What is Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad?

Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad is a flavorful twist on the traditional Caesar salad. It features seasoned salmon that's seared until a dark, smoky crust forms, then served over crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and optional croutons. It combines bold spices with creamy, crunchy textures for a truly satisfying dish.

What is Salmon Caesar Salad?

Salmon Caesar Salad is a variation of the classic Caesar, topped with either grilled, baked, or blackened salmon. It’s a protein-rich meal that brings together tender fish with fresh greens and zesty dressing, often finished with parmesan and lemon.

Can I substitute blackened salmon for Caesar salad?

Absolutely. Swapping in blackened salmon is a fantastic way to add smoky flavor and elevate a basic Caesar salad into something more memorable.

How do you make salmon Caesar salad with Parmesan cheese?

To make salmon Caesar salad with parmesan cheese, start by preparing or buying Caesar dressing and washing your romaine lettuce. Sear or grill salmon, then place it over the dressed greens. Finish with shaved or grated parmesan and croutons if desired. For a dairy-free twist, try using nutritional yeast, it offers a cheesy flavor without the cheese.

What ingredients can I use in a Caesar salad?

Traditional Caesar salad is built on crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, shredded parmesan, and crunchy croutons. For added protein or a twist, you can include grilled or blackened salmon, chicken, avocado, boiled eggs, or cherry tomatoes. Just avoid pork or anchovies if you're keeping it halal or allergy-friendly.

How do you cook salmon in a cast iron skillet?

Begin by adding a tablespoon of oil to a cast-iron skillet and warming it over medium-high heat until it starts to shimmer. Once hot, place the seasoned salmon fillets in the pan and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes. Flip gently and let them cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the inside is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.

Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad 2025

Description

Smoky, spicy, and irresistibly creamy, this Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad is everything you love about comfort food, dressed up as a light and wholesome meal. Perfectly seared salmon meets crisp romaine, zesty Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of parmesan for a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s the kind of lunch (or dinner) that feels fancy but comes together fast.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Blackened Salmon:

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp blackening seasoning (or mix paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano)

For the Salad:

1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup shaved parmesan (optional)
½ cup croutons (optional; use gluten-free if needed)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry.
Rub both sides evenly with blackening seasoning.
Let them rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavor.

Sear It Up

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the salmon, skin-side down.
Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes.
Flip gently and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Build the Salad

Place chopped romaine in a large bowl.
Add Caesar dressing and toss until well coated.
Plate the salad, then top with salmon, parmesan, and croutons.
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Notes

Dairy-Free? Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan and a dairy-free Caesar dressing.
Meal Prep Tip: Cook extra salmon and store separately to build fresh salads throughout the week.
Make It Spicy: Add extra cayenne to the blackening mix for more heat.
Craving Crunch? Roasted chickpeas make a great gluten-free crouton alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 loaded salad
Calories: 490
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 33g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 38g

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