Blackened Salmon Kale Caesar Salad – Fresh homemade kale caesar salad recipe with seared blackened salmon. Topped with creamy caesar dressing, croutons, fresh shaved parmesan, and cracked black pepper.
This is by far one of the best caesar salads I’ve ever made. The blackened salmon pairs with the kale caesar salad wonderfully. Not only is this salad extremely delicious, it’s packed with tons of nutrients and omega-3s making it a heart healthy meal.
Blackened Salmon Kale Caesar Salad is a great dish to serve for lunch or dinner and makes great leftovers. This recipe serves about four people, giving each person an individual 6 oz portion of salmon. You can also cut this recipe in half or double the recipe if cooking for a larger crowd.
Ingredients to make Blackened Salmon Kale Caesar Salad :
Salmon: You’ll need four 6oz skinless salmon filets for this recipe. I like to buy individually packed frozen salmon from Costco or you can use a whole fillet and cut your own portions. You can also purchase individual fresh portions from your local butcher.
Blackened Seasonings: Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Cayenne Pepper.
Kale: I used fresh chopped kale in this recipe. You can also use romaine, spinach or your favorite lettuce. You’ll need about 8 cups chopped.
Croutons: You can use your favorite store bought croutons or you can use my super easy Homemade Crouton Recipe.
Parmesan Cheese: I prefer to shave/grate parmesan cheese off a block. A good quality parmesan cheese is best. However, you can also purchase pre-shaved parmesan cheese in a tub.
Oil: You can use avocado, olive, canola or vegetable oil. You will use the oil to sear the salmon and to prevent the salmon from sticking to your skillet.
Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed lemon juice is best in this recipe. You will use it on the salmon after it is done cooking. Lemon adds a super fresh and delicious flavor.
Creamy Caesar Dressing: You can use your favorite creamy caesar dressing or you can use my homemade Caesar Dressing Recipe.
TOOLS TO HAVE ON HAND FOR THIS RECIPE:
- Nonstick Skillet – To cook the salmon in. You can also use a cast iron skillet or cook on your grill.
- Mixing Bowl – For mixing the blackened salmon seasoning and a larger bowl for mixing the salad.
- Spatula – To flip salmon over while cooking. You can also use tongs if thats easier for you.
- Measuring Cups + Spoons – To properly measure all of your ingredients.
WHAT IS BLACKENED SALMON?
Blackened Salmon is made by generously seasoning salmon and then searing it hot and fast in a skillet. Cooking the salmon super hot gives it a perfectly darkened crust with an amazing flavor. The salmon will remain flakey, tender and delicious.
How to make Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad:
In a small bowl, combine blackened seasoning. Rub seasoning all over the salmon generously.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is nice and hot, carefully add salmon.
Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is blackened(not burnt, see photo). Flip salmon over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until blackened. The salmon should be cooked through to an internal temperature of about 125 degrees.
When done, remove salmon from skillet and transfer to plate. Squeeze a little lemon juice over cooked salmon.
In a large bowl add chopped kale and drizzle in a few tablespoons of caesar dressing. Sprinkle with croutons, shaved parmesan, cracked black pepper and toss to combine.
Divide salad between four bowls and top with whole salmon or gently broken up pieces. Drizzle top with more caesar dressing. Enjoy!
How to store leftover Salmon Salad:
Store leftover salmon salad in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to two days.
More salad recipes you’ll love:
Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad – Thinly sliced cucumber and red onion tossed in a delicious creamy peanut dressing. This is one of my all time favorite salads!
Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad – Fresh chopped romaine lettuce topped with crispy pan seared chicken, croutons, shaved parmesan and caesar dressing.
Spinach Apple Salad – Easy healthy salad made with spinach, apples, cranberries, walnuts, cheddar cheese chunks and pepitas served with homemade honey mustard dressing.
Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz. Salmon Filets
- 1/2 tbsp Oil
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Creamy Caesar Dressing
- 8 cups Kale chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 cup Croutons
Blackened Seasoning:
- 1 1/2 tbsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine blackened seasoning. Rub seasoning all over the salmon generously.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is nice and hot, carefully add salmon.
- Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is blackened(not burnt, see photo). Flip salmon over and cook for another 3-4 minutes until blackened. The salmon should be cooked through to an internal temperature of about 125 degrees.
- When done, remove salmon from skillet and transfer to plate. Squeeze a little lemon juice over cooked salmon.
- In a large bowl add chopped kale and drizzle in a few tablespoons of caesar dressing. Sprinkle with croutons, shaved parmesan, cracked black pepper and toss to combine.
- Divide salad between four bowls and top with whole salmon or gently broken up pieces. Drizzle top with more caesar dressing. Enjoy!
So easy! I’m picky, but the blackening was on point! Will make again