Mediterranean Salmon Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with wholesome flavor, this Mediterranean Salmon Salad is your new best friend. It’s a delightful mix of wild-caught salmon, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a luscious dressing that brings the Mediterranean sunshine right to your plate. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious, making every bite feel like a little celebration of taste and health.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish’s perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role: from the tender salmon providing the savory base to the bright lemon juice lifting the salad’s freshness. These simple but essential ingredients come together effortlessly, making your kitchen fill with the aromas of the Mediterranean.

• 4 (6-oz) cans wild caught salmon (drained*): The star protein that makes this salad hearty and flavorful; wild caught ensures superior taste and texture.
• 1 large avocado (sliced): Adds creamy richness and a beautiful buttery texture that complements the salmon perfectly.
• 1/3 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Offers a sharp bite and crunch to balance the creamy ingredients.
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained): Delivers a sweet, tangy punch with a chewy texture that’s simply irresistible.
• ½ cup feta cheese: Brings a salty, crumbly element that enhances the Mediterranean vibes.
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: For that luscious, creamy dressing that ties all the flavors together smoothly.
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds zing and brightness that awakens the palate.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory depth without overpowering the salad.
• 1 tsp dried dill: A fragrant herb that complements fish beautifully and adds a burst of freshness.
• ½ tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Offers a mild heat that rounds out the seasoning.

How to Make Mediterranean Salmon Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon and Fresh Ingredients

Start by opening your cans of wild caught salmon and thoroughly draining any excess liquid; this step is essential to avoid a watery salad. Transfer the salmon to a large mixing bowl, then add the sliced avocado, thinly sliced red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful combination forms the vibrant base of your Mediterranean Salmon Salad.

Step 2: Mix in the Creamy Dressing

Next, add in the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, whichever you prefer for creaminess. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle on the garlic powder, dried dill, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gently fold everything together, aiming for a salad that’s creamy yet still flaky and chunky. This dressing not only binds the ingredients but also infuses every bite with bright, herbaceous flavor.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Taste your Mediterranean Salmon Salad to see if it needs a little extra salt or another splash of lemon juice. This final step lets you make it your own before serving. Once you’re happy with the seasoning, you’re ready to enjoy it straight away or move on to serving ideas.

How to Serve Mediterranean Salmon Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra dill on top adds an inviting pop of green and a refreshing aroma that complements the salad’s flavor profile beautifully. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for that extra citrus squeeze just before eating.

Side Dishes

This Mediterranean Salmon Salad shines alongside warm pita bread, crisp cucumber slices, or a bed of mixed greens. If you want something heartier, nearby roasted potatoes or a quinoa salad can round out your meal perfectly while keeping it light and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad inside crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for easy, flavorful lettuce wraps that are perfect for a no-fuss lunch. Alternatively, pile it generously between whole grain bread slices or inside a pita pocket for a delightful sandwich variation that carries the Mediterranean charm wherever you go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Mediterranean Salmon Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or snacks during busy weekdays.

Freezing

Because of the creamy dressing and avocado, freezing this salad is not recommended as it alters the texture and flavor negatively. To preserve freshness, it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored chilled for a few days instead.

Reheating

This salad tastes best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you want to warm up a meal, pair the salad with a hot side, such as grilled vegetables or warm bread.

FAQs

Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned for the Mediterranean Salmon Salad?

Absolutely! Fresh cooked salmon can be flaked and substituted for canned salmon. Just ensure it’s cooled before mixing with the other ingredients to maintain the texture and temperature balance of the salad.

What can I substitute for feta cheese if I’m lactose intolerant?

You can swap feta for a lactose-free cheese alternative or use olives for that salty punch. Nutritional yeast also adds a nice, cheesy flavor without dairy.

Is Greek yogurt better than mayonnaise in this salad?

Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangier dressing that’s lower in fat and adds a probiotic boost, while mayonnaise gives a richer, creamier texture. Both work wonderfully, so it depends on your preference and dietary goals.

How long will the Mediterranean Salmon Salad keep its best flavor?

For the freshest taste and texture, enjoy the salad within 2-3 days of preparation. The avocado may brown slightly, but adding a bit more lemon juice can help slow that down.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! Chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes would all be delicious additions, adding crunch and color without overpowering the classic Mediterranean flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Salmon Salad is one of those recipes that feels like a gift to your taste buds and your health. Rich, creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for when you want a dish that’s satisfying yet light. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every vibrant bite — trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved go-to in your recipe collection!

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