Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsAceroSmoked Salmon & Pesto Recipe

Smoked Salmon & Pesto Recipe

Inspired by Acero
Time20m
Serves4

Make Smoked Salmon & Pesto Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Salad base

Optional garnish & serving

Method

Salad base

  1. 1

    Prepare vegetables

    Rinse and dry the mixed salad greens thoroughly (use a salad spinner or pat dry). Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Place the greens in a large serving bowl and arrange tomatoes, cucumber and red onion on top.

Smoked salmon & add-ins

  1. 2

    Assemble smoked salmon

    Tear or fold the smoked salmon into bite-size strips and arrange them over the salad. Evenly scatter the drained capers across the top. If using, quarter the hard-boiled eggs and tuck them around the salad. Set lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over at service.

Pesto dressing

  1. 3

    Make dressing

    In a small bowl whisk together 1/2 cup basil pesto, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon water. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust: add a little more lemon for brightness, a splash more oil to mellow, or a bit more water to reach a pourable consistency (should be thick but drizzlable).

  2. 4

    Dress the salad

    Just before serving, drizzle about two-thirds of the pesto dressing over the salad and gently toss with tongs to coat the greens and distribute salmon without breaking it up too much. Reserve the remaining dressing to pass at the table.

Optional garnish & serving

  1. 5

    Finish and serve

    Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts and grated Parmesan over the dressed salad. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and crusty bread or crostini on the side. Offer remaining dressing at the table for guests who want extra.

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