Smoked or Grilled Salmon Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing Summer Delight

There’s something beautifully simple yet elegant about Scandinavian summer dishes. I remember my grandmother’s stories about her travels through Norway and Sweden, where light meals were the essence of seasonal dining—always fresh, crisp, and deeply nourishing. Inspired by those memories, this Smoked or Grilled Salmon Cucumber Salad captures the clean flavors and minimalist charm of Northern Europe, with a health-conscious twist that’s perfect for today’s kitchens.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a breezy brunch, or just a quick yet sophisticated weeknight dinner, this salad delivers. It’s cool, refreshing, and loaded with omega-3s and hydrating veggies, making it ideal for warm weather and wellness goals.

•  Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins (if grilling salmon)
• Servings: 2–4 Cuisine: Scandinavian-inspired
•  Best for: Summer meals, light lunches, healthy dinner

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 200g smoked salmon or grilled salmon fillet, flaked

• 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• A handful of fresh dill, roughly chopped

• A handful of arugula or baby spinach (optional for added greens)

• 1 tbsp capers (for a briny touch)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

If using smoked salmon, slice or flake into bite-sized pieces.
If using grilled salmon, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, grill for about 3–4 minutes per side until flaky, then let it cool and break into chunks.

Step 2: Slice and Mix

Use a mandolin or sharp knife to slice cucumber into thin rounds. Add to a large mixing bowl. Thinly slice red onion if using, and add it in with chopped dill, arugula or spinach, and capers.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk or shake well until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Toss the cucumber mixture lightly with the dressing. Gently fold in the salmon at the end to keep its texture intact.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Plate the salad in shallow bowls, garnish with extra dill or lemon zest if desired, and enjoy it chilled. Serve with crisp rye crackers or crusty sourdough for an extra Nordic feel.

Tips & Variations

• Add creaminess: A dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt on the side complements the smoky fish beautifully.

• Low-carb option: Skip the bread and bulk it up with more leafy greens or sliced radish.

• Vegan twist: Sub the salmon with grilled tofu marinated in smoked paprika and lemon for a plant-based version.

• Make ahead: Keep the dressing and components separate until ready to serve for ultimate freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Cucumber Salad

• Light and hydrating – cucumbers are over 90% water!

• Protein-packed – smoked or grilled salmon adds omega-3s and satisfying richness.

• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor – simple, clean, and incredibly tasty.

• Summer-friendly – no need to heat up the kitchen.

• Gorgeous presentation – it looks as good as it tastes.

Nutritional Spotlight

This salad is low in carbs, rich in good fats, and naturally gluten-free. Salmon provides essential fatty acids for heart and brain health, while cucumbers aid in hydration and digestion. It’s the kind of meal you can feel great about eating—and serving.

Pairing Ideas

• A crisp dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé

• Sparkling cucumber lemonade for a non-alcoholic refreshment

• Seeded rye crackers with a bit of butter or vegan spread

Share Your Summer Twist!

Have you added your own creative twist to this Scandinavian-inspired salad? Maybe a sprinkle of fennel seeds or a spoonful of pickled beets? I’d love to hear how you’ve made it your own. Share your version and tag me—we’re creating summer freshness together!

 Perfect for Weight Management & Clean Eating

If you’re watching your calories or following a clean-eating lifestyle, this salad is a dream come true. With lean protein from the salmon, hydration from the cucumber, and healthy fats from the olive oil, it keeps you full without weighing you down. It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and rich in nutrients—ideal for anyone doing keto, Mediterranean, or Nordic diets. It’s the kind of food that supports your body while delighting your taste buds.

 Not a Fan of Salmon? Here’s What You Can Swap In

While salmon is the hero here, the beauty of this dish is its adaptability. Try these alternatives:

• Grilled shrimp – light, sweet, and cooks in minutes.

• Flaked tuna (in olive oil) – bold and savory.

• Poached chicken breast – for a neutral, lean protein.

• Seared tofu – perfect for vegetarians or vegans.

Each protein brings a different vibe, but the cucumber base and dressing work beautifully with all of them.

 Flavor Profile: A Perfect Summer Symphony

This dish sings with contrasts: the cool, crisp cucumber against the rich, silky salmon; the briny pop of capers balanced by the fresh citrus zing; the herbaceous hit of dill with a slight kick from Dijon mustard. It’s light yet satisfying, refreshing yet complex. It’s a salad that doesn’t just sit on the side—it shines at the center of your plate.

 Presentation Tips: Elevate the Experience

To make this dish visually stunning (and Instagram-ready!), try these finishing touches:

• Use a vegetable peeler to ribbon the cucumber for a delicate look.

• Add edible flowers like nasturtiums or pansies for color.

• Plate it on chilled ceramic or glassware to keep it crisp.

• Top with a final grind of cracked black pepper or microgreens for that professional flourish.

Local & Budget-Friendly Substitutes

Can’t find fresh dill or smoked salmon at your local market? No worries:

• Parsley or mint can replace dill for a refreshing herbaceous note.

• Canned sardines or mackerel can stand in for smoked fish.

• Plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice makes a great creamy dressing alternative.

• Pickled cucumbers can replace capers for a tangy punch.

This makes the recipe accessible whether you’re shopping at a farmers’ market or a regular supermarket.

 A Tradition of Cold Dishes in Scandinavian Cuisine

Cold dishes have a long-standing place in Nordic culinary culture. From open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) to cured herring and cold poached fish, these meals are not only practical for preserving ingredients but also deeply satisfying. This salmon cucumber salad is a modern homage to that tradition—simple, preserved or grilled ingredients combined with raw vegetables and fresh herbs. It embodies the Scandi love of harmony between food and nature.

 Meal Planning Made Easy

One of the best things about this salad? It fits perfectly into a weekly meal prep plan. You can prepare the dressing in advance, grill the salmon in batches, and slice your cucumbers daily for ultimate freshness. Rotate proteins or add hard-boiled eggs to vary your week. It’s great as a lunchbox meal, picnic item, or side dish alongside soups or whole-grain breads.

 Smart Meals for Busy Workdays

If you’re working from home, or managing a hectic lifestyle, this salad is a game-changer. It takes under 20 minutes to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and keeps you energized without a food coma. Serve it cold, no reheating needed, making it a smart solution for those midday meetings or quick breaks between Zoom calls.

 Power of Fresh Herbs: More Than Just Garnish

Dill, the star herb in this recipe, offers more than aroma. It’s rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, and complements fish perfectly. But don’t stop there—adding herbs like mint, tarragon, or basil can transform this dish each time. Fresh herbs elevate the salad’s brightness and bring a personal twist to each plate.

 Balanced Nutrition in Every Bite

What makes this salad truly special is its natural nutritional harmony:

• Protein from salmon keeps you full and supports muscle health.

• Healthy fats from olive oil and fish enhance nutrient absorption.

• Hydration & fiber from cucumber and greens aid digestion.

• Low carbs make it perfect for weight-conscious eaters.

It’s a complete mini-meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health benefits.

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