I’m excited to share my Salmon Potato Salad with you. This refreshing twist on classic potato salad combines tender red potatoes with savory salmon and crisp vegetables, all dressed in a tangy, creamy dressing.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
I love making Salmon Potato Salad because it brings together simple, fresh ingredients into a light yet satisfying dish. The combination of hearty red potatoes, delicate pink salmon, and crunchy vegetables creates a salad that’s both nutritious and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or as a side at dinner, it’s a dish that always impresses.
Description
This salad starts with perfectly cooked, cubed red potatoes that serve as a hearty base. I mix in crisp chopped cucumber, celery, and green onions for added crunch, and toss everything with fresh parsley, dried dill, and basil for an herby lift. The star of the dish, pink salmon, is added to create a savory contrast. A creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a blend of seasonings ties all the flavors together. Once assembled, I refrigerate the salad to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
• 6 cups cooked red potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 3/4 cup sliced green onion
• 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 14 oz can pink salmon, drained and deboned
• 1 3/4 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large saucepan, add the red potatoes and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are just tender. Be sure not to overcook them. Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool for 15 minutes. - Mix the Salad Base:
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled potatoes, chopped cucumber, celery, green onions, parsley, dried dill, and dried basil. Gently toss the ingredients until evenly mixed. - Add the Salmon:
Carefully add the pink salmon to the bowl. Break it into large chunks so that you get bits of salmon in every bite. - Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic salt, and lemon-pepper seasoning until the dressing is smooth. - Combine and Chill:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop.
Process Details
• Cooking the Potatoes: I make sure the red potatoes are just tender by boiling them briefly; this helps them hold their shape when mixed with the other ingredients.
• Fresh Ingredients: Chopping the cucumber, celery, and green onions evenly ensures that every bite has a satisfying crunch.
• Mixing the Dressing: Whisking the dressing separately helps blend the seasonings smoothly, which enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
Tips for Success
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the potatoes while boiling; they should be firm yet tender.
• Gentle Tossing: When combining the salmon with the other ingredients, mix gently to keep the salmon chunks intact.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the salad to chill well in the refrigerator so that the flavors meld together nicely.
• Customize: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the dressing to suit your taste, adding a little more lemon juice for extra tang or a dash more garlic salt for flavor.
Serving Ideas
• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or a fresh garden salad.
• Picnic Perfect: Serve it chilled at a picnic or barbecue for a refreshing complement to hot grilled foods.
• Light Meal: Enjoy it on its own as a light lunch, or serve it with whole grain bread for a more filling option.
• Potluck Favorite: Its vibrant colors and balanced flavors make it a great addition to any potluck or family gathering.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 350–400
• Fat: 28–32 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20–25 grams
• Protein: 12–15 grams
I believe this Salmon Potato Salad is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its mix of tender potatoes, savory salmon, and crisp vegetables all brought together by a creamy dressing, it’s sure to become a favorite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do, and I’d love to hear your thoughts once you try it!
