This super-easy smoked salmon artichoke salad requires absolutely no cooking. And it’s ready in about 10 minutes. It not only looks good (check out all those beautiful colors: green, orange, pink, and red), but it’s got the zing of citrus, smoky, salty salmon and zesty marinated artichokes. The balsamic dressing and the parmesan add a savory flavor. It’s a great combination because the bitter greens from the spinach play off against the sweet oranges, the salty parmesan, and the smoked fish.
It’s a great lunch just for yourself (especially if you’re hungry and in a hurry). Or, scale it up and serve it to company. It’s elegant enough for a party if you’re having one.
I got the idea from someone who serves bite-size individual smoked salmon salad servings (with blood oranges) as a fancy appetizer for her catering clients.
Since we’re not catering, or necessarily fancy, this version will just cut everything up and serve it all together in a single bowl. You can use blood oranges if you like. I went with the regular navel oranges, since they seem to be particularly good this year.
I also used smoked salmon bits (which my grocery store sells for less than the carefully sliced kind). Look for it in your local store, and save a bit of money. Lastly, I substituted spinach for arugula, since I prefer it, and it’s more readily available.
Smoked Salmon Artichoke Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 orange
- 2 oz smoked salmon
- 2 oz marinated artichokes
- 1/4 red onion
- 1/4 cucumber
- 1 handful spinach
- shaved parmesan
Dressing
- 2 1/4 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 1/4 tsp white wine vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- a few grains of salt
Instructions
- Peel the orange, and cut it into wedges.
- If you have sliced salmon, cut it into small pieces (about bite size). If you got salmon ends, it's already cut up so you don't have to do anything.
- Fish out the artichokes from the jar (maybe 4 or 5 pieces) and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Slice the onion (thin slices).
- Peel and slice the cucumber (thinly).
- Wash the spinach and pat dry.
- Put all the salad ingredients in a serving bowl and toss.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
- Top the salad with the dressing, a quick grinding of black pepper, and the shaved parmesan
Smoked Salmon Artichoke Salad Substitutions and Variations
- Get fancy and use the blood oranges, or try Cara Cara oranges
- If you like arugula use that or lambs lettuce or even kale (you want a bitter green for this so it contrasts with the sweet and salty flavors)
- Top the salad with some mint or other “sweet” herbs
- Try it with other smoked fish, like smoked trout
More Smoked Salmon and Artichoke Recipes
Smoked Salmon Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce
A little bit of cream for richness, and smoky, salty salmon for lots of flavor. It’s elegant, easy to prepare, and good enough for company.
Pasta with Tomato Artichoke Sauce Recipe
A rich tomato sauce, thickened with spicy crushed red pepper and savory oregano. Satisfying and filling, without any meat.
Egg and Pasta Gratin with Chives
I know, I’m internet recipe changing my own recipe. However, some smoked salmon will make this even better and add a touch of salty smoky goodness. Or simply add some of the smoked salmon to scrambled eggs (cook the eggs, then toss in the salmon for a few seconds, to heat it up)