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Quick 20-Min Grilled Salmon and Avocado Power Salad

Grilled Salmon and Avocado Power Salad

A vibrant and healthy main course salad featuring perfectly grilled salmon, creamy avocado, and a mix of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a light dressing with crunchy pumpkin seeds and optional feta cheese.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets about 150g each, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic granules
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 200 g mixed salad leaves rocket, spinach, and watercress work well
  • 2 ripe avocados sliced
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cucumber diced
  • 100 g feta cheese crumbled (optional)
  • 50 g toasted pumpkin seeds

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill or griddle pan: Turn your grill to a medium-high heat, or set a griddle pan over a high flame. You want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately, but not so hot that the oil smokes.
  2. Season the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with kitchen paper. Rub each fillet with half a tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic granules, salt, and pepper. The paprika will give the fish a deep, rusty colour and a gentle smoky scent.
  3. Grill the salmon: Place the fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) on the hot pan. Listen for a satisfying sizzle. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them. The edges will turn opaque and golden. Flip carefully with a fish slice and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The flesh should flake easily with a fork and look opaque all the way through, with a slight caramelisation on the outside.
  4. Rest the salmon: Transfer the cooked fillets to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let them rest for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the salmon stays moist rather than dry and flaky.
  5. Prepare the salad base: While the salmon rests, add the mixed leaves, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and half the pumpkin seeds to a large serving bowl. Drizzle over half the dressing and toss gently with your hands until every leaf is lightly coated. The leaves should glisten, not pool in dressing.
  6. Assemble the salad: Flake the rested salmon into large chunks using two forks, discarding the skin if you prefer. Add the salmon and sliced avocado to the bowl. Sprinkle over the remaining pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta, if using. Drizzle over the rest of the dressing and give everything a final, gentle toss. The avocado should remain intact, and the salmon chunks should be visible throughout.

Notes

For best results, use skin-on salmon fillets and let the salmon rest before flaking. The dressing is not specified in the recipe; a simple lemon vinaigrette or your favorite dressing works well.