Ah, salmon–the regal fish of the sea, glistening in its pink glory. There’s something undeniably comforting about a Caesar salad, with its crisp lettuce and creamy dressing, yet when you throw in tender, flaky salmon, it becomes a whole new experience. Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun streaming through your kitchen window, and this vibrant salad waiting to be devoured–simple, yet utterly irresistible.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice, minced garlic, anchovies, grated Parmesan, and mayonnaise in a large bowl. Set the mixture aside to let the flavors blend together.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and place the salmon skin-side down, cover the pan, and cook for five minutes until the skin turns brown.
- Flip the salmon fillets and continue cooking for about two more minutes, until they are fully cooked. Squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the salmon before removing it from the skillet.
- Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl with the dressing and toss until the lettuce is well-coated. Distribute the dressed lettuce onto four plates and top each serving with a piece of salmon.
Ingredients
- 4 wild salmon fillets, each approximately 6 ounces, with skin-on
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 7 cups of romaine lettuce, roughly chopped or torn
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 3 anchovy fillets, minced
- 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1456 kcal | Carbohydrates: 26 g | Protein: 168 g | Fat: 80 g | Saturated Fat: 18 g | Cholesterol: 390 mg | Sodium: 1658 mg | Fiber: 12 g | Sugar: 6 g
FAQ
- Is Caesar salad healthy for you?
- This salmon Caesar salad can be quite nutritious. The salmon provides a good amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Additionally, the salad contains vitamins and minerals from the lettuce, and the dressing includes healthy ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
- How should I store leftover Salmon Caesar Salad?
- You can store leftover salmon in the refrigerator for up to three days. For meal prep, keep the salmon, lettuce, and dressing in separate containers and combine them just before eating to maintain freshness.
- What alternatives can I use if I don’t like salmon?
- If you’re not a fan of salmon, you can substitute it with grilled chicken. If you’re short on time, you can also use smoked salmon instead of cooking fresh salmon.
- Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
- Absolutely! If you want more vegetables, you can include items like radish, cucumber, or avocado. If you particularly enjoy croutons, feel free to add them to the salad for an extra crunch.
- What can I serve alongside Salmon Caesar Salad?
- This salad is hearty enough to be a meal on its own due to the protein-rich salmon. However, if you’d like to serve it with something, you can pair it with a slice of your favorite bread or a cup of soup.
Tips
- Optimize Dressing Flavor: Allow the dressing to sit for a bit after mixing the lemon juice, garlic, anchovies, parmesan, and mayonnaise. This gives the flavors time to blend and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: When pan-searing salmon, start with the skin-side down in a hot skillet to ensure crispy skin. Cover the pan and let it cook without flipping for the first five minutes to achieve the best texture.
- Meal Prep Efficiently: Store the salmon, lettuce, and dressing separately if you’re preparing this salad ahead of time. This keeps the components fresh and allows you to quickly assemble a delicious meal later.
- Customize with Ease: Feel free to experiment by substituting salmon with grilled chicken or smoked salmon, or by adding extra vegetables like radish, cucumber, or avocado for a more varied salad experience.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – For pan-searing the salmon.
- Mixing Bowl – For making the Caesar dressing and tossing the salad.
