingredients used but here’s an approximation per serving:

• Calories: Approximately around 350 kcal
• Fat: ~18g
• Protein: ~24g
• Sodium: ~75mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~9g

This recipe not only provides a delicious taste experience but also offers several health benefits. Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids which support heart health, while avocados contribute good fats along with fiber and vitamins. Together with the vegetables included here, you get plenty of essential nutrients packed into one meal.

Salmon salad is versatile enough to serve at various occasions from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties. It pairs wonderfully well with whole grain bread or crackers as part of a platter setting, adding variety to your table offerings.

Conclusion

A perfect salmon salad recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with essential nutrients. Its simplicity makes it accessible even for beginners in cooking while still delivering exquisite results every time you prepare it. Try out this versatile dish and see how easily you can elevate your everyday meals!