Imagine a symphony of textures and tastes dancing on your palate with this vibrant and satisfying salad. It begins with a bed of peppery arugula, its delicate leaves providing a fresh, slightly bitter foundation. Thinly sliced red onion introduces a subtle sweetness and a pleasant sharpness, creating a delightful contrast.

Creamy avocado slices, rich in healthy fats, lend a buttery smoothness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Flakes of tender smoked salmon add a touch of oceanic savoriness, infusing the salad with a delicate smoky aroma and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Tiny, briny capers punctuate each bite with bursts of salty tang, awakening the senses and adding a playful complexity.

A dollop of cool sour cream provides a luscious counterpoint to the sharpness of the capers and onions, while also enrobing the ingredients to round out the flavors. Finally, a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity fragrance and helps to bind the salad together, creating a harmonious and balanced composition. This salad is wonderful as a light yet satisfying lunch, or as an elegant starter to share before a larger meal.

The smoked salmon is the star of the show and is easily substituted with other fish if desired. Whether you choose to use canned salmon or tuna, the flavor profile can be easily adapted to your liking. For a dairy-free alternative, the sour cream can be omitted or replaced with a plant-based yogurt made from coconut milk, or simply add extra olive oil.

Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to create a dish that is both flavorful and texturally exciting, making every mouthful a delightful experience.