One Pot Salmon Salad: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner

One pot salmon salad is the surprisingly delightful meal that's about to become your weeknight superhero. Picture this: flaky, tender salmon, perfectly cooked grains, and vibrant vegetables, all simmered together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a dish born from a busy evening and a craving for something healthy and satisfying.

Growing up, my grandmother always had a knack for whipping up incredible meals with whatever was on hand. This one pot salmon salad is my modern take on that resourcefulness and a tribute to her amazing cooking. It’s simple, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. This one pot salmon salad is ideal whether you're cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, I guarantee your taste buds won't be disappointed!

Why You Will Love This one pot salmon salad Recipe

This one pot salmon salad recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights. It's comforting, quick, and bursting with flavor. Imagine coming home after a long day and knowing dinner is just 30 minutes away, and all you need to wash is one pot!

What makes this recipe truly special is the way the salmon infuses the entire dish with its rich, savory flavor. The grains absorb all that goodness, and the vegetables add a delightful freshness and crunch. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable you can swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. If you like meals like this, check out my recipe for One Pot Turkey Stew.

I remember the first time I made this for a friend who claimed they didn't like salmon. By the end of the meal, they were scraping the bottom of the pot, and I knew I had a winner. It's that kind of recipe, the one that converts even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients Needed for This one pot salmon salad Recipe

Here’s what you'll need to create this delicious one pot salmon salad. I suggest measuring out all the ingredients beforehand for a smoother cooking experience.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (or rice)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: Lemon wedges, extra dill, crumbled feta cheese

How to Make This one pot salmon salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your own flavorful one pot salmon salad. It’s a breeze to make, even for beginner cooks!

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the quinoa (or rice) and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

4. Gently nestle the salmon pieces into the pot with the quinoa. Cover and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Stir in the frozen peas, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the peas are heated through and everything is nicely combined.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges, extra dill, or crumbled feta cheese, if desired. It's a hearty and flavorful meal all in one pot! If you want another easy meal in a hurry, check out One Pot Turkey Tacos.

How to Serve This one pot salmon salad Recipe

This one pot salmon salad is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the experience with a few simple serving tips and pairings.

For a refreshing twist, serve it with a side of sliced avocado and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. The creamy avocado complements the richness of the salmon, and the yogurt adds a tangy coolness.

Consider plating it on a bed of fresh spinach or mixed greens for added nutrients and visual appeal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle kick of heat. Alternatively, you can try it with this One Pot Beef Casserole to change it up!.

How to Store This one pot salmon salad Recipe

Proper storage ensures your leftover one pot salmon salad stays fresh and delicious.

To refrigerate, let the salad cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't recommended, as the salmon and cooked grains can become mushy upon thawing. Reheating is best done in a microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Tips to Make This one pot salmon salad Recipe

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your one pot salmon salad turns out perfectly every time:

One essential tip is to avoid overcooking the salmon. It should be just cooked through and still slightly moist. Overcooked salmon can be dry and tough.

Feel free to substitute the quinoa with your favorite grain, such as rice or couscous. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the grain is fully cooked.

If you don't have fresh dill, dried dill can be used, but use about half the amount as the flavor is more concentrated.

Helpful Notes for This one pot salmon salad Recipe

A few extra notes to keep in mind as you cook:

The vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth for a richer flavor. I prefer vegetable broth to keep it light and fresh.

Ensure the salmon is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. If using frozen peas, there's no need to thaw them beforehand they'll cook quickly in the hot pot.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the garlic and onion.

Variation of This one pot salmon salad Recipe

Here's some variety for the recipe.

For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted butternut squash in the fall or asparagus in the spring. These vegetables complement the salmon beautifully and add a different flavor dimension.

If you want to make it vegetarian, substitute the salmon with canned chickpeas or white beans for added protein and fiber.

You can also experiment with different herbs, such as parsley, chives, or tarragon, to change up the flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

One Pot Salmon Salad: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner

This one pot salmon salad is a complete meal packed with flavor and nutrients. Flaky salmon, quinoa, and vegetables all cook together in one pot for easy cleanup.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 18g

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: Lemon wedges, extra dill, crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
4. Gently nestle the salmon pieces into the pot with the quinoa. Cover and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Stir in the frozen peas, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, until the peas are heated through and everything is nicely combined.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges, extra dill, or crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the garlic and onion.
• You can substitute the quinoa with brown rice. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• For best results, use fresh dill. If using dried, use half the amount.