A quick and healthy Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad packed with protein and fresh flavors. It's easy to make and a tasty twist on the viral cucumber salad trend.
This Salmon Cucumber Salad is cold and refreshing, with that clean brightness from cucumber, a little sharpness from red onion, creamy tang from Greek yogurt, and of course, silky smoked salmon.
I make this a lot when I want something satisfying that won't weigh me down. It's naturally high in protein, really easy to make, and honestly just tastes incredible.
Cucumber salads have been viral on tiktok - and this is a protein packed version that you can eat as a meal.
You get big flavor from minimal ingredients and it hits that balance of healthy and indulgent.
Plus, it's easy to tweak depending on what you have in your fridge.
Love salmon? Be sure to also try Salmon Kabobs and Salmon Curry!
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Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon isn't just a brunch thing. It's loaded with flavor, requires no cooking, and is naturally high in protein and healthy fats like omega-3s.
You'll find it vacuum-packed in most grocery stores, usually near the deli or seafood section. If you're using it in a salad like this, aim for one that's not overly salty or oily.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's healthy. Low carb, high in protein, and full of fresh ingredients.
- It takes 5 minutes. You don't even need to turn on the stove.
- It's high protein. The salmon and yogurt keep you full.
- It looks fancy. Even though it's ridiculously easy.
- It's refreshing. Perfect for warm days or light lunches.
- It's gone viral. Versions of cucumber salad are all over TikTok and Instagram.
- It's easy to make ahead. And it stores well for a day or two.
- It's flexible. Swap, add, or subtract ingredients depending on your taste.
- It's low effort. Especially if you've got a mandoline slicer.
- It's satisfying. Creamy, crunchy, salty, herby - everything you want in one bowl.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Smoked salmon: The star. Rich, salty, and full of flavor. Go for good quality if you can. You can also use hot-smoked salmon or even leftover cooked salmon.
- Cucumber: Brings crunch and freshness. I usually leave the peel on, but you can remove it if you prefer.
- Red onion: Just a bit adds bite and color. I slice mine very thin using a mandoline.
- Greek yogurt: Thick, tangy, and high in protein. I like plain, full-fat. You can swap in sour cream or skyr.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the salmon and yogurt.
- Fresh dill: Classic with salmon. Use parsley or chives if you don't have dill.
- Capers: Salty, briny pops of flavor. Optional, but I think they make it.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste. Go easy on the salt at first since the salmon and capers are salty.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Finely slice cucumber and onion (I use a mandoline) and set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir the yogurt, lemon juice and dill.
Add the sliced cucumber and onion and gently toss to coat. Place onto a serving dish or divide between two plates.
Slice the smoked salmon and pile it on top of the cucumbers, then top with capers and season with a little salt and pepper.
Serve chilled.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Variations
- Use hot-smoked salmon or cooked fresh salmon.
- Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream , crème fraîche, or cottage cheese.
- Add chopped boiled egg for more protein.
- Toss in some baby spinach or arugula.
- Add cooked quinoa to turn it into a fuller meal.
- Mix in some avocado chunks.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
More Salmon Recipes
Storage
This salad keeps well in the fridge for about 1 to 2 days. If you want to make it ahead, prep the cucumbers and onions and store them separately. Mix the yogurt dressing and keep it in a jar. Assemble just before serving to keep things crisp.
I don't recommend freezing this - cucumbers and yogurt don't thaw well.
Recipe Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin cucumber and onion slices.
- Taste before salting. The smoked salmon and capers might be salty enough.
- Let it chill for 10 minutes after assembling. It brings everything together.
- Pat the cucumber slices dry if they're very watery.
- If your red onion is too strong, soak it in ice water for 5 minutes first.
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📖 Recipe
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 5 ounces smoked salmon 150g
- 1 cucumber
- ¼ red onion
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon capers
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely slice cucumber and onion (I use a mandoline) and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir the yogurt, lemon juice and dill. Add the sliced cucumber and onion and gently toss to coat. Place onto a serving dish or divide between two plates.
- Slice the smoked salmon and pile it on top of the cucumbers, then top with capers and season with a little salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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