Black Pepper Free Salmon and Cucumber Salad
Bright, fresh, and genuinely satisfying, this poached salmon and cucumber salad is the kind of dish that feels like a treat without requiring much effort at all. The salmon is gently simmered in a ginger-infused broth until perfectly flaky, giving it a delicate, silky texture that holds up beautifully against the crisp cucumber and creamy avocado. A zippy apple cider vinegar and honey dressing ties everything together with just enough tang and sweetness, while fresh cilantro, mint, and scallion greens keep every bite lively and aromatic. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to black pepper, this recipe is a genuine win — every single component is naturally free of it, with ginger and lemon doing all the heavy lifting in the flavor department. No substitutions needed, no label-scanning required, just clean, whole ingredients from start to finish. It comes together quickly and is best served right away, making it an ideal light lunch or a stunning starter for a dinner party.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salmon
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin-on
- 4 cups water
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 slices fresh ginger
For the dressing
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 1 large english cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 1 large avocado, pitted and diced
- 4 scallions, green tops only, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the water, salt, and ginger slices in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Slide the salmon fillet in skin-side down, reduce the heat to low, and poach until the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part, about 10–12 minutes. The flesh should be opaque throughout and flake easily when pressed.
- 2
Transfer the salmon to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes. Discard the poaching liquid and ginger slices. Once cool enough to handle, peel away and discard the skin, then flake the salmon into large chunks.
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