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Flaky Salmon Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

This Flaky Salmon Salad is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Oven-baked salmon is seasoned with smoked paprika, then flaked and mixed with fresh vegetables and herbs like radishes, celery, dill, and chives. A zesty lemon-mustard mayonnaise dressing brings everything together for a creamy and tangy finish. Serve chilled on its own, with butter lettuce, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon:

  • 1 ¼ pounds salmon filet
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ lemon (zested and juiced, about ½ tablespoon zest and 1 ½ tablespoons juice)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Salad Mix:

  • ½ small red onion, finely diced
  • 3 large radishes, grated
  • 2 stalks celery, small diced
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon filet on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Bake the salmon: Bake the seasoned salmon for 16 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Flake the salmon: Once cooled, use a fork to flake the salmon into bite-sized chunks. Transfer the flaked salmon into a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up.
  4. Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the red onion, grate the radishes, dice the celery, and finely chop the fresh dill and chives. Add all the vegetables and herbs to the chilled salmon bowl.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and well combined.
  6. Combine the salad: Pour the dressing over the salmon and vegetable mixture. Gently stir everything together to coat evenly without breaking up the salmon too much.
  7. Serve: Serve the salmon salad chilled, straight from the bowl, or use it as a filling for butter lettuce leaves, sandwiches, or wraps for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste in the dressing.
  • This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Serving the salad chilled enhances the flavors and texture.
  • Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American