Dinner salads are what get me through crazy hot summers. Temperatures are hitting the mid to high 90s this week, so cool and light meals are the theme until the weather starts to cool down again, oh sometime in September. And even though grilling this salmon and lentil salad requires standing over a hot grill, it’s not for long, and I can always spray myself down with water or take refuge indoors with the timer while the salmon cooks.
The lemon dill dressing really brightens up the hearty lentils, and the grilled salmon adds a nice smoky flavor. I actually turned two of my boys into salmon lovers with this salad, an impressive feat considering they aren’t that big on seafood. Top Gun is still holding out, but I think he will come around and like salmon one day. Maybe.
Recipe Notes
Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing a nice punch, so much better than bottled juice. You can grill the salmon indoors or out, just keep a close watch so it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
Salmon and Lentil Salad with Spinach and Lemon Dill Dressing
Equipment
- grill pan or grill
- small pot with lid
- cruet or jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1½ cups dry brown lentils (rinsed well)
- 3 salmon filets
- olive oil
- freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach (washed)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
- 1 cup diced seedless cucumber (about ½ of a cucumber)
- 1 small to medium red onion (finely chopped)
- dill for garnish
Dressing
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh dill
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Preparation
Dressing
- In the cruet or small jar, shake together the lemon juice, dill, kosher salt, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Allow the salt to dissolve, then add the extra-virgin olive oil and shake well. Set aside.
Lentils
- In the small pot, cover the lentils with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until the lentils are tender, but not mushy, about 30 minutes. Drain well, toss with the dressing, bell pepper, cucumber, and chopped red onions. Chill.
Salmon
- Rub the salmon with a little olive oil and black pepper on both sides. Grill over medium heat, turning half way through cooking, until the meat is firm and flaky, about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filets. Remove from the grill and flake the meat.
- On individual plates, arrange a layer of the spinach, then put a scoop or two of the lentil mixture on top. Arrange chunks of the salmon over the bed of lentils and sprinkle on fresh dill for garnish.
I make salmon salads all summer long; they're a huge favorite in our house. I like to buy a large side of salmon, grill it, then break it up for several days of salads using different ingredients and different dressings. Plain grilled salmon is so adaptable.
Though my fondness for salmon goes back many years, Michael and the boys haven't really gotten into it until recently. I'm so glad they finally came around!
This looks delicious!
Thanks Kalyn!
Oh, HOW do you always make the best salads?!! This looks amazing and so healthy. Can't wait to make it!