Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Name: Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 salmon fillet (about 150g); Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1 cup cucumber (sliced); 2 tbsp red onion (thinly sliced); 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Published: November 16, 2025

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 16 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal in no time.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, this dish is not only tasty but also supports a balanced diet.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or pair it with grains like quinoa for a heartier meal.
Fresh Flavors: The combination of herbs, lemon juice, and fresh veggies provides a refreshing taste that brightens any plate.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Non-stick skillet
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

Non-stick skillet: Ensures easy cooking and prevents the salmon from sticking, resulting in a perfectly grilled fillet.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing your salad ingredients without making a mess.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and herbs efficiently.
Sharp knife: Makes slicing through vegetables quick and easy, improving your prep time.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

1 salmon fillet (about 150g)
Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Salad

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, sliced
2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice

How to Make Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Step 1: Cook the Salmon

Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper to taste.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to your liking.

Step 2: Make the Salad

In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion, and parsley.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper before tossing gently to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Serve

Place the grilled salmon on a plate.
Add the fresh salad beside it for a colorful presentation.
Serve immediately for best flavor and freshness.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad!

How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its fresh flavors and vibrant colors make it visually appealing, while the combination of grilled salmon and crisp salad offers a satisfying meal.

Pair with Whole Grain Bread

Whole grain bread complements the dish well, providing a hearty texture that balances the lightness of the salad.

Add a Lemon Wedge

A wedge of lemon adds an extra burst of freshness. Squeezing it over the salmon enhances the flavor even more.

Serve with a Glass of Sparkling Water

Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or cucumber can refresh your palate and elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Extra Herbs

Additional fresh herbs like dill or basil can enhance the flavor profile, making the dish even more aromatic and inviting.

How to Perfect Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad

To achieve the best results when making Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh salmon and ripe vegetables will significantly enhance the overall taste of your dish.
Preheat Your Skillet: Ensuring your skillet is hot before cooking the salmon helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents sticking.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent overcooking the salmon. Aim for a moist, tender fillet.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your salad dressing before serving and adjust seasoning as needed to suit your preference for saltiness or acidity.
Let It Rest: Allowing the grilled salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving will help retain its juices and improve flavor.
Use Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporate seasonal vegetables into your salad for added variety and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad

When looking to round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad.

Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds fiber and protein, offering a wholesome complement to your meal.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil provides a touch of elegance and crunch.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized bring sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory salmon.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette keeps things light while adding more texture.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers enhance flavors through their smoky charred notes.
Fennel Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from fennel and cabbage adds brightness while balancing richness from the salmon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Bold Seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon properly can lead to bland flavor. Always season both sides generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
Bold Cooking Temperature: Cooking salmon at too high a temperature can result in a burnt exterior and raw interior. Aim for medium-high heat for even cooking.
Bold Salad Preparation: Over-mixing the salad can make it soggy. Gently toss the ingredients together to keep them fresh and crisp.
Bold Timing: Overcooking the salmon will make it dry. Keep an eye on it and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for optimal results.
Bold Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old vegetables can ruin the salad’s freshness. Always use fresh cucumbers and tomatoes for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store grilled salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the salad in a separate container to maintain freshness for about 2 days.

Freezing Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Freeze grilled salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Note that freezing is not recommended for the salad, as fresh vegetables do not freeze well.

Reheating Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second increments until warmed through, but be careful not to overcook.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad.

How do I know when my salmon is cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned from translucent to opaque. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.

Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, you can substitute other firm fish like trout or tilapia if you prefer.

What should I serve with Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad?

This dish pairs well with quinoa, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How can I customize the salad?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, avocados, or herbs like cilantro or mint for added flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The grilled salmon stores well, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Salmon with Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad is not only light and refreshing but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. It allows room for customization based on your preferences—feel free to add different vegetables or herbs. We encourage you to try this delicious recipe today!

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