Name: Watermelon Smoked Salmon Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 4 cups watermelon, cubed; 8 ounces smoked salmon, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons capers; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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This elegant watermelon smoked salmon salad is one of those dishes I love making when I want something light, refreshing, and unexpectedly sophisticated. The sweetness of watermelon pairs beautifully with the smoky depth of salmon, while dill, red onion, and capers add fresh, briny notes. Finished with a simple lemon-olive oil dressing, it’s the perfect starter or light summer meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this salad for its balance of flavors—sweet, salty, smoky, and tangy—all in one bite. It’s incredibly easy to put together, yet it looks and tastes gourmet. Whether I’m serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it solo on a warm afternoon, it always feels like a treat. Plus, the ingredients are fresh, colorful, and wholesome.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 cups watermelon, cubed
8 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I start by adding the cubed watermelon, smoked salmon, chopped dill, thinly sliced red onion, and capers to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, I whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well blended.
I drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine, being careful not to break apart the watermelon or salmon too much.
I serve the salad immediately while the ingredients are crisp and fresh.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a light meal or starter.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
Swapping watermelon for cantaloupe or honeydew gives a new flavor profile.
If I want extra crunch, I add a handful of arugula or baby spinach.
A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts adds texture and richness.
I occasionally substitute lime juice for lemon for a zesty tropical twist.

storage/reheating

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling, as the watermelon releases water over time.
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge and eat them within 24 hours.
I don’t recommend reheating this salad—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and fresh.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

I prep the ingredients ahead of time but keep them separate. I mix everything and add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.

What type of smoked salmon should I use?

I like using thinly sliced cold-smoked salmon, but hot-smoked salmon flakes work well too for a heartier texture.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill adds the most vibrant flavor, but if I’m out, I use a smaller amount of dried dill—about 1 teaspoon.

Is this salad keto or low-carb?

It’s not strictly keto due to the watermelon, but it’s relatively low-carb. I reduce the watermelon if I want to make it more keto-friendly.

Can I make this salad dairy-free and gluten-free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, as long as I don’t add cheese or any gluten-containing garnishes.

Conclusion

This watermelon smoked salmon salad is a refreshing blend of bold and delicate flavors that I find irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that surprises and delights with every bite, making it perfect for warm-weather meals, brunches, or when I just want to treat myself to something light yet luxurious.