Simple Salmon Citrus Salad has bright flavors, is easy to make, and so filling!

salmon citrus salad with avocado on plate by fork in the kitchen

Before we get to this gorgeous citrus-forward salad, I have to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!

How was your NYE? What did you eat/drink/do? I’m always a homebody on NYE. My family and I spent the night enjoying a (homemade) 7-course dinner where we each made a dish from this year’s theme of “around the world”. So delizioso!

Back to the recipes… I know I haven’t posted an actual recipe in what feels like forever.

salmon citrus salad with avocado on plate by fork in the kitchen

Mostly because I semi-intentionally took a break over the holidays. I didn’t really give you a heads up, because I wasn’t sure I was going to. I did a lot of behind-the-scenes work for FITK, but also spent a lot of time relaxing and enjoying time friends and family.

While it was wonderful, I was antsy to get back into the kitchen, testing recipes. As my family continued to hear me debate with myself about whether or not I needed an Instant Pot, one showed up with my name on it Christmas morning.

That means I’ve been testing a lot of IP recipes. Including the salmon in this salad! That being said – I’ll always add alternative cooking methods if you don’t have an Instant Pot.

salmon citrus salad with avocado on plate by fork in the kitchen

Salmon in the Instant Pot

We’re all in the make-it-quick-and-easy camp, right?! When it comes to cooking weeknight dinners anyway…

Steaming salmon in the Instant Pot is even easier than making it in a foil packet (although if you don’t have in IP that’s still definitely my method of choice!).

The Instant Pot comes with a lovely little steamer rack, making it so easy! I like to put a little parchment on top of it while I steam the salmon so the skin doesn’t stick, but if you don’t have any I’d recommend spraying a little oil.

salmon citrus salad with avocado on plate by fork in the kitchen

You’ll drizzle the salmon with some basics: olive oil, s&p, and some lemon slices. Add some water in the bottom of the Instant Pot, place the steam rack inside, and let it work it’s magic!

THREE MINUTES LATER – your salmon is steamed and ready for a winter citrus salad that’s gonna make you feel like summer.

P.S. if you’re new to the IP game, it does take a few minutes to “warm up”, so in total the salmon still takes less than 10 minutes!

The Salad

salmon citrus salad with avocado on plate by fork in the kitchen

I am soooo pumped about this salad! It’s so full of color, texture, and flavor. You know I am not about boring salads – but who is?! I also find it so difficult to find a winter salad that’s hearty yet still comforting.

This is what we’ve got:

  • citrus! fresh, bright, sweet citrus!
    • blood oranges
    • grapefruit
    • lemon
  • avocado – a must-have for creaminess!
  • pistachios – crunch!
  • romaine – my greens of choice, a mix of watery, green-leafy crunch – you can use whatever greens you love!
  • lemon-garlic dressing – it’s light and adds quite the savory component with all the garlic and shallots
pouring dressing on salmon citrus salad with avocado on plate by fork in the kitchen

Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? An incredibly easy, flavorful salad that’s super quick to make. Just what we need to brighten up these dreary winter days!

salmon citrus salad with avocado on plate by fork in the kitchen
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Get the Recipe Simple Salmon Citrus Salad

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
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An incredibly easy, flavorful salad that’s a breeze to make – perfect to brighten up winter days!

Ingredients

  • 2 5-to-6 oz.salmon filets
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons minced shallot, 1 small bulb
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped or minced
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 3-4 thin lemon slices
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil, additional for salmon
  • 1 grapefruit, segmented
  • 2 blood oranges, segmented
  • 1 large avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup roughly chopped pistachios
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Instructions
 

  • Salmon in the Instant Pot: Pour 3/4 cup water in the bottom of the instant pot. Either oil the steam rack lightly or place a piece of parchment paper on top. Drizzle salmon filets with olive oil (~1/2 TBSP each), salt, pepper, and lemon slices. Place on the steam rack into the Instant Pot. Steam for 2-3 minutes depending on the thickness of filets, on high pressure. Quick release the steam. 
  • Salmon Packet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut a large piece of foil (to wrap around the salmon filets) and a piece of parchment paper just bigger than the filets. Layer the parchment on top of the foil, and the salmon on top of the parchment. Drizzle filets with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon slices. Fold the long edge of the foil up and the sides in to create a packet. Bake for 15-20 minutes. 
  • Dressing: Meanwhile, whisk together the dressing: shallots, garlic, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Drizzle in the olive oil while gently whisking. 
  • Salad: Toss salad together, dividing between two, with grapefruit, oranges, avocado, and pistachios. 

Notes

With skin-on salmon, you may way to flake the salmon and toss it in your salad. 
Course: Salad
Author: Becca Mills
Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!

By the Way…

This recipe is part of our collection of green salad recipes. Check it out!