Description
This grilled salmon salad combines smoky, tender salmon with crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and a bright cilantro lime dressing for a fresh and satisfying meal. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or light dinner, it comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
5 cups baby arugula
3 small cucumbers, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 avocados, sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 garlic cloves
1/2 jalapeño
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Black pepper to taste
Additional olive oil for brushing the salmon
Instructions
- Blend the olive oil, lime juice, mayonnaise, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Brush the salmon fillets with a little olive oil and season with the remaining salt, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.
- Grill the salmon over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky.
- Toss the baby arugula, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with a small amount of the dressing in a large bowl.
- Gently fold in the avocado slices, toasted pumpkin seeds, and crumbled cotija cheese. Drizzle with additional dressing if desired.
- Top the salad with the warm grilled salmon, garnish with extra fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute mixed greens, spinach, or romaine for the arugula if desired.
Feta or queso fresco can be used instead of cotija cheese.
Add fresh corn or mango for extra sweetness.
Leave more jalapeño seeds or add crushed red pepper for extra heat.
Omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
Store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and add avocado just before serving.
Reheat the salmon gently before serving over the chilled salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad with 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
