Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

A fresh and vibrant Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta is perfect for any occasion. This salad showcases tender grilled salmon chunks, creamy avocado, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, making it a flavorful and nutritious meal. Whether it’s a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes from start to finish, this salad is perfect for busy weekdays.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and protein from salmon, it’s both filling and good for you.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet cranberries, creamy feta, and zesty dressing elevates the taste to a new level.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a side at gatherings; it’s suitable for various occasions.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal cooking tools required, this recipe makes for easy preparation and cleanup.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta effectively, having the right tools on hand is important. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or frying pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or frying pan: Essential for cooking the salmon evenly and achieving that perfect sear.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to toss all salad ingredients together without spilling.
• Whisk: Ensures that the dressing is thoroughly combined for an even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 1 salmon fillet (about 150g)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried dill or parsley
• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 tbsp dried cranberries
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper, to taste

How to Make Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

Step 1: Cook the Salmon

Season the salmon with olive oil, dill (or parsley), salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest before flaking into chunks.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced avocado, dried cranberries, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and walnuts if desired.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble

Arrange the salad on a plate. Top it with flaked salmon and drizzle with the prepared dressing.

Step 5: Serve Fresh

Enjoy immediately while the salmon is warm and the avocado is creamy for an ideal dining experience.

How to Serve Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

This Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta is not only delicious but also versatile. Serving it can be tailored to fit various occasions, whether it’s a casual lunch or a special dinner.

For a Light Lunch

• Serve it chilled on a hot day for a refreshing meal.
• Pair it with whole-grain bread or crackers for added texture.

As a Dinner Main Course

• Present the salad as the main dish alongside a glass of sparkling water.
• Complement it with roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner experience.

Perfect for Meal Prep

• Divide the salad into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.

For a Picnic or BBQ

• Pack the salad in portable containers for an outdoor feast.
• Add some lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portion.

How to Perfect Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

To enhance your Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad, consider these helpful tips. These small tweaks can make your dish even more delightful.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh salmon and ripe avocados to maximize flavor and nutrition.
• Marinate the Salmon: Letting the salmon sit in olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking can intensify its taste.
• Customize Your Greens: Try different greens like spinach or arugula for varied textures and flavors.
• Experiment with Dressings: Swap balsamic vinegar for apple cider vinegar or citrus juice for a different zing.
• Add Crunch: Include seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for additional crunch and nutrition.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your salad right after assembling to keep the salmon warm and avocado creamy.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

Pairing this salad with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement its flavors well.

1. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty, fluffy side that adds protein and pairs beautifully with salmon.
2. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes tossed in garlic provide satisfying crunch alongside the salad.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds vibrant color and health benefits without overpowering flavors.
4. Couscous Salad: A light couscous dish mixed with herbs and lemon complements the fresh ingredients in your salad.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection bring out natural sweetness that balances the dish.
6. Hummus and Veggie Platter: Serve hummus with assorted fresh veggies as a refreshing appetizer before the main meal.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with grains or beans offer hearty satisfaction alongside your salad.
8. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, baked sweet potato fries add sweetness that works well against tangy feta and cranberries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon adequately can lead to bland flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Overcooking the salmon: Cooking the salmon for too long can make it dry. Grill it just until it’s opaque and flaky.
• Using ripe avocados: A firm avocado can disrupt the salad’s creaminess. Ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe for optimal texture.
• Ignoring dressing balance: Too much oil or vinegar can overwhelm the salad. Aim for a balanced dressing by adjusting ingredients to taste.
• Skipping optional ingredients: Omitting walnuts or feta can reduce texture and flavor complexity. If you like crunch, add walnuts; if you enjoy tanginess, don’t skip the feta.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the salad in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2 days for best freshness.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

• Freezing is not recommended due to avocado and salad greens’ texture changes upon thawing.
• If necessary, freeze only the cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat salmon on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat salmon in short bursts of 30 seconds on medium power, checking frequently to prevent overcooking.
• Stovetop: Gently warm salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta that may help enhance your cooking experience.

What type of salmon should I use for this salad?

You can use any fresh or frozen salmon fillet. Wild-caught salmon tends to have better flavor but farmed varieties work well too.

Can I make this Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components separately and combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh.

What are some alternatives to feta cheese?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, consider using vegan feta or omit cheese entirely. Nutritional yeast can also add flavor.

How do I customize my Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta?

Feel free to add other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers, substitute nuts for seeds, or switch up the protein based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

The Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different proteins or vegetables based on your mood. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect as a light meal or side dish!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 1

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Grilled Salmon & Avocado Salad with Cranberries and Feta, a dish that effortlessly combines nutrition with taste. This refreshing salad features succulent grilled salmon, creamy avocado, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy feta cheese, creating a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a light lunch or an impressive dinner—this salad is quick to prepare and easy to customize. Enjoy it solo or as a side dish at gatherings; either way, it promises to please your palate while keeping you satisfied.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 salmon fillet (about 150g)
• 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 tbsp dried cranberries
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried dill or parsley
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Dressing: olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Season the salmon fillet with olive oil, dill (or parsley), salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest before flaking into chunks.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped greens, diced avocado, cranberries, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and walnuts if using.
3. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until blended.
4. Assemble the salad by layering the greens mixture on a plate and topping it with flaked salmon. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Pan-searing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg