What are the benefits of salmon salad?

A salmon salad offers a powerhouse of nutrients while delivering bold flavor. Hot smoked salmon provides protein to keep you full and energized, while omega-3 fatty acids support heart and brain health. Paired with greens, fruits, and a yogurt-based dressing, the Celebration Salmon Salad becomes a balanced dish loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s both satisfying and nourishing, making it an excellent choice for festive meals and everyday dining alike.

What goes in a salmon salad?

A well-made salmon salad combines protein, fresh greens, and a flavorful dressing. In this recipe, the key components include hot smoked salmon, marinated kale, romaine, fennel, and pickled onions. Seasonal fruits like peaches, nectarines, or grapefruit add natural sweetness, while Parmesan cheese brings a savory edge. The yogurt ranch dressing ties everything together with creaminess and tang. These layers create a salad that feels fresh, filling, and truly celebratory.

What to have with a salmon salad?

Pairing salmon salad with complementary dishes ensures a balanced meal. A fresh baguette, roasted potatoes, or even a light soup can round out the menu. If you’re hosting, pair it with another colorful option like the Hawaiian Chicken Salad for a tropical touch or serve it alongside grilled vegetables for extra variety. For drinks, crisp wines or citrus-infused sparkling water enhance the freshness of the salad without overpowering the flavors.

How do you serve salmon?

Salmon can be served in many ways depending on the occasion. In salads like this one, flaking hot smoked salmon into chunks ensures it blends well with greens and dressing. For main courses, salmon is often baked, grilled, or pan-seared. When using it in a salad, serving it layered across greens with vibrant garnishes makes it both beautiful and approachable. The Celebration Salmon Salad captures this perfectly, offering a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Celebration Salmon Salad – 1 Remarkable Festive Recipe

Description

Celebration Salmon Salad, a fresh festive dish with smoky salmon, creamy yogurt ranch, and seasonal fruit, perfect for holidays.

Ingredients

For the Salad:
- 1 lb hot smoked salmon, flaked into chunks
- 10 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 4 cups kale, torn and massaged
- 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 handful snow pea sprouts (optional)
- 2 ripe fruits (such as nectarines, peaches, or oranges), sliced or segmented
- ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
For the Pickled Onions:
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp white sugar
For the Creamy Herb Yogurt Dressing:
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
- ½ tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper
- 1½ tsp white sugar
For the Kale Marinade:
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Pickle the Onion: Combine sliced red onion, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Let sit for at least 1 hour, then drain.
Prepare the Kale: Add kale to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Massage the leaves for a few minutes until softened. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Adjust lemon juice or oil to taste. Let sit for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
Slice the Fruit: Halve and slice nectarines or peaches, or segment citrus. Save any citrus juice and mix into the dressing if desired.
Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine romaine, kale, fennel, and half of the pickled onion. Add 1 cup of the dressing and ⅓ cup of parmesan. Toss to coat evenly.
Layer the Salad: On a serving platter, spread half the salad mixture. Top with half the flaked salmon and fruit. Scatter with more red onion.
Finish: Add the remaining salad mixture, salmon, fruit, and onion. Drizzle with more dressing (reserve any extra for serving). Top with snow pea sprouts and remaining parmesan.
Serve: Present on a large platter and let guests serve themselves.