This Salmon Caesar Salad is a fresh and delicious twist on a classic dish that is ideal for any meal. A perfectly pan-seared salmon filet tops crisp romaine lettuce, all tossed in a rich, homemade Caesar dressing with a hint of garlic and anchovy.
If you enjoy salmon, this Classic Caesar Salad recipe will be a hit. The combination of the crispy skinned salmon and the creamy, tangy dressing brings out the best in each ingredient. Cooking the salmon in a skillet gives it a nice sear, while the tender interior stays juicy and flavorful.
This salad is quick to prepare. It is a great choice for a light weeknight dinner or a simple yet impressive dish for guests. The mix of shaved parmesan and crunchy croutons adds the perfect finishing touch to every bite. You can make this even better by adding homemade croutons, or make this salad even easier by adding leftover salmon.
If you are looking for more salmon recipes, check out our: Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo, Easy Baked Salmon Steaks, Grilled Salmon Salad, or Easy Pan Seared Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe.
Or, try our Caesar Pasta Salad or Arugula Burrata Salad recipe for a delicious side dish!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Healthy - This is a healthy choice because it combines lean and protein rich salmon with nutritious romaine lettuce. The homemade Caesar dressing allows you to control the ingredients which makes it a healthy alternative to store bought versions while still packing in plenty of flavor.
- Flavorful - This salad is packed with flavor from the creamy homemade caesar dressing mixed with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of anchovy. The seared salmon pairs perfectly with the zesty kick of fresh lemon juice. Each bite is seriously delicious!
- Simple - This recipe is super easy to make, with just a few steps and ingredients that can all be found at your grocery store. Sear the salmon, whip up the dressing, and toss everything together. It comes together quickly and is a great option for a hassle free meal that still tastes impressive.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this easy salmon recipe:
- Salmon: Use a 1 pound salmon filet. If you're serving a crowd, you can sauté individual salmon fillets.
- Salt & black pepper
- Olive oil: Use regular olive oil for searing the salmon.
- Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor. I like to use a microplane to grate the garlic clove as finely as possible.
- Parmesan cheese: Use grated parmesan cheese in the dressing and shaved parmesan cheese as a garnish.
- Mayonnaise: For a lighter dressing, you can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Anchovy paste
- Dijon mustard
- Romaine lettuce
- Croutons
Directions
Let's make this caesar salmon salad together!
Step 1
Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. I like to bring my salmon to room temperature before sautéing.
Step 2
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin side down and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the skin is crisp and then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. If you don't like the skin, remove beforehand and sear the flesh side down, until it is crisp.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, garlic, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, anchovy paste, and dijon mustard. Whisk well.
Step 4
Add the romaine lettuce to the bowl and toss well. Top with shaved parmesan, cooked salmon, and croutons. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this caesar salad recipe:
- Pat the salmon dry - Ensure the salmon is dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps achieve a crispier skin.
- Add croutons last - To keep them crunchy, add croutons just before serving.
- Make Extra - Make extra dressing so you can assemble a quick lunch or a light dinner for the next day. A squeeze of lemon will perk up any leftover dressing!
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this easy salmon caesar salad recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Large skillet: You'll want a high quality large skillet with high sides.
- Salad bowl: Use a large serving bowl to serve this salad.
- Wooden spoon: I love these wooden spoons for mixing and serving the salad.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this quick meal.
- Salmon: Swap the salmon for grilled chicken if you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese: Substitute the parmesan with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
- Anchovy paste: Omit the anchovy paste or use capers for a milder, non-fish option.
- Romaine lettuce: Replace romaine lettuce with mixed greens, red leaf lettuce, spinach, or lacinato kale for a different texture or flavor.
- Additions: Boost the salad with additional toppings like cherry tomatoes, red onion, or avocado for extra freshness and flavor.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this easy dinner:
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe, I recommend using salmon filets with skin. The skin crisps up nicely when seared, adding texture and flavor. It also helps keep the salmon moist and together during cooking. If you prefer skinless filets, you can use them, but you might miss out on some of that crispy texture and flavor.
The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For precise cooking, use a food thermometer to check if it has reached 145°F. Avoid overcooking to ensure it stays moist and tender.
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly to ensure a crispy skin and even cooking.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe:
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 1-2 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freezing is not recommended.
Other Recipes to Try
The Best Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- Shaved parmesan cheese for serving
- Croutons for serving
Instructions
- Pat salmon dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and place salmon skin side down. Cook for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is crisp, then flip and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, garlic, parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, anchovy paste, and dijon mustard. Whisk well.
- Add romaine lettuce to the bowl and toss well. Top with shaved parmesan cheese, cooked salmon, and croutons. Serve and enjoy.
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