Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad

Imagine crisp cucumber slices layered with silky smoked salmon, all tossed in a light, refreshing dressing that brings everything together beautifully.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels elegant, fresh, and effortless all at once.

As the flavors mingle and the textures balance each other perfectly, you’ll see how easy it is to craft a salad that’s both simple and stunning.

Let’s get started on this refreshing Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad.

Kitchen Tools Required

  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef’s knife
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Measuring cup
  • 1 Measuring spoon
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients

  • 200 grams Smoked salmon, thinly sliced
  • 2 Medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Capers, rinsed and drained

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad, you can follow this timeline:

  1. Reading Instructions and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
    • Start by reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients needed.
    • Gather all the ingredients and equipment listed in the recipe.
  2. Preparation (10 minutes):
    • Slice the cucumbers, red onion, and smoked salmon as instructed. This step will take the majority of your prep time.
    • Chop the fresh dill.
  3. Mixing and Dressing (5 minutes):
    • Place the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and smoked salmon into the mixing bowl.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
    • Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the mixing bowl.
    • Add the chopped dill and capers.
    • Gently toss everything together until well combined.
  4. Serving or Refrigeration (Optional, up to 30 minutes):
    • The salad can be served immediately.
    • Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes if desired, which allows the flavors to meld.

Recipe Instructions

Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl.

Add the sliced red onion and smoked salmon to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Pour the dressing over the cucumber, onion, and salmon mixture.

Add the chopped dill and capers to the bowl.

Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
  • Chilled White Wine: Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for a rejuvenating complement.
  • Avocado Slices: Add a few slices of ripe avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
  • Mixed Greens: Place the salad over a bed of mixed greens for added texture and volume.
  • Boiled Baby Potatoes: Serve alongside boiled baby potatoes for a heartier meal option.

Storage

To store smoked salmon cucumber salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Consume promptly to maintain freshness and prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Freezing smoked salmon cucumber salad isn’t recommended as it affects texture and flavor.

Instead, freeze individual components like smoked salmon separately and assemble fresh when needed.

Reheating

The Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh.

It shouldn’t be reheated.

If stored, keep it chilled and consume within a day to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

Creating a smoked salmon cucumber salad is a simple and invigorating way to enjoy a healthy meal.

The combination of smoked salmon, cucumber, and fresh dill provides a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

With minimal preparation time, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Remember to handle the smoked salmon gently to preserve its delicate texture.

Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice to your liking, and consider adding a touch of honey for sweetness if desired.

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it immediately or within 30 minutes of preparation for the best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Smoked Salmon With Another Type of Fish?

You can substitute smoked salmon with thinly sliced cooked or smoked trout. Confirm the trout is evenly cut to maintain a consistent texture. Adjust seasoning to taste, and plate artfully to enhance visual appeal.

Is This Salad Suitable for a Gluten-Free Diet?

Absolutely, the salad is gluten-free. Guarantee all ingredients, including smoked salmon and capers, are certified gluten-free. Emphasize precise measurements for consistency. Plate elegantly by layering cucumber slices and topping with salmon, guaranteeing even distribution of flavors.

What Wine Pairs Well With Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad?

Pair your salad with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. Their acidity complements the smoked salmon’s richness. For plating, use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the salad’s vibrant colors and neatly arranged ingredients.

How Can I Make This Salad More Filling?

Incorporate 100 grams of cooked quinoa for added bulk. Layer sliced avocado for creaminess. Top with a poached egg, ensuring the yolk is runny. Use a ring mold for plating to achieve a restaurant-quality presentation.

Are There Any Vegan Alternatives to Smoked Salmon?

You can substitute smoked salmon with thinly sliced marinated carrots or use smoked tofu for a vegan twist. Confirm even slicing for uniform texture, and adjust marinade flavors to mimic salmon’s profile. Plate neatly for visual appeal.

salmon and cucumber salad

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine International
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Chef's knife
  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 Measuring spoon
  • 1 Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 200 grams Smoked salmon thinly sliced
  • 2 medium cucumbers peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup Red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh dill chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Capers rinsed and drained

Instructions
 

  • Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl.
  • Add the sliced red onion and smoked salmon to the bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the cucumber, onion, and salmon mixture.
  • Add the chopped dill and capers to the bowl.
  • Gently toss everything together until well combined.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For optimal freshness, select firm cucumbers and ensure they are evenly sliced to maintain a consistent texture. Smoked salmon should be handled gently to avoid breaking its delicate texture. Adjust the amount of lemon juice and dill to suit personal taste preferences, and feel free to add a dash of honey if you prefer a hint of sweetness in your salad.
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