Herbed Greek Salmon Salad

Why You’ll Love This Greek Salmon Salad

Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Greek Salmon Salad is designed to delight both your taste buds and your body. Fresh vegetables like crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy Roma tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion are tossed with savory Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. The magic truly happens when these vibrant ingredients are coated in a zesty, quick homemade Greek dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that perfectly complements the star of the dish: tender, flaky pan-seared salmon.

This isn’t just a salad; it’s a complete, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s an ideal choice for a light lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even impressive enough to serve guests. For those who prefer different cooking methods, you could also use my succulent Parmesan Crusted Salmon, baked in the oven or air fryer, offering a delightful crunchy texture. Both preparations are incredibly easy and have become my go-to salmon recipes lately!

The Health Benefits of a Mediterranean-Inspired Meal

Embracing the Mediterranean diet is renowned for its numerous health advantages, and this Greek Salmon Salad is a perfect example. Salmon is a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. It’s also an excellent source of lean protein, keeping you feeling full and energized. The array of fresh vegetables provides a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, supporting digestion and overall well-being. Olive oil, a cornerstone of the Greek dressing, contributes healthy monounsaturated fats. This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s a smart choice for a balanced and nourishing lifestyle.

Ingredients for Your Greek Salmon Salad

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable Greek Salmon Salad. Opt for the freshest produce available to ensure the most vibrant flavors and crisp textures. Here’s your comprehensive shopping list:

For the Salmon:

• 8 oz Salmon Fillet: Preferably skinless, or skin removed after cooking.
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: For searing the salmon.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: To season the salmon.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground for best flavor.

For the Greek Salad Base:

• 4 cups Chopped Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp and refreshing base.
• 3 Roma Tomatoes: Diced, for a sweet and juicy burst.
• ½ cup Sliced Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, tangy crunch.
• 1 cup Chopped Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully for their crispness.
• ½ cup Olives: Sliced Kalamata olives are ideal for their distinctive salty, briny flavor.
• ⅓ cup Feta Cheese: Crumbled, adds a creamy, salty tang that defines Greek salads.

For the Homemade Greek Dressing:

A homemade dressing elevates this salad to another level. It’s incredibly easy to make and far superior to store-bought options.

• ¼ cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor.
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and tang.
• 1 tablespoon Honey: Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is best, or ½ teaspoon garlic powder for convenience.
• ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano: The quintessential Greek herb.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: To enhance all the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper.
• ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Acts as an emulsifier and adds a subtle sharpness.

How to Make Greek Salmon Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this satisfying Greek Salmon Salad is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time.

1. Prepare the Salmon: Begin by patting your salmon fillet dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a crispy skin (if you keep it on) and a beautiful sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. A cast-iron skillet is highly recommended for achieving a perfect crust. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the salmon fillet skin-side down (if applicable). Sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillet and your desired level of doneness. The salmon should be cooked through, flaking easily with a fork, but still moist. Remove from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before flaking or slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful fish.
3. Prepare the Salad Vegetables: While the salmon is cooking and resting, prepare your vegetables. Chop the Romaine lettuce, dice the Roma tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the cucumber. Combine all these fresh vegetables with the sliced olives and crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
4. Whisk the Greek Dressing: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid (or a small bowl), combine all the dressing ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic (or garlic powder), dried oregano, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. If using a bowl, whisk thoroughly until smooth.
5. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, pour the freshly prepared Greek dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated. Divide the dressed salad among serving plates and top each portion with the perfectly cooked salmon. You can flake the salmon over the salad or slice it into appealing pieces.

Tips for the Best Greek Salmon Salad

• Quality Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better your salad will taste. Look for vibrant, crisp lettuce, firm tomatoes, and fresh salmon.
• Don’t Overcook Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly. Overcooking can lead to dry, less flavorful fish. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-cooked salmon, or when it flakes easily.
• Rest the Salmon: Always allow your salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
• Make Dressing Ahead: The homemade Greek dressing can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a good shake before using.
• Chill Your Salad Bowl: For an extra crisp salad, chill your serving bowl in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before assembling.

Storing Your Greek Salmon Salad

This Greek Salmon Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. To maintain the crispness of your salad and prevent it from becoming soggy, I highly recommend keeping the dressing separate and drizzling it over each serving just before eating. Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container separately from the undressed salad mix. This approach ensures that your salad remains fresh and delicious for subsequent meals, making it a great option for meal prepping throughout the week.

The Homemade Greek Dressing: A Flavor Essential

The dressing is truly what ties all the wonderful flavors of this Greek Salmon Salad together. Our quick homemade Greek dressing is a simple yet powerful blend of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. In a small jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice for a bright tang, a touch of honey to balance the acidity, pungent minced garlic, classic dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a dab of Dijon mustard for emulsification and a subtle kick. Whisk or shake these ingredients well until thoroughly combined and emulsified. This dressing is not only perfect for this salmon salad but also versatile enough for other salads or as a marinade. Its fresh, herbaceous, and tangy profile perfectly complements the richness of the salmon and the crispness of the vegetables.

More Delicious Salad Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of fresh, flavorful salads, you’ll love these other recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Each offers a unique blend of ingredients and flavors to keep your mealtime exciting:

• Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Quinoa Salad: A hearty and wholesome vegetarian option.
• Easy Broccoli Salad: A creamy, crunchy classic that’s surprisingly simple to make.
• Avocado Tuna Salad: A creamy, protein-packed favorite for a quick lunch.
• Chicken Cobb Salad: A timeless American classic, loaded with fresh ingredients.

For even more culinary inspiration, feel free to browse our dedicated salad category, where you’ll find a wide array of recipes to suit every taste and dietary preference.

Greek Salmon Salad Recipe

This Greek Salmon Salad is packed with fresh veggies and served with pan-seared salmon. Crisp Romaine lettuce, Roma tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, and a quick homemade Greek dressing are perfect with fish!

Author: Anna

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 674 kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 oz. salmon (skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
• 3 Roma tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced red onion
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• ½ cup olives (sliced)
• ⅓ cup feta cheese

For the Greek Dressing:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Season salmon on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan (cast iron is recommended) over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through and flakes easily. Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped Romaine lettuce, diced Roma tomatoes, chopped cucumber, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. In a small jar, whisk together ¼ cup olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Shake well until emulsified. Pour over the salad mixture.
5. Serve the dressed salad with the cooked salmon on top.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 674 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 490mg | Potassium: 1157mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 9295IU | Vitamin C: 27.9mg | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 2.9mg

Have you tried this delicious Greek Salmon Salad recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment and rating below to share your experience.