Mediterranean Smoked Salmon Quinoa Salad with Veggies & Tzatziki Sauce
This Mediterranean Smoked Salmon Quinoa Salad is light yet filling, packed with colorful vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and silky smoked salmon. It’s finished with a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
⏱️ Time Required
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Quinoa Salad
1 cup quinoa (white or tri-color)
2 cups water or vegetable broth
150–200 g smoked salmon, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
1 cup thick Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Salt, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water/broth.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki
1. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dill.
2. Season with salt.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes for best flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, add cooled quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, olives, and herbs.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Gently fold in smoked salmon pieces.
Step 4: Serve
Spoon tzatziki over the salad or serve on the side.
Garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges.
🌿 Tips & Variations
Extra Mediterranean touch: Add feta cheese or capers.
Kid-friendly: Skip onion and garlic for a milder flavor.
Protein boost: Add chickpeas or boiled eggs.
Make-ahead: Keep tzatziki separate until serving.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQs
Can I use hot-smoked salmon?
Yes! It gives a firmer texture and deeper flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free.
How long does it keep?
Up to 2 days refrigerated (salmon added fresh is best).
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 5 g
Healthy Fats: 20 g
Sodium:16 g