If you’re looking for a meal that’s as gorgeous as it is nourishing, this Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe is going to sweep you off your feet! Picture juicy, smoky salmon nestled over crisp greens and tossed with bright veggies, creamy avocado, briny feta, and a zippy lemon dressing. It strikes that perfect balance between fresh and indulgent, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner, an elegant weekend lunch, or a show-stopping centerpiece for entertaining. Every bite feels like a celebration of wholesome flavors and Mediterranean sunshine!

Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role, lending color, texture, and irresistible flavor. With just a handful of fresh additions and a quick pantry dressing, you’ll have a salad that tastes like it came straight from a seaside café.

Salmon fillets (4, about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh, bright fillets for a buttery texture and that classic, rich flavor the salad is built on.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons for dressing): Adds luscious moisture to the salmon and richness to the dressing.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Lends mellow, savory warmth to each bite of salmon.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses the salmon with a subtle smokiness and a pop of color.
Salt (½ teaspoon + to taste): Brightens and balances the flavors throughout the salad and dressing.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon + to taste): A gentle kick that brings freshness and depth to the dish.
Mixed greens (6 cups): The tender, leafy base; use a blend like arugula, spinach, and romaine for variety.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy, sweet morsels that add both color and a burst of flavor.
Avocado (1, sliced): Creamy slices for that irresistibly silky element.
Red onion (½ cup, thinly sliced): A zesty, crisp touch that brightens up the whole bowl.
Cucumber (½ cup, sliced): Cool, crunchy rounds for extra freshness.
Feta cheese (¼ cup, crumbled): Salty, tangy crumbles that tie everything together.
Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): The key to a vibrant, lively dressing.
Salt and pepper (for dressing, to taste): Adjust seasoning to perfection right before serving.

How to Make Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This is the secret to perfectly cooked salmon that’s caramelized on the outside and fork-tender within. While the grill heats up, gather all your ingredients—this makes the whole process smooth and speedy!

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry and rub them all over with one tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic spice blend creates a golden crust as the salmon grills, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the hot grill. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side, then flip gently and cook for another 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for the fish to turn opaque and easily flake with a fork. The aroma at this stage is downright mouthwatering! Set the cooked salmon aside to cool slightly so it keeps its shape in the salad.

Step 4: Build the Salad Base

While the salmon is cooling, grab your largest salad bowl and add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, red onion, cucumber, and crumbled feta. Don’t be afraid to use your hands and gently toss everything together—this helps distribute all those vibrant textures for every forkful.

Step 5: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, those extra two tablespoons of olive oil, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple dressing lets the ingredients shine, adding just enough zing to tie it all together.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Flake the slightly cooled salmon with a fork (or slice into large pieces if you prefer) and nestle it over your salad base. Drizzle the dressing over everything, and give it a gentle toss. Your Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe is ready to impress—serve right away to enjoy the freshest flavors!

How to Serve Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe with a flourish! A sprinkle of extra feta, a pinch of fresh dill or parsley, a twist of black pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon all work wonders. These little touches add both beauty and even more flavor, transforming your salad into a café-worthy masterpiece.

Side Dishes

While this salad is a stand-alone star, pairing it with a warm baguette, roasted sweet potatoes, or a bowl of quinoa makes for a heartier meal. If you’re serving a crowd, consider adding a simple chilled soup or a platter of marinated olives to keep the Mediterranean vibe going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad deconstructed on a large platter, allowing guests to build their own plates—perfect for entertaining! For lunchboxes or meal prep, layer everything in a mason jar (salmon and dressing on the bottom, greens on top) for a beautiful, portable option. Even mini appetizer cups or lettuce wraps transform this Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe into a party-friendly small bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad will keep beautifully for a day, but keep in mind the greens and avocado are best enjoyed fresh. Tip: If possible, store the dressing separately and add just before eating to keep everything crisp.

Freezing

This Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing as a whole, but you can absolutely freeze extra grilled salmon. Cool cooked salmon completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before adding to fresh salad fixings for a quick, next-level lunch.

Reheating

If you prefer your salmon warm, gently reheat the fish in a skillet over low heat or give it a quick zap in the microwave. Just be sure not to overheat, as salmon dries out quickly. Add to the salad right at serving time for the best texture and taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Salad

Absolutely! While salmon brings a rich, buttery flavor, you can swap in grilled shrimp, chicken, or even a flaky white fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust grill times as needed and follow the same seasoning and assembly steps.

Is there a way to make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Simply leave out the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative or a sprinkling of roasted sunflower seeds for crunch and extra nutrition.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For the juiciest results, try to cook it until the internal temperature reaches about 125-130°F (medium-rare to medium). It will continue to cook a bit as it rests.

Can I prepare parts of this Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The salmon can be grilled a day in advance and stored in the fridge, and veggies can be washed and sliced ahead of time. Assemble just before serving so the greens stay crisp and the flavors pop.

What are some fun additions or swaps for this salad?

Get creative! Toss in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber, or try roasted sweet potato cubes, sunflower seeds, or pickled onions for different textures and flavors. The Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe is endlessly adaptable to your favorite tastes!

Final Thoughts

Fresh, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying, this Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe is the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, give it a try and let those bold Mediterranean flavors brighten your table. You’re sure to fall in love with every colorful, wholesome forkful!

Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Grilled Salmon Salad Recipe is a healthy and flavorful dish perfect for a light meal. Grilled salmon tops a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and feta cheese, drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

6 cups mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, sliced
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
½ cup cucumber, sliced
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill the Salmon: Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cucumber, and feta.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Assemble the Salad: Flake or slice the grilled salmon and place on top of the salad. Drizzle with dressing and serve.