Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a stunning dish that’s perfect for any celebration? The Celebration Salmon Salad is not only beautiful but packed with delicious flavors and textures! With smoky salmon, vibrant greens, and a creamy yogurt ranch dressing, this salad will steal the show at your next gathering! Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe together!
Ingredients for Celebration Salmon Salad
When it comes to making a delicious Celebration Salmon Salad, having the right ingredients is key to success! I love gathering everything I need in advance because it makes the cooking process so much smoother and more fun! Plus, who doesn’t love a colorful array of fresh ingredients? Let’s dive into the essentials!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 500g / 1 lb hot smoked salmon – This is the star of the show! Go for store-bought to save time. You can choose any flavor you like. Trust me, the smoky taste adds so much to the salad!
- 1 small red onion – We’re going to slice this for some zing. But wait, there’s more! We’ll pickle it to take the edge off!
- 2 cups Greek yogurt – This is the base for our creamy and tangy dressing. Full-fat is the way to go for maximum indulgence!
- Extra virgin olive oil – About 3 tablespoons will help make the dressing silky and delicious.
- 1 garlic clove – Minced to add a punch of flavor!
- Fresh herbs (chives and dill) – We’ll be using 1/4 cup each, finely chopped. Fresh herbs are a game changer!
- Kale – 4 cups packed, torn into bite-sized pieces. This leafy green may sound fancy, but it’s super easy to prepare!
- Juicy fruits – Think nectarines, peaches, or even grapefruit. You’ll need 2 pieces to add some sweetness and brightness!
- Leafy greens – 10 cups of cos or romaine lettuce, torn or cut into bite-sized pieces. Crunchy greens are a must!
- Shaved fennel – Just a small amount to bring in that unique anise flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that’ll have everyone guessing!
- Snow pea sprouts – Optional, but they add a pop of color and a crunchy texture!
- Parmesan cheese – We’ll shred about 3/4 cup to sprinkle on top and mix in. It gives such a yummy umami flavor!
Gathering these ingredients is like preparing for a party. Trust me, once you have everything ready, the assembly will be a piece of cake (or salad, in this case)! Are you excited to combine all these delicious flavors? I know I am!
How to Make Yogurt Ranch Dressing
Now that we have our fabulous ingredients ready, it’s time to whip up the Yogurt Ranch Dressing! Trust me, this dressing is a game changer! It brings a creamy, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the Celebration Salmon Salad. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Here’s what you’ll need for the dressing:
- 2 cups Greek yogurt: Use full-fat for that rich and creamy texture!
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This will help smooth out the dressing.
- 1 minced garlic clove: This adds such a nice bite!
- 1/4 cup fresh chives: Finely chopped, they’ll give us a nice oniony flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh dill: Oh, the freshness of dill! It’s a must!
- 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper: These simple spices add depth to our dressing.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar: Just a pinch to balance out the flavors!
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice: This brings a bright zing that ties everything together!
Let’s get mixing!
- In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and olive oil. Whisk them together until you have a smooth mixture. You want it creamy and delicious!
- Add in the minced garlic, chives, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir everything until well combined. It’s like a flavor explosion!
- Let it rest: The longer it sits (at least 20 minutes!), the better the flavors develop. So, if you can, mix it up ahead of time! Your future self will thank you!
And that’s it! You now have a delightful dressing that’s perfect for drizzling over your salad. If you have extra, don’t worry! It’s great on sandwiches and veggie platters too! Are you ready to dress up that salmon salad? I can’t wait for you to try it!
Tips for Perfectly Flaked Hot Smoked Salmon
Alright, let’s talk about the hot smoked salmon! It’s not just any salmon; it’s the star of our Celebration Salmon Salad. Getting it just right can make all the difference! So, here are my tips for perfectly flaked salmon that will have everyone raving!
Choosing the Right Salmon:
- Buy high-quality hot smoked salmon: You can find this at most grocery stores or specialty seafood shops. Look for salmon that is moist and flaky, with rich smoky flavors. Remember, you’re treating yourself and your guests!
- Check for freshness: Fresh salmon should smell slightly fishy, but not overly strong. When in doubt, ask the fishmonger for tips!
Flaking the Salmon:
- Let it cool: If your salmon has just come out of the fridge, it’s best to let it come to room temperature. This makes it easier to handle!
- Use two forks: This is my method of choice! Simply take two forks and gently pull apart the salmon into chunks. You want to be careful not to mash it. The flakes should be tender and flaky!
- Remove any skin or bones: As you flake, keep an eye out for any bones or skin that may have slipped through. We want the focus on that delicious salmon!
- Stay light-handed: Be gentle when flaking. The goal is to keep those lovely, chunky pieces intact. You want to impress your guests, right?
Following these tips will ensure your salmon is the star of the salad! There’s something so satisfying about getting it just right. Are you ready to tackle this delicious fish? I know I am!
Assembling and Serving the Salad
Now we’re on the final stretch! Assembling our Celebration Salmon Salad is where the magic truly happens. I love this part because it’s all about bringing everything together and creating a stunning centerpiece that will wow everyone!
Here’s how to assemble:
- Start with the leafy greens: In a large bowl, toss together your cos or romaine lettuce and marinated kale. Drizzle on some of that Yogurt Ranch Dressing (but save some for later!). Toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Layer it up: On a big serving platter, pile half of the dressed greens.
- Add the toppings: Now it’s time for the fun part! Flake over half of the hot smoked salmon, then sprinkle with half of your pickled red onion and fruity slices. You can use nectarines, peaches, or grapefruit—whatever strikes your fancy!
- Repeat the layers: Top with the remaining leafy greens, and then repeat the layering with the salmon, onion, and fruit slices. Each layer adds flavor and color!
- Finish it off: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and scatter with snow pea sprouts and a generous sprinkle of shredded parmesan. Talk about eye candy!
- Serve immediately: I like to serve this salad right away while it’s fresh and vibrant. Let everyone help themselves to this gorgeous dish, and watch the smiles spread across their faces!
And there you have it! Your Celebration Salmon Salad is ready to impress. It’s all about those layers of flavor and color. Are you excited to dig in? I know I am! Enjoy!