Celebration Salmon Salad Recipe

Are you ready for a salad that steals the show? The Celebration Salmon Salad is not just any salad; it’s a vibrant mix of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing! With hot smoked salmon, a creamy Yogurt Ranch Dressing, and all the colorful toppings, this dish is perfect for your next gathering or a special family meal. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients for Celebration Salmon Salad

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this fabulous Celebration Salmon Salad! Trust me, once you have everything ready, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish comes together. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 500g / 1 lb hot smoked salmon (Find one that’s cooked and ready to flake!)
• 1 small red onion, halved and finely sliced (for that zesty kick!)
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (just enough to cover the onion)
• 1 tsp salt and 2 tsp sugar (for the pickling magic)
• 2 cups Greek yogurt (full-fat for the creamiest dressing)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (because everything is better with olive oil!)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (hello flavor!)
• 1/4 cup fresh chives and 1/4 cup fresh dill (herb lovers, rejoice!)
• 10 cups cos lettuce / romaine, torn into bite-sized pieces (the leafy base)
• 4 cups kale, torn (don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds!)
• 2 ripe pieces of fruit (nectarines, peaches, or maybe even grapefruit!)
• 1 small fennel, shaved (adds a touch of sophistication)
• Handful of snow pea sprouts (optional, but oh-so-pretty!)
• 3/4 cup parmesan, shredded (because who doesn’t love cheese?)

Feel free to mix and match your ingredients! For example, you can switch the fruit based on what’s ripe and juicy! I love how the combination of everything creates such a colorful and tasty dish. It’s not just a salad; it’s a party on a plate! So, are you ready to bring these ingredients together? Let’s make some magic happen!

How to Prepare Hot Smoked Salmon

Now, let’s tackle the hot smoked salmon! This star ingredient is what makes our Celebration Salmon Salad shine! Don’t worry, preparing it is as easy as pie, or should I say, as easy as salad!

Here’s the step-by-step process to get that delightful salmon ready:

1. Choose Your Salmon: Start with 500g / 1 lb of hot smoked salmon. You can find this at your local grocery store. It’s already cooked and just waiting to be flaked!

1. Open the Package: Carefully remove the salmon from its packaging. I like to place it on a cutting board for easy flaking.

1. Flake the Salmon: Using two forks, gently pull apart the salmon into large chunks. Make sure you don’t shred it too finely; we want some nice-sized pieces to add texture to our salad!

1. Taste Test: Before you toss it into the salad, don’t resist the urge to steal a little taste! Trust me, it’s irresistible! The smoky flavor will blow your mind!

1. Set Aside: Once flaked, set the salmon aside while you prepare the other components of the salad. This prevents it from getting mushy and keeps it nice and fresh.

And there you have it! Preparing hot smoked salmon is quick and simple, and it adds an incredible flavor to our salad. I always say, the key to a great dish is quality ingredients, and this salmon will definitely take your salad to the next level! Are you ready to savor this deliciousness? Let’s keep going!

Making the Yogurt Ranch Dressing

Let’s make the Yogurt Ranch Dressing, the creamy goodness that’ll take our Celebration Salmon Salad to the next level! This dressing is not just any ordinary dressing; it’s a zesty, flavorful creation that combines the tanginess of yogurt with classic ranch flavors. So, are you ready? Let’s get mixing!

Here’s what ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 cups Greek yogurt (full-fat is best for creaminess!)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (who doesn’t love that rich taste?)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped (for that lovely green touch)
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped (the secret herb that adds amazing flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (a little extra flavor boost!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar (to balance the tang)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (add a zesty kick!)

Now, here’s how to whip it all together:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, chives, dill, and all the seasonings.

1. Mix Well: Using a whisk, mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will do just fine!

1. Let It Rest: Allow the dressing to sit for at least 20 minutes. This helps all those yummy flavors blend together perfectly.

And there you have it! A quick, easy, and tasty Yogurt Ranch Dressing that’s bound to impress your friends and family. Now, you can drizzle it generously over your salad or serve it on the side. Let’s keep this flavor train rolling!

Tips for Assembling the Perfect Salad

Let’s get to the fun part—assembling our amazing Celebration Salmon Salad! This step is where all the magic happens, and trust me, it looks as good as it tastes! Here are some friendly tips to make your salad look gorgeous and delicious:

1. Start with a Base: First, place your marinated kale and leafy greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with some of that creamy Yogurt Ranch Dressing and sprinkle on a little parmesan. Toss everything gently to coat the greens. This helps to flavor the base with that yummy dressing!

1. Layer it Up: Use about half of your dressed greens to create a beautiful layer on a serving platter. Then, sprinkle on some hot smoked salmon, followed by the pickled red onion and your juicy fruit slices. I love using grapefruit or nectarines for a pop of color!

1. Repeat for Fullness: Pile on the remaining dressed greens and repeat the layering with more salmon, fruit, and onion. It’s like building a delicious tower of goodness!

1. Finishing Touches: Just before serving, scatter some snow pea sprouts and extra parmesan on top. This adds a fun and fancy touch that everyone will admire!

1. Serve & Enjoy: Serve the salad right away or after letting it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors mingle. It’s so colorful and inviting, your guests won’t be able to resist digging in!

With these tips, you’ll have a stunning salad that tastes as amazing as it looks. Ready to impress everyone at your next gathering? I bet they’ll be raving about the Celebration Salmon Salad!

Suggested Sides to Enjoy with Salmon Salad

Now that we’ve got our beautiful Celebration Salmon Salad ready, let’s talk about some awesome sides to serve with it! While the salad is a star on its own, a little something extra can make the meal even more delightful. Here are some ideas that pair perfectly with the salad:

1. Crusty Bread: A loaf of good crusty bread or ciabatta goes wonderfully with the salad! You can use it to soak up any dressing left on your plate. Yum!

1. Roasted Vegetables: Try serving some roasted seasonal vegetables on the side. Think carrots, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers. Just toss them in olive oil, season with salt, and roast until they’re caramelized!

1. Quinoa or Couscous: A light dish of quinoa or couscous can be a great addition too. It adds a nice texture and can soak up those dressing flavors beautifully.

1. Fruit Salad: How about a refreshing fruit salad? Use whatever fruits you love—berries, melons, or citrus. It will balance the savory flavors of the salad with a sweet touch!

1. Cheese Platter: For a little indulgence, create a cheese platter with your favorite cheeses, some nuts, and olives. This adds a gourmet flair to your meal!

These sides not only complement the flavors of the Celebration Salmon Salad but also make your meal more varied and exciting. Plus, they’re super easy to prepare! So, which sides will you choose to accompany your salad? Happy eating!