Creamy Greek Salmon Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Greek Salmon Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines tender, baked salmon with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt-tahini dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it’s packed with Mediterranean flavors and simple to prepare.

A large white plate holds a fresh salad with several layers: the base is a mix of bright green romaine and spinach leaves with varying textures from smooth to slightly wrinkled. On top, there are slices of light green cucumber with a fresh, moist look, and halved cherry tomatoes showing their deep red juicy interior. Scattered on the salad are chunks of pink cooked salmon seasoned with herbs, pieces of creamy white feta cheese, and dark purple olive halves. Thin, curled slices of pickled red onions add a translucent pink hue, while slices of avocado with a smooth pale green surface rest on the salad. White creamy dressing is dolloped unevenly across the top, and small sprigs of fresh green dill are sprinkled throughout. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. salmon
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. tahini
  • 1 head of romaine, coarsely chopped
  • 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
  • 5 oz. baby spinach
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted, halved
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onions
  • Finely chopped fresh dill and lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a small baking sheet with foil and place the salmon on it. Season the salmon with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the finely chopped garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and extra-virgin olive oil. Pour this mixture evenly over the salmon.
  3. Step 3: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven until it is fork-tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (about 35 minutes).
  4. Step 4: While the salmon bakes, whisk together the Greek yogurt and tahini in a small bowl to make the dressing. Set aside.
  5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: When the salmon is done, flake it into large pieces using a fork and arrange on top of the dressed salad.
  7. Step 7: Add the sliced avocado, crumbled feta, and pickled red onions over the salad. Sprinkle with extra fresh dill and serve with the yogurt-tahini dressing and lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra brightness, add a splash of red wine vinegar to the dressing.
  • Swap the romaine for mixed greens or baby kale to change the texture.
  • Use fresh dill generously to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
  • If you prefer, grill the salmon instead of baking for a smoky taste.

Storage

Store any leftover salad and salmon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing chilled and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh. Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or eat cold for best texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a fresh salad arranged in many layers. The base layer is bright green lettuce and dark green spinach leaves spread across the plate. On top, there are pale pink slices of salmon scattered unevenly, garnished with small dill sprigs. Thin slices of light green cucumber and pale green avocado are placed around and between the salmon. Cherry tomato halves add bright red spots, while black olive halves provide dark contrast. Thinly sliced pink pickled onions and small chunks of white feta cheese are sprinkled throughout the salad. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and to the side is a small white bowl filled with a creamy dressing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, this salad works well with other firm fish like cod or trout. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the fish is cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for make-ahead meals?

You can prepare the salad components and dressing ahead of time and bake the salmon just before serving. Assemble everything fresh to maintain crispness and flavor.

Print

Creamy Greek Salmon Salad Recipe

This Creamy Greek Salmon Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish featuring perfectly baked salmon seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, served atop a crisp and colorful bed of romaine, spinach, cucumbers, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. Enhanced with creamy Greek yogurt and tahini dressing, and finished with sliced avocado, crumbled feta, and pickled red onions, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and Mediterranean goodness – ideal for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 1 lb. salmon
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. tahini

Salad

  • 1 head romaine, coarsely chopped
  • 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
  • 5 oz. baby spinach
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup pickled red onions
  • Finely chopped fresh dill and lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon on a small foil-lined baking sheet. Season the salmon generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to enhance flavor and add subtle heat.
  3. Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice from half a lemon, finely chopped fresh dill, and extra-virgin olive oil. Pour this aromatic mixture over the salmon to infuse it with bright, herbaceous flavors.
  4. Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven until fork-tender and cooked through, about 35 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; it should register 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fish.
  5. Prepare Dressing: While the salmon bakes, mix the plain full-fat Greek yogurt with the tahini in a small bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a rich, tangy dressing that complements the salad ingredients.
  6. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the coarsely chopped romaine, thinly sliced Persian cucumber, thinly sliced red bell pepper, baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and pitted Kalamata olives until well combined and evenly distributed.
  7. Assemble Salad: Once the salmon is cooked and slightly cooled, use a fork to break it into large, bite-sized pieces. Arrange the salmon chunks on top of the tossed salad greens and vegetables.
  8. Add Garnishes: Top the salad with thin slices of avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and pickled red onions to add creamy texture, salty tang, and vibrant color.
  9. Serve: Garnish the entire salad with additional finely chopped fresh dill and serve with lemon wedges and the prepared yogurt-tahini dressing on the side for guests to drizzle as desired.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
  • Use fresh dill for a more vibrant flavor; dried dill will be less potent.
  • Pickled red onions can be made ahead or bought to save time.
  • This salad can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on preference.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and omit feta cheese.
  • Leftover salad components can be stored separately for up to 2 days, but avocado is best added fresh to avoid browning.

Keywords: Greek salmon salad, baked salmon salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salmon recipe, yogurt tahini dressing, fresh dill salad, feta avocado salad

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