Salmon bean salad is one of those dishes that blends nutrition, flavor, and simplicity in a way that feels effortless yet satisfying. It brings together hearty, protein-packed ingredients with fresh, vibrant accents to create a meal that works for both a casual lunch and a light dinner. Whether you’re trying to eat clean or just want something different from your usual salad routine, this combo delivers.
At the heart of this dish is salmon – rich, flaky, and full of omega-3s. When paired with beans like cannellini, chickpeas, or even black beans, it creates a hearty base that doesn’t feel heavy. The beans bring a creamy texture and earthy flavor that balance beautifully with the slightly smoky or citrusy notes you often find in salmon, depending on how it’s cooked.
But it’s the additions that really brighten things up. Crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, or arugula can all find their way into the mix. A squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar gives it that lift of acidity, cutting through the richness of the salmon and beans. Herbs like dill, parsley, or basil take it to the next level with just a few fresh sprinkles.
This is the kind of salad that gets better as it sits, making it ideal for meal prep or picnics. It’s also endlessly customizable. You can swap in grilled salmon or use canned if you’re short on time. You can try different beans or toss in extras like olives, feta, or avocado for a twist.
Beyond being practical and adaptable, a salmon bean salad feels modern yet grounded in good food principles. It fills you up, fuels your body, and doesn’t leave you with a pile of dishes. It’s a salad that knows how to be more than a side, it stands on its own, confidently and with great flavor.
Ingredients
- 150 grams salmon fillet cooked and flaked
- 1 cup mixed beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon mustard Dijon
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, mixed beans, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Easy to make and my family loved it. Even the kids ate it, and that’s saying something!
I accidentally used canned salmon. Still turned out ok, but not as good as I thought it would be. Will try fresh next time!
Tasted alright but the lemon was too strong for my taste. I prefer less tart things.
I don’t know, man. It seems like there’s too much going on in this salad. Salmon and beans? I dunno…
OMG YUM! I added avocado. You should try it! Makes it even creamier. 😍
Why would you put mustard in a salad? That’s just wrong! No offense but not my style at all.
salmon bean salad tastes good.
I totally agree! This salad is so refreshing and tasty! Love the mix of flavors.
This salad is a hit! The flavors just pop, and it’s super healthy. Going to make it again for sure.
Super easy and quick! Perfect for lunch. Only took me 15 mins. Thx for sharing!
I totally agree! This recipe is a lifesaver on busy days. Glad you enjoyed it!
It was kinda bland for my taste. I added some garlic and it was better. But still not my favorite.
Bland? Not for me! I thought it was great as is! But everyone has different tastes…
I totally get that! Sometimes a little garlic can really kick up the flavor. Maybe some herbs could help too?
I don’t like mustard much, so I left it out. Still tasted fine! 😅
But you need mustard for flavor! How can u leave it out? 🤔
Glad it worked out for you! I think mustard can be a bit overpowering sometimes. 😄
Never thought salmon would go with beans! But wow, this works! Great recipe!
This salad is sooo good! I made it for dinner and my family loved it. Will definitely make again!
Hmm… I followed the recipe but my salad looked nothing like the pic and tasted off. Not sure what I did wrong, haha.
Looks fancy but actually simple to make! Love the lemony taste!
Totally agree! It looks so good and the lemony flavor really stands out. Can’t wait to try this!
I don’t know about this one. Beans and fish?? That’s weird. No offense, just my opinion.
I get that! It does sound a bit odd, but I’ve tried it and it was surprisingly good! The flavors blend really well.
I mean, beans and fish? I’d never think to combine them! But there’s so many weird combinations that end up tasting great. Maybe worth a shot?
I dunno… it looks easy, but I burned the salmon 🙁
Don’t be too hard on yourself! Salmon can be tricky, but practice makes perfect. Just watch it closely next time.
Just use a timer! It helps, lol. Also, my mom always says salmon is better a little undercooked anyway!
Salmon bean salad? Sounds weird but I tried it. Surprised how well it works!
Easy and healthy! I love how quick it is to put together. Perfect for lunch.
Sounds good and all, but can we really call it healthy with all that oil? Just sayin’…
I made this for my lunch too! It was so good, but I left out the mustard. Still yummy!
Yum! The mustard dressing adds a nice kick! I’m making this again for sure.
I totally agree! The mustard gives it a zing that’s so refreshing. It’s become my go-to recipe now!
Really? I didn’t think mustard would go well with fish. Sounds kinda weird to me.
Didn’t have mixed beans, used black beans instead. Still good overall. Not bad!
Black beans, huh? That’s a clever swap! I love how versatile recipes can be. Glad it still turned out good!
I thought the flavors would be better… but it was bland for my taste. Needs more spice!
Is salmon really healthy? I heard too much fish is bad for you, but this taste good.
How can you call this a salad? It’s just beans and fish, wth? 😂
This salad is simplly delish! I didn’t have salmon, so I used tuna, and it still turned out great!