Scandinavian smoked salmon salad with pickled red onions, cucumber, dill, and creamy dressing on a ceramic plate

🥗 Nordic Freshness in a Bowl: Smoked Salmon Scandinavian Salad

 

A fresh, tangy, and herby salad featuring Norwegian smoked salmon (Røkt Laks), creamy horseradish dressing, and Nordic greens — perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine Norwegian
Servings 2
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the salad:

  • 100 g Norwegian smoked salmon (Røkt Laks), sliced
  • 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, frisée)
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced and pickled (see below)
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional: rye croutons or crispbread on the side

For the creamy horseradish dressing:

  • 3 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp prepared horseradish (or more to taste)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Quick Pickled Onion:

  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • Pickle the onion: In a small bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add sliced red onion and let sit for 10–15 minutes while preparing the salad.
  • Make the dressing: In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, horseradish, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy.
  • Assemble the salad: In a large bowl or on two plates, arrange the greens, cucumber, pickled onion, and smoked salmon.
  • Add herbs: Sprinkle chopped dill and chives on top.
  • Dress and serve: Drizzle with horseradish dressing, serve with lemon wedges and rye croutons or crispbread. Enjoy immediately!
    Nordic lunch table with smoked salmon salad, rye crispbread, lemon, and Akvavit

Notes

🥗 Nordic Freshness in a Bowl: Smoked Salmon Scandinavian Salad

If you’re craving something elegant yet wholesome, this Scandinavian-style smoked salmon salad is your answer. With buttery Røkt Laks, crisp greens, tangy pickled onions, a hint of horseradish, and creamy dressing, it’s a Nordic take on a classic that celebrates freshness, contrast, and balance. 🌿🐟✨

🇳🇴 Why It’s So Loved in Norway

In a region where ingredients are revered for their purity and seasonal character, salads like this are more than side dishes — they’re culinary statements. They reflect a deep respect for the sea, local produce, and simple, honest flavors. This salad brings together:
  • ❄️ Cold-smoked salmon (Røkt Laks) – silky, savory, and full of umami
  • 🧅 Pickled red onions – bright and acidic
  • 🥬 Crunchy greens – like arugula, baby spinach, and frisée
  • 🌿 Dill and chives – classic Nordic herbs
  • 🌶️ Creamy horseradish dressing – for a little Scandi fire
Perfect as a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or part of a festive Nordic table.

🇳🇴 Norwegian cuisine
Keyword dill salad, Nordic lunch, Røkt Laks salad, Scandinavian salad, smoked salmon salad
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