Quick & Easy Smoked Salmon Niçoise-Inspired Salad – Salmon Lunch Recipe

Introduction:

Looking for a light yet filling lunch that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition? This Quick & Easy Smoked Salmon Niçoise-Inspired Salad puts a fresh, elegant twist on the French classic. With creamy eggs, crisp veggies, briny olives, and rich smoked salmon in place of tuna, this dish is protein-packed and perfect for a quick midday meal. It’s low-carb, colorful, and ready in minutes, ideal for work lunches, meal prep, or a refined weekend plate. This is salad done right: fresh, balanced, and satisfying.

Ingredients:

For 2 Servings:

1. 3–4 ounces smoked salmon, torn into bite-sized pieces
2. 2 large eggs, hard-boiled and halved
3. 1 cup baby potatoes, boiled and halved (optional or swap for radish to keep low-carb)
4. 1 cup green beans, blanched or lightly steamed
5. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
6. ½ cup cucumber, sliced
7. ¼ cup black or kalamata olives
8. 3 cups mixed greens (e.g. arugula, baby spinach, or lettuce)
9. 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for extra briny flavor)

For the Dijon Vinaigrette:

1. 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
3. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4. ½ teaspoon minced garlic or shallot
5. Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

1. Thinly sliced red onion or radish
2. Avocado slices for extra creaminess
3. Crumbled goat cheese or feta
4. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Hard-boil the eggs (about 9–10 minutes), then cool, peel, and halve. Boil the baby potatoes (if using) until fork-tender, and blanch the green beans in salted water for 2–3 minutes, then rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar (or lemon), Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

On a large platter or in two bowls, arrange the mixed greens as a base. Neatly top with smoked salmon, eggs, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives.

Step 4: Dress & Serve

Drizzle the Dijon vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Garnish with capers or fresh herbs, if desired.

Optional Variations:

• Keto-Friendly: Skip the potatoes and add avocado or grilled zucchini.
• Mediterranean Vibe: Add feta cheese and oregano to the dressing.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store the dressing separately and assemble fresh each day.
• Spicy Twist: Use a spicy mustard or add red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Fresh & Satisfying – Loaded with protein and vibrant produce.
• Low-Carb Option – Easy to adapt for keto or paleo lifestyles.
• No Cooking Needed – Just a bit of boiling and assembly.
• Perfect for Lunch or Brunch – Elegant yet simple.
• Great for Meal Prep – Components can be made ahead and mixed as needed.

This Quick & Easy Smoked Salmon Niçoise-Inspired Salad brings a gourmet touch to your lunch break with minimal effort. Balanced, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, it’s the kind of meal you’ll look forward to again and again.