This salad is a delicious way to recover after heavy meals, much like my detox soup. Plus, it stores as easily as my favorite layered salad, so I always have a healthy choice on hand — and it comes together fast!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for smoked salmon with lemon vinaigrette dressing, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Salad:
Sweet Kale Salad Mix – I like to buy a sweet kale salad kit and remove the add-ins it comes with, but you can use any salad mix you like, or just one type of leafy greens, such as baby spinach, arugula, or kale. You can also make your own by combining kale, green cabbage, red cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and chicory. Smoked Salmon – Buy cold smoked salmon, or use homemade lox. You could also use oven baked salmon or blackened salmon instead (use leftovers or make it for the salad). Blueberries – For a burst of sweetness and antioxidants. Other berries, including homemade sugar-free dried cranberries, would taste delicious here. Pistachios – Add subtle crunch. You could also use walnuts or pecans, or sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for nut-free options. Avocado – Cube into bite-sized pieces.
Smoked Salmon Salad Dressing:
Mayonnaise – I make my own homemade mayo with avocado oil, but you can use your favorite store-bought version, too. The dressing does not contain any salt because I found the mayo to provide enough, but you can add it to taste if needed. Olive Oil – This recipe uses extra virgin olive oil, but you could also use any vegetable oil or salad oil you prefer. Lemon Juice – Squeeze fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, or use bottled for convenience. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar make good substitutes if needed. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing if you like. Garlic Powder – Use a high quality garlic powder for the best flavor. Honey – For natural sweetness. I usually make mine with sugar-free honey, but regular works as well. You can also use powdered sugar if your lifestyle allows, or any powdered sugar substitute you like. Granulated sweeteners might be a little grainy in a dressing, so just keep that in mind. Poppy Seeds – Optional, but they add a nice savory and nutty flavor to the dressing. If you omit them, I recommend at least adding black pepper.
How To Make Smoked Salmon Salad
This section shows how to make a smoked salmon avocado salad, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card. Add other mix-ins of your choice such as leftover baked sweet potatoes, diced cucumbers or tomatoes, chopped cherries, green or red onions, hard boiled eggs, crumbled goat cheese, or fresh herbs, like fresh dill.
Storage Instructions
Place smoked salmon salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If possible, avoid adding the avocado and pistachios until right before eating, as the avocado will brown and nuts can lose their crunchy texture if stored with the dressing. If making the salad ahead, store the dressing separately.
More Easy Healthy Salad Recipes
Skip boring bowls of lettuce and try these recipes when you need new salad inspiration! Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info is based on sugar-free honey, but you can use regular. Sugar content will be a little higher.
