Salmon Caesar Salad
Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, we're diving into a sensational recipe that takes the classic Caesar salad up a notch by introducing the mouthwatering goodness of salmon. Our Salmon Caesar Salad features crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and perfectly cooked salmon, all coming together to make a dish that’s not just for the health nuts but for everyone! It's packed with flavors, textures, and of course, a lot of love. So, let’s get our kitchen aprons on and create some salad magic!
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 large heads of romaine lettuce chopped (feel free to use kale or spinach for a twist)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved (you can swap with sliced cucumbers if you prefer!)
- ¾ cup croutons store-bought or homemade – I’m rooting for homemade!
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese hey, nutritional yeast works too if you want a dairy-free option
- 2 tablespoons capers optional, but they add a nice pop of flavor!
- For the Salmon:
- 2 fillets of salmon about 6 ounces each – you can easily replace this with grilled chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic if you’re feeling fancy
- For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or you can use stone-ground mustard for a rustic vibe
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed, if you please
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 anchovy fillets minced (totally optional! Can replace with a little more mustard or Worcestershire sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. Flake it apart with a fork once it’s cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and anchovy fillets (if using). Mix well until it’s creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and capers. Add the salmon flaked into bite-sized pieces on top of the salad.
- Dress It Up: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad (start with half and then add more based on your preference) and give it a gentle toss to combine.
- Serve and Enjoy: Grab some plates and serve right away. A little sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top wouldn’t hurt either!