If you’re convinced salads are boring, let me introduce you to my crispy salmon Caesar as evidence to the contrary. You’ve got my signature crispy salmon, paired with crisp romaine that’s tossed in a healthier creamy Caesar dressing that uses Greek yogurt as it’s base for a lil extra protein. It’s one of those meals I crave every week in summer because it’s fresh, easy, hits every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy restaurant-style salmon done in under 15 minutes.
- A protein-packed Caesar dressing made with Greek yogurt.
- Naturally high in protein and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredient Notes
For the Crispy Salmon
- Salmon filets: I prefer center-cut Atlantic salmon with the skin on for the crispiest results. The fattier the fish the better, as this does not work as well with a lean salmon like Sockeye.
- Avocado oil: Or any high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable oil.
- Kosher salt: That’s it! Resist the urge to add other seasonings before cooking, as they’ll burn before the salmon finishes.
For the Healthier Caesar Dressing
- Plain Greek yogurt: gives the base of this creamy dressing, adding extra protein
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fish sauce (I know it sounds strange, but traditional Caesar dressing gets its signature flavor from anchovies, and fish sauce gives you that same savory depth.)
- Fresh garlic
- Freshly grated parmesan
- Black pepper
Equipment You’ll Need
A cast iron skillet makes all the difference here. It gets hot enough to create that golden, crispy crust without overcooking the salmon. I use a Lodge cast iron and it’s one of my most-used kitchen tools.
Tips & Tricks
- Patting the salmon dry is the biggest secret to getting an incredible crust.
- Only season with salt before searing. Pepper and spices burn in a hot skillet.
- Don’t move the salmon while it’s searing. It’ll naturally release from the pan once the crust has formed.
- Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference in the dressing.
- If you’re meal prepping, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat.
Recipe Variations
- Add grilled chicken instead of salmon and turn it into a wrap.
- Use kale instead of romaine for a heartier salad.
- Make it dairy-free by swapping the Greek yogurt for dairy-free mayo and omitting the Parmesan (or using a dairy-free alternative).
Crispy Salmon Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 2
Description
This Crispy Salmon Caesar Salad features perfectly seared salmon over crisp romaine with a creamy, protein-packed Greek yogurt Caesar dressing that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Salmon
- 2 center cut salmon filets (skin-on)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Salt to taste
For the Healthier Caesar Salad:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Croutons (optional)
Instructions
For the Crispy Salmon:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Heat a cast iron over medium high heat until hot. It should sizzle when you sprinkle in a little water. Add in avocado oil or similar high smoke point oil. Pat the salmon dry and season with salt (it’s important you only use salt as other spices can burn). Once the oil in the pan is shimmering, add the salmon to the pan skin side up. Do not move the salmon for 2-3 minutes or until you start to see a crust forming at the bottom. Transfer to the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes until just cooked through.
- While the salmon cooks, make your caesar dressing. In a mason jar or bowl, whisk the greek yogurt, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic, worchestire sauce, fish sauce, parmesan cheese, and pepper. If you like the dressing a little less thick, add milk or water to thin. Add lettuce and toppings to a salad bowl. Add the dressing a little at a time and toss (you may not use all the dressing).
- Once salmon is cooked, remove the skin from the salmon and serve the salmon with the salad.
Notes
Make sure to pat dry the salmon with paper towels, as moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
