This Greek yogurt based dressing adds a healthy twist to a classic dish! Salmon Caesar Salad is delicious, nutritious and full of flavor.
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Caesar salads are a classic. They always remind me of steak houses. Some of my sweetest childhood memories involve visiting them with my grandparents (who are known as Mimi and Nunu in our family) treating everyone to some mighty delicious meals. And since Nunu loves steak houses, that must be why Caesar salads remind me of him. There was one restaurant in particular we frequented, usually after my brother’s football or baseball games, called Marin Joe’s in Corte Madera. It’s an old-school joint where they are known for making the Caesar salad right in front of you. The waiter comes out with all of the ingredients on a little roll-away cart and mixes them together right there at your table. It’s probably the best thing on the menu and we always got it when we went there.
Now if you have never heard of Caesar salads, or are less familiar with them, then you are missing out. This salad is usually made with romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce (however I have seen it made with soft kale and other leafy greens) and is dressed in a creamy, zesty sauce that sometimes features anchovies and a splash of raw egg. But I can’t stand either one of those ingredients, so if you are like me, you will love this healthy twist.
You still get the same creaminess and flavor but from the Dijon and Greek yogurt rather than the egg. And since it doesn’t have anchovies, it leaves more room for the lemon and garlic flavors to stand out. It is also commonly tossed in thinly grated fresh Parmesan with sourdough croutons. So yum! Most restaurants also have additional toppings like grilled shrimp, chicken or salmon to finish your salad with. So today, we are making it with a fresh grilled salmon fillet (but, if you prefer, you can also bake or air fry your salmon, too).
Is Salmon Caesar Salad Healthy?
This nourishing dish is great for diets of all kinds. Salmon is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and selenium. Romaine lettuce is a solid source of vitamins A and C as well as fiber. Then there is the mighty creamy Caesar dressing, with superstars like olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, which are all considered clean ingredients due to the natural state they come in. Salad dressing free from chemicals and preservatives is a rare find at the grocery store because they don’t have a very long shelf life without them. So, freshly made is best – and that’s exactly what this recipe will show you.
No Salmon on Hand? What else to top this salad with?
If you don’t have any salmon on hand or don’t want to go through the effort to cook it, you can always top your Caesar with store-bought rotisserie chicken. Or warm up some shrimp in butter and lemon. Both these pair great with the Caesar dressing and blend well. If you prefer a vegetarian topping, I suggest crispy chickpeas. Just season with onions and garlic salt, drizzle in olive oil or coconut oil and throw them in the oven for a nice crunch. You can also add some fresh slices of avocado and even mix in a few cherry tomatoes. Lastly, artichoke hearts taste great on Caesers too!
INGREDIENTS
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese and croutons for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook
Sear salmon fillets in a skillet.
Prepare
Whisk together dressing ingredients.
Assemble
Toss lettuce with dressing, add salmon, and garnish.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
To prepare this salad in advance, cook the salmon, let it cool and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also prepare your dressing and chop your lettuce in advance too, storing each separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve just combine the lettuce, dressing, salmon and garnishes. Once assembled, it is not recommended to store your salad as it will end up being too soggy.
Homemade croutons are the best and so easy to make! Just dice and bake some stale bread in some butter, olive oil and fresh herbs like thyme and oregano. And just like that you have a delightful crunch to top your salad with. Store-bought ones from a local bakery or market can also be a convenient shortcut.
While romaine lettuce is suggested here, little gem lettuce is also ideal due to its tiny ridges that hold onto the dressing so well. I also really love a Caesar made with Masuda kale, which is a soft and tasty variety of kale.
Serving Suggestions
Top your salmon Caesar salad with fresh cracked pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. The protein from the salmon transforms this salad into an ideal lunch or light dinner.
For more hearty sides, you can of course pair your salad with a pasta of choice, this Delicious Angel Hair Pasta works great because it’s on the lighter side with a sauce made of spices and oil. And, for more salad inspo, take a peek at this Superfood Quinoa Salad With Blueberries And Cacao Nibs or this Vegan Broccoli Salad that brings you crunchy and creamy without compromises!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese and croutons for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and brush salmon fillets with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and flaky.
- In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, and Greek yogurt to create the Caesar dressing.
- Toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing in a large salad bowl. Divide the salad onto plates and top each with a cooked salmon fillet. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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