This Salmon Salad is the perfect lunch: fresh, full of protein, and just 10 minutes to make. Tender baked salmon is flaked and mixed with a simpler olive oil and dijon mustard dressing and dried herbs.
Preparing easy salad recipes like kale caesar salad, cold Italian pasta salad or avocado chickpea salad and keeping it in the fridge always sets me up for a better week ahead. You can also ‘’bake’’ the salmon fillets in air fryer.
If you love cabbage recipes, I also have a delicious collection of 40+ Best Cabbage Recipes.
This recipe has been updated with some adjustments and new photos in 2024.
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Ingredients
- Salmon - rich in protein and Omega-3s for heart and brain health. Opt for wild-caught for the best results and benefits.
- Avocado - adds a healthy dose of fats and a creamy texture to the salad. Go for medium or large and ripe but not mushy Hass avocado. If making this salad for meal prep, I recommend adding the avocado later to prevent browning.
- Dijon mustard - adds a little zing and creaminess to the olive oil dressing.
- Olive oil - always good quality and not overly bitter.
- Oregano - for some Mediterranean flavors, you can also use Italian seasoning here (or just mix of similar dried herbs).
- Mung bean sprouts - use store bought or sprout the mung beans yourself! Mung bean sprouts, like other sprouts, are rich in nutrients, vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, E, niacin), minerals (potassium, phosphorus, iron), dietary fiber, and protein (about 3g per 100g). These powerhouse sprouts are great for stir fries and toping your salads.
- Dressing tip: feel free to switch it up by using creamy based dressing like this green goddess dip & dressing (add more water, oil or milk to make it more runny) or Greek yogurt herb dressing.
Step by step photos can be found below the recipe card.
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Storing Leftovers
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Fresh salmon is key
While canned salmon is great for budget-friendly and healthy recipes like salmon croquettes, I recommend using fresh salmon for this salad recipe. Just like with salmon burgers, fresh salmon ensures the perfect texture—tender and satisfying without turning the salad mushy.
Make Ahead Option
- Cook the salmon and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For dressing, whisk the ingredients except red onion in a jar and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can assemble the entire salad (excluding the avocado and salmon) up to 8 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
- When you're ready to serve, cut the avocado, tear the salmon, and arrange them on the salad. Drizzle with the dressing and serve.
How do you know if salmon is cooked through?
Fresh salmon should easily flake apart when pressed gently with a fork or your finger. Upon inspection, the center of the salmon should no longer appear raw. Regardless of whether you cook salmon in the oven, on the grill, or in a pan on the stove, the recommended internal temperature remains the same: remove the salmon from heat when it reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit, and allow it to rest before serving (after resting it should reach 145 F).
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Recipe
10 Minute Salmon Avocado Salad
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INGREDIENTS
For Salmon
- 4-5 ounce salmon fillet, i like to remove the skin for salad but it is optional
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For Salad
- ¼ teaspoon dijon
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Pinch oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon red onion, diced
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon mung beans sprouts
- ¼ cup tomatoes, 7 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 medium avocado
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, or other crunchy lettuce
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare the salmon by mixing together olive oil, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Brush this mixture onto the salmon fillet.4-5 ounce salmon fillet, ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the size of your fillet. A 5-ounce fillet typically takes about 8 minutes.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare the accompanying salad by combining red onion, Dijon mustard, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a separate bowl. Mix these ingredients well. Once mixed, gently stir in the remaining salad ingredients.¼ teaspoon dijon, 1 tablespoon oil, Pinch oregano, Salt and black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoon red onion, ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoon mung beans sprouts, ¼ cup tomatoes, 2 cups romaine lettuce, 1 medium avocado
- Once the salmon is cooked, serve it immediately alongside the prepared salad. Enjoy!
NOTES
- Cook salmon on the grill: Place fish, skin side down, in a disposable grill foil pan, and brush with the marinade. Transfer to the grill, cover the lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Cook salmon in skillet: Season the salmon as per recipe. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Cook the salmon, skin side up, without moving, until golden and crisp, about 4 minutes. Carefully flip the fillets and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking until done to your liking, 4 to 5 minutes more. Serve!
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
Instructions + Step By Step Photos
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare the salmon by mixing together olive oil, salt, garlic powder, oregano, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Brush this mixture onto the salmon fillet.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the size of your fillet. A 5-ounce fillet typically takes about 7 minutes.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare the salad dressing by combining red onion, Dijon mustard, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and vinegar in a separate bowl. Mix these ingredients well.
- Once mixed, gently stir in the remaining salad ingredients.
- Once the salmon is cooked, serve it immediately alongside the prepared salad. Enjoy!
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
FAQ
It usually takes 15-20 minutes for a salmon fillet to cook until flaky. The precise time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
The dressing provided complements the salmon salad nicely. Alternatively, you can try a greek yogurt or mayo-based dressing for a creamy alternative.
Salmon can be swapped for another firm, flaky fish, such as halibut, cod or trout. If fish isn’t your thing, try my BBQ potato salad, broccoli cranberry salad or avocado chickpea salad. All equally delicious!
You can make this salad with grilled, skillet-cooked, or air-fried salmon. Season the salmon as directed in this recipe, then follow my instructions for air fryer salmon or grilled salmon in the recipe card notes.
You'll know if salmon has gone bad with one or all of the following signs: fishy odor, grayish color, presence of mold, mushy texture, slimy residue, or dark spots.
Salmon skin has the same or even more nutrients than salmon flesh, however, it is not the best option in salads.
More Salads You'll Love
If you like fulfilling salad bowls be sure to head over to my Salad Section or try one of these yummy salads:
Anjali
This salmon salad was super light and refreshing, but also really filling and satisfying too! It made the perfect easy dinner last night!
Julia
thank you Anjali!
Emily
I've been trying to eat more salmon and this salad was a huge hit in my family! Definitely adding to the rotation!
Julia
thank you Emily, love your feedback and glad you loved it
Julia
That's amazing, happy you loved it, thank you for the feedback!
Sarah Baumeister
I have been looking to switch up the way I use salmon (I generally just bake and serve with sauteed spinach). This looks perfect, especially for summer.
Julia
salmon and spinach combo sounds very delicious! thank you Sarah!
Biana
Love how simple it is to put this salmon salad together! The salad looks so crunchy and delicious.
Julia
thank you Biana, we love it over here too!
Leah B.
I always appreciate a good make-ahead option for meals. It's such a time-saver during the week. The salmon salad seems perfect for prepping the night before. I'm curious to know how well the dressed salad holds up overnight?
Julia
it is, perfect for quick lunches! I'd recommend making the dressing ahead and only adding it to the salad once ready to serve.
Ben R.
never cooked salmon before. this article seems like it has good tips. might give it a shot.
Alex D.
Go for it Ben! Salmon's not too hard once you get the hang of it. You got this!
Julia
thank you Ben, hope you enjoy!
Danielle T.
Hey Julia, for the baked salmon salad, would you recommend any specific type of salmon? Like wild-caught vs. farm-raised? Super excited to try this!
Julia
wild caught is best 🙂