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Celebration Salmon Salad with Yoghurt Ranch Dressing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 141 reviews

A vibrant and refreshing Celebration Salmon Salad featuring hot smoked salmon chunks, tangy pickled red onions, massaged kale, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy seasonal fruits, and a creamy Greek yoghurt-based Ranch dressing infused with fresh herbs. This recipe combines a delightful mix of textures and flavors perfect for a light lunch or festive gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Vegetables

  • 500g / 1 lb hot smoked salmon, store bought, any flavour
  • 1 small red onion, halved then finely sliced
  • 4 cups (packed) cos lettuce / romaine, torn or cut into bite size pieces
  • 4 cups (packed) kale, torn into bite size pieces
  • 1 small fennel, shaved (0.5 mm / 1/5″ thickness) or finely sliced
  • 1 handful snow pea sprouts (optional)

Pickling and Marinating

  • 1 cup (250 ml) apple cider vinegar (or sub white wine vinegar)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp white sugar
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

Yoghurt Ranch Dressing

  • 2 cups Greek yoghurt, full fat recommended
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp white sugar
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice

Fruit and Garnish

  • 2 pieces fruit – nectarines, peaches, grapefruit or blood oranges (choose ripe and juicy; sub normal oranges if needed)
  • 3/4 cup (75g) parmesan, shredded

Instructions

  1. Flake salmon: Use two forks to gently flake the hot smoked salmon into large chunks, preserving texture and avoiding mashing the fish.
  2. Make Dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yoghurt, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, fresh chives, fresh dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, white sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well and adjust olive oil and lemon juice proportions to taste. Let the dressing rest for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Pickle onions: Toss the thinly sliced red onion with apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tsp white sugar in a bowl. Set aside for at least one hour or until onions soften. For a quicker pickle, ensure onions are finely sliced. Drain onions before using.
  4. Marinate kale: Place torn kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Massage the kale with your fingers thoroughly to coat all leaves in oil and soften the greens. Let rest for 30 minutes or until tender.
  5. Prepare fruit: For nectarines or peaches, halve and finely slice. For grapefruit or blood oranges, segment carefully by removing membranes. Squeeze remaining juice from membrane and mix it into the yoghurt ranch dressing.
  6. Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine the torn cos lettuce, marinated kale, shaved fennel, and half (1/2 cup) of the pickled onions. Drizzle about 1 cup of the yoghurt ranch dressing and sprinkle 1/3 cup of shredded parmesan over. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  7. Layer salad on platter: Spread half of the dressed lettuce mixture onto a serving platter. Evenly scatter half of the flaked salmon chunks and half of the prepared fruit over the greens. Sprinkle some more pickled red onion on top.
  8. Top layers: Add the remaining half of the dressed lettuce, flaked salmon, fruit, and remaining pickled onion on top. You might not use all the onion.
  9. Final touches: Drizzle additional dressing over the top if desired (reserve extras to serve on the side). Scatter snow pea sprouts evenly and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
  10. Serve: Place the salad at the table and allow everyone to help themselves, enjoying the mix of smoky salmon, fresh herbs, juicy fruit, and creamy dressing.

Notes

  • Note 1: Use any flavour of hot smoked salmon according to preference, pre-cooked and ready to eat.
  • Note 2: Massaging kale tenderizes it, making it less bitter and easier to eat raw.
  • Note 3: Cos lettuce or romaine provides a crunchy, fresh base.
  • Note 4: Parmesan adds a salty, umami richness; substitute with another hard cheese if desired.

Keywords: smoked salmon salad, yoghurt ranch dressing, kale salad, pickled onions, healthy salad, summer salad, gluten free

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/celebration-salmon-salad-with-yoghurt-ranch-dressing-recipe/