GF, DF

This fresh, summery salad is bursting with colour and flavour — the perfect nourishing dinner for warm, busy days. Flaky smoked salmon pairs beautifully with sweet mango, crisp broccolini, and creamy avocado, all tied together with a luscious toasted sesame dressing. It’s light, satisfying, and full of vibrant Asian-inspired flavours — effortless to prepare yet special enough to impress.

I’m a firm believer that salads should be anything but boring. A truly great salad should feel hearty and satisfying — full of texture, vibrant flavours, and nourishing ingredients that leave you feeling full and energised. This one ticks every box.

Bursting with colour and freshness, this salad is the perfect balance of substance and simplicity. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that provide everything your body needs: complex carbohydrates, lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fibre. The result is a complete, nourishing meal that doesn’t compromise on flavour.

It’s ideal for so many occasions — pack it up for a relaxed picnic lunch, enjoy it as a light yet filling dinner, or serve it to guests at the end of a hot summer’s day when no one wants to turn on the oven. Best of all, the components can be prepared ahead of time. The dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge, and most of the ingredients can be chopped and ready to go, meaning all that’s left to do is toss it together before serving.

A no-cook, make-ahead meal that feels fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious — exactly what summer eating should be.

What's in this recipe?

Creamy sesame dressing

Tahini
A creamy sesame paste that gives the dressing its smooth texture and rich, nutty depth.
Kewpie mayo
This is what makes the dressing irresistibly creamy and luxurious. You can use regular whole-egg mayo if that’s what you have, but the umami flavour of Kewpie really takes it up a notch — it’s what makes this dressing extra special.
Rice vinegar
Adds a gentle acidity that balances the creaminess and ties in beautifully with the Asian-inspired flavours. Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, but rice vinegar keeps the flavour softer and more authentic.
Tamari
Provides the salty backbone of the dressing while keeping it gluten-free. Soy sauce can be used instead if you don’t need to avoid gluten.
Honey
Brings a subtle sweetness and helps keep the dressing refined-sugar free. You can swap for brown sugar if needed, though I love the extra nutritional benefits (and flavour!) of honey.
Sesame oil
A small amount goes a long way — it adds that unmistakable toasted sesame aroma and depth. This one’s non-negotiable!
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds savoury bite and brightness. Avoid the pre-minced jarred kind — it tends to taste overly sweet and artificial.
Toasted sesame seeds
Add texture, nuttiness, and a gorgeous visual contrast. I like using both black and white sesame seeds, lightly toasted in a dry pan for just a few minutes until fragrant.

Salmon & mango salad

Brown rice
The hearty base of the salad — filling, nourishing, and wonderfully nutty. I love using brown rice for its chewy texture and wholesome flavour. White rice or soba noodles also work beautifully. Microwave packets are a great shortcut, but I often cook a few cups ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for quick salads and easy weekday meals.
Broccolini
Adds freshness, crunch, and a pop of green to the salad. You can easily swap it for other greens like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, depending on what’s in season.
Cos lettuce
Keeps the salad light, crisp, and refreshing. Iceberg lettuce can be used instead if you prefer — both add that perfect crunch.
Mango
Fresh mango brings sweetness, colour, and a burst of summer vibrancy. It makes the salad totally irresistible. Be sure to use in-season mangoes for the best flavour and juiciness.
Mini cucumbers
These add a cool, refreshing bite and look so pretty when sliced into the salad. Regular or Lebanese cucumbers work just as well.
Avocado
Adds creamy richness and healthy fats that make this salad extra satisfying — a real nourishment boost in every bite.
Hot smoked salmon
Perfectly paired with the sesame and mango flavours, hot smoked salmon makes this salad effortless to prepare — ideal for long, warm summer days. You can also use freshly cooked salmon if you prefer a lighter option.
Cashews
Provide crunch and enhance the nutty undertones throughout the salad.
Salt
The final flourish that brings all the flavours to life — don’t skip it!

Step-by-step photos

Mixing dressing

Steaming broccolini

Mixing dressing through rice

Spreading rice on platter

Layering salad

Adding salmon & mango to salad