Grilled Salmon Salad: The Easiest & BEST Recipe EVER

Name: Grilled Salmon Salad: The Easiest & BEST Recipe EVER
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin on or offn1 tablespoon olive oiln1 teaspoon smoked paprikan½ teaspoon garlic powdernSalt and black pepper to tasten6 cups mixed greensn1 cup cherry tomatoes, halvedn½ cup cucumber, slicedn¼ cup red onion, thinly slicedn½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)n3 tablespoons olive oiln2 tablespoons lemon juicen1 tablespoon Dijon mustardn1 teaspoon honey

January 17, 2026

By:

Navy

Grilled salmon salad is more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant memory. I still remember a sun drenched afternoon at my grandmother’s house, where she whipped up this refreshing salad using salmon my grandfather had just grilled. The smoky flavor of the salmon combined with the crisp greens and tangy dressing created a symphony of flavors that was simply unforgettable. Today, I’m sharing my version of this classic dish, a perfect balance of healthy and delicious. This grilled salmon salad is a dish that’s meant to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered.

Why You Will Love This grilled salmon salad Recipe

This recipe for grilled salmon salad is a weeknight winner; it’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The flaky, grilled salmon pairs beautifully with a medley of fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. I love that it’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. The recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily adapt to your preferences or dietary needs. If you love easy recipes then you might enjoy Grilled Salmon Pasta 2.

The beauty of this grilled salmon salad lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated cooking techniques involved, just a few simple steps that yield an incredibly satisfying dish. I find it incredibly comforting to know that I can have a restaurant quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The bright flavors make it an ideal dish for spring or summer, but I honestly enjoy it year round.

grilled salmon salad - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This grilled salmon salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious grilled salmon salad:

For the Salmon:

* 2 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin on or off * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 teaspoon smoked paprika * ½ teaspoon garlic powder * Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salad:

* 6 cups mixed greens * 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved * ½ cup cucumber, sliced * ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced * ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

* 3 tablespoons olive oil * 2 tablespoons lemon juice * 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard * 1 teaspoon honey * Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make This grilled salmon salad Recipe

1. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and brush with olive oil. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the preheated grill, skin side down if using skin on. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
3. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
5. Add the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, flake the salmon into bite sized pieces and add it to the salad.
6. Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. If desired, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy this wonderful Grilled Salmon Salad!

How to Serve This grilled salmon salad Recipe

This grilled salmon salad is perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Serve it on its own, alongside a crusty baguette, or with a side of quinoa or couscous. For a more substantial meal, add grilled asparagus or bell peppers to the salad.

Consider topping the salad with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for added crunch. A sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley would also add a burst of flavor. For a slightly Creamier dressing, consider adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the lemon vinaigrette.

Don’t forget the presentation! Arrange the salad artfully on a plate or in a bowl. A beautiful presentation can elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable. Give my favorite twist on summer cooking a try, Grilled Salmon Tacos.

How to Store This grilled salmon salad Recipe

To store leftover grilled salmon salad, separate the components. Store the grilled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad greens and vegetables in a separate container to prevent them from wilting. Store the lemon vinaigrette in a small jar or container in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, combine the salad greens, vegetables, and salmon. Drizzle with the lemon vinaigrette and toss gently. It’s best not to dress the entire salad in advance, as the greens will become soggy. Reheating the salmon is not recommended, as it can dry out.

The individual components are not suitable for freezing, as the salad greens will lose their texture and the salmon will become mushy.

Tips to Make This grilled salmon salad Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Aim for a slightly underdone center, as the salmon will continue to cook after it’s removed from the grill.
Use Fresh, High Quality Ingredients: This salad shines when made with fresh, high quality ingredients. Use ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Customize the Salad to Your Liking: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Other great additions include avocado, bell peppers, olives, or chickpeas.
Make the Vinaigrette in Advance:The lemon vinaigrette can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Helpful Notes for This grilled salmon salad Recipe

For the best flavor, use sustainably sourced salmon. Wild caught salmon tends to be leaner and more flavorful than farmed salmon. However, both types work well in this recipe. Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the salmon. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute regular paprika or omit it altogether.

If you don’t have a grill, you can pan sear the salmon in a skillet or bake it in the oven. To bake the salmon, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

Variation of This grilled salmon salad Recipe

Spicy Grilled Salmon Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon vinaigrette or use a spicy seasoning blend on the salmon.
Mediterranean Grilled Salmon Salad: Add kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to the salad. Use a Greek vinaigrette instead of the lemon vinaigrette.
Asian Inspired Grilled Salmon Salad: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to marinate the salmon. Add shredded carrots, edamame, and toasted sesame seeds to the salad. Drizzle with a sesame ginger dressing.
Avocado Grilled Salmon Salad: Add diced avocado to the salad for a creamy, healthy fat boost. The avocado complements the salmon and adds a luxurious texture.

How do you prevent salmon from sticking to the grill?

Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before placing the salmon on them. You can also use a grill pan or aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

What are some good salad dressing options for grilled salmon salad?

Vinaigrette-based dressings, such as lemon vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, or honey-mustard vinaigrette, pair well with grilled salmon. A creamy dill dressing is also a delicious option.

Can I use frozen salmon for grilled salmon salad?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before grilling. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better grilling results.

What other vegetables can be added to a grilled salmon salad?

Consider adding ingredients like avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions to enhance the flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley also complement the salmon beautifully.

Conclusion

This grilled salmon salad is a delightful and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. From the flavorful grilled salmon to the fresh, crisp vegetables and zesty lemon vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with flavor. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. Give this incredible recipe an attempt! Let me know if you have any comments or questions in the comments below.