Description
A fresh and flavorful Salmon Caesar Salad featuring pan-seared wild salmon fillets served over crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a zesty lemon and Parmesan-based Caesar dressing. This easy-to-make dish delivers a perfect balance of rich, savory salmon and tangy, creamy dressing for a satisfying, healthy meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 anchovy fillets (minced)
For the Salad
- 7 cups roughly chopped or torn romaine lettuce
For the Salmon
- 4 wild skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Squeeze one half of the lemon and combine 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice in a large mixing bowl with the smashed garlic clove, minced anchovies, grated Parmesan, and mayonnaise. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Season the salmon: Lightly season each salmon fillet on both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cook the salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side-down in the hot skillet. Cover the skillet and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the skin is nicely browned and crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the fillets.
- Add lemon juice: Once cooked, immediately squeeze the remaining lemon half’s juice over the hot salmon fillets to brighten the flavors.
- Toss the salad: Add the roughly chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl containing the prepared dressing. Toss thoroughly to ensure the lettuce is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Divide the dressed lettuce evenly among four plates. Top each plate with a cooked salmon fillet. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using wild salmon adds a richer flavor, but farmed salmon can be substituted if needed.
- Ensure the skillet is sufficiently hot before adding the salmon to achieve a crispy skin.
- The anchovies in the dressing add authentic Caesar salad umami, but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Serve with crusty bread or croutons for added texture if desired.
