Ingredients
Salmon and Salad
- 4 salmon fillets, with skin, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 6-8 cups romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
- Gluten free croutons (optional)
High Protein Caesar Dressing
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan, salt, and freshly cracked pepper in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
- Season the Salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it is hot and shimmering, but not smoking.
- Cook the Salmon Skin Side Down: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to allow the skin to crisp and the flesh to cook through partially.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Using tongs or a metal spatula, flip the salmon fillets over. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the flesh side for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but remains juicy and tender.
- Add Butter and Baste: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Swirl the pan gently to melt the butter and baste the salmon fillets, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the skillet and place on a plate. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the fillets.
- Prepare the Salad: Roughly chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared Caesar dressing and toss until all the lettuce is evenly coated. Add gluten free croutons if desired and toss again.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide the dressed romaine lettuce among four bowls or plates. Top each serving with a cooked salmon fillet. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice over the top for brightness. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, protein-packed Caesar salad with salmon.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding salmon to achieve a crispy skin.
- Do not move the salmon while cooking skin side down to maintain crispiness.
- Use fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the salad before serving.
- Gluten free croutons are optional but add a nice texture contrast.
- This dish works well with other types of lettuce if romaine is unavailable.
- For extra protein, add hard boiled eggs or additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Storing leftover dressing in the fridge will keep it fresh up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free