This Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad is fresh, creamy, crunchy, and packed with protein. Made with smoked salmon, cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon, and capers, it's an easy no-cook lunch that's ready in just 10 minutes.
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.
The Best Smoked Salmon to Use
There are two main types of smoked salmon you'll find at the grocery store.
Cold-smoked salmon is cured and smoked at a low temperature, giving it a soft, silky texture that's perfect for salads, bagels, and appetizers.
Hot-smoked salmon is cooked during the smoking process, so it flakes into larger pieces and has a firmer texture. It also works beautifully in this recipe and creates a heartier salad.
Whichever variety you choose, look for good-quality smoked salmon with a fresh smell and vibrant color.
Why Smoked Salmon Works So Well in This Salad
Smoked salmon is one of my favorite ingredients for quick lunches because it's packed with flavor and doesn't require any cooking. It has a rich, buttery texture that pairs perfectly with cool, crunchy cucumber and creamy Greek yogurt.
Not only is it delicious, but smoked salmon is also naturally high in protein and contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this salad feel both nourishing and satisfying.
You'll usually find smoked salmon in vacuum-sealed packs in the refrigerated seafood section of the grocery store. Since it's already cured and smoked, it's ready to eat straight from the package, making this one of those recipes that's ideal for busy weekdays, meal prep, or hot summer days when you don't want to turn on the oven.
If you're watching your carbs, this recipe is naturally low carb and gluten-free, while still being filling enough for lunch or a light dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's healthy. Low carb, high in protein, and full of fresh ingredients.
- It takes 10 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.
What to Serve with Smoked Salmon Cucumber Salad
This salad is satisfying enough to enjoy on its own, but it's also wonderful as part of a larger meal.
For lunch, serve it with slices of rye bread, toasted sourdough, crispbread, or crackers. The creamy yogurt dressing is perfect for scooping up!
For brunch, pair it with bagels, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a platter of cheeses and olives.
If you're serving it for dinner, try it alongside roasted garlic baby potatoes, a bowl of soup (try Seafood Soup or Thai Chicken Soup), grilled asparagus, or another fresh salad.
It's also delicious tucked into pita bread or wrapped in a tortilla for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
Variations
This salad is easy to customize depending on what's in your fridge.
- Make it creamier: Add diced avocado, crumbled feta, or a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Add more protein: Stir through chopped hard-boiled eggs, cooked quinoa, or extra smoked salmon.
- Add extra vegetables: Try cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, baby spinach, arugula, or thinly sliced fennel.
- Give it some crunch: Sprinkle over toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
- Add a little heat: Finish with cracked black pepper, chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot honey.
More Salmon Recipes
Storage
This salad is best enjoyed the day it's is made while the cucumbers are at their crunchiest.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will naturally release some water as they sit, so simply give everything a quick stir before serving again.
If you're making it ahead for meal prep, keep the cucumber and onion separate from the yogurt dressing until you're ready to eat. This helps keep the vegetables crisp.
I don't recommend freezing this recipe, as both the cucumber and yogurt lose their texture once thawed.
Recipe Tips
- If your red onion is too strong, soak it in ice water for 5 minutes first.
- Slice the cucumber as thinly as possible for the best texture. A mandoline makes quick work of this.
- Pat the cucumber dry if it's especially watery to keep the dressing thick and creamy.
- Taste before adding salt. Smoked salmon and capers already add plenty of seasoning.
- Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled.
- Add the smoked salmon just before serving so it keeps its delicate texture instead of breaking up during mixing.
- Let the salad chill for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors have time to meld together.
FAQs
Yes! For the best texture, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, then combine everything just before serving.
Absolutely. English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, but standard cucumbers work just as well. You may wish to peel them if the skin is thick.
Yes. Leftover baked, grilled, or poached salmon is a great substitute for smoked salmon.
Cold-smoked salmon is cured and smoked at a low temperature, giving it a silky texture. Hot-smoked salmon is fully cooked and flakes more like baked salmon. Either can be used in this recipe.
Yes. Sour cream, crème fraîche, skyr, or even whipped cottage cheese all work well.
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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.
Xenia says
We all loved this recipe and I'm sure I'll make it again and again!