Salmon Caesar Salad
What makes this dish special? For one, it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious yet satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, so you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Equipment
- Skillet or Grill Pan
- Tongs or Spatula
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Small Blender
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Salad Spinner (Optional)
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets 6 oz each
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika optional, for extra flavor
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Salad
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced (optional)
For the Caesar Dressing (Homemade Option)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon (5 minutes)
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps them get a nice, crispy sear.
- Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the fillets and rub to coat.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice over the fillets for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Pro Tip: Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly!
Step 2: Cook the Salmon (6-8 minutes)
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes while you prep the salad.
- Pro Tip: If your salmon is thick, lower the heat slightly after flipping to ensure it cooks through without burning.
Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing (5 minutes)
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Add ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Slowly drizzle in 2 tbsp olive oil while whisking to blend everything smoothly.
- Shortcut: If using a food processor, just toss everything in and blend for 20-30 seconds!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad (5 minutes)
- In a large mixing bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup croutons.
- Drizzle in the dressing and toss again until everything is well coated.
- If using cherry tomatoes and red onion, add them now for extra freshness.
Step 5: Add the Salmon & Serve
- Gently place the cooked salmon fillets on top of the salad.
- Use a fork to break them into large chunks or leave them whole for a beautiful presentation.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice for a final burst of flavor.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550-600 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fat: ~38g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Omega-3s: High (thanks to the salmon!)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.