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Crispy Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing

crispy blackened salmon caesar salad - featured image

A quick and easy salad featuring crispy blackened salmon with a smoky, spicy crust paired with a luscious, tangy creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets (skin-on, about 6 oz each)
  • Blackening seasoning (paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (for searing)
  • Romaine lettuce (2 hearts, roughly chopped)
  • Croutons (about 1 cup)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional, halved)
  • Mayonnaise (½ cup)
  • Anchovy paste (1 tsp)
  • Fresh lemon juice (2 tbsp)
  • Dijon mustard (1 tsp)
  • Garlic (1 clove, minced)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • Water (to thin dressing if needed)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle blackening seasoning generously over both sides and press gently. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Add black pepper to taste and thin with water if needed. Chill in fridge.
  3. Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add croutons, cherry tomatoes if using, and half of the grated Parmesan.
  4. Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (about 3 minutes). Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat.
  5. Place salmon skin-side down in pan and press gently with spatula. Cook 4-5 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and blackened.
  6. Flip salmon and cook 2-3 minutes more until opaque and flakes easily. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
  7. Pour creamy Caesar dressing over salad base and toss gently to combine. Add more dressing if desired.
  8. Divide salad onto plates or serving bowl. Top with crispy blackened salmon fillets and sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning for a crisp crust. Use high heat for blackening. Rest salmon after cooking to keep it juicy. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising lettuce. Dressing can be thinned with water and stored up to 3 days. For dairy-free, substitute vegan mayo and omit Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened salmon, Caesar salad, creamy dressing, quick salad, seafood salad, healthy dinner, easy recipe