Name: Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 36 min
Total time: 51 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 oil-packed anchovy filets, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, finely grated; 1 egg yolk; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 (4-to 5-ounce) salmon filets; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing (from above); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese; 1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups (about 3/4-inch cubes) cubed crusty bread (from 2 to 3 slices); 1 head (or 2 hearts) romaine lettuce, chopped; Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish; Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

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I absolutely adore this Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe because it brings together all my favorite flavors into one refreshing, satisfying meal. The tender, juicy salmon paired with crisp romaine and homemade croutons coated in a luscious, garlicky Caesar dressing is pure magic on the plate. Whenever I make this salad, it feels like an elevated take on a classic favorite, perfect for when I want something hearty yet fresh and bright.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe

From the moment I taste this Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe, I’m hooked by the beautiful balance of flavors. The creamy, zesty Caesar dressing carries the perfect amount of tang and garlic punch, while the Parmesan adds savory depth. The salmon brings an amazing richness and buttery texture that effortlessly transforms this salad from a simple side into a full meal. It’s like the classic Caesar meets the sea in the most delicious way!

I also love how easy this recipe is to pull together, even on busy days. The homemade dressing and croutons add that extra special touch, but they’re straightforward to prepare without fuss. I find it perfect for everything from a relaxing weekend lunch to a dinner party where I want to wow my guests with bold flavors and elegant presentation. Honestly, it’s my go-to recipe whenever I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl contains four rectangular pieces of salmon, each covered with a creamy light yellow sauce that has a smooth texture with small black pepper specks. The salmon beneath the sauce is a bright orange-pink color with a slightly grilled look on the edges. The bowl is set on a patterned floor with yellow, white, and purple cube shapes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and color. From the anchovies that build the umami-packed dressing to the fresh lemon juice that brightens every bite, you’ll see how these thoughtful elements come together into something truly special.

Oil-packed anchovy filets: Finely chopped to add that signature savory depth to the dressing.
Garlic cloves: Grated to infuse the dressing and croutons with aromatic pungency.
Egg yolk: Acts as an emulsifier to create a creamy, luscious Caesar dressing.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for richness and a salty, nutty finish.
Lemon juice: Provides a bright, tangy contrast that lifts the dressing.
Extra virgin olive oil: Used in both dressing and croutons for fruity flavor and texture.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season perfectly to taste throughout the salad components.
Salmon filets: The star protein, seasoned and marinated to perfection.
Cubed crusty bread: Turned into crunchy, cheesy croutons that add fantastic texture.
Romaine lettuce: Chopped crisp greens that provide a refreshing and sturdy salad base.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange one rack in the center and another 6 to 8 inches from the broiler. This setup allows for baking the croutons and then broiling the salmon perfectly without switching racks later.

Step 2: Make the Caesar dressing by combining anchovies, garlic, egg yolk, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a liquid measuring cup. Use an immersion blender on high to emulsify until smooth and creamy, which should take about a minute. This homemade dressing is the heart of the dish.

Step 3: Pat the salmon filets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper. Coat them thoroughly with 1/4 cup of the dressing and let them marinate at room temperature for up to 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to an hour. This marination infuses the salmon with those delicious Caesar flavors.

Step 4: To make the croutons, whisk together olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the bread cubes in this mixture to coat evenly, then spread them in a single layer on a sheet pan. Bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes, toss, and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes until beautifully golden and crunchy. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

Step 5: Switch your oven to broil on high. Wipe your sheet pan clean and line it with aluminum foil. Place the salmon on the pan, brushing away some excess marinade but keeping a light coating. Broil the salmon on the top rack until browned on top and opaque when flaked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 6: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine and croutons with the remaining Caesar dressing to coat every leaf and cube. Divide the salad among four bowls, top each with a broiled salmon filet, extra Parmesan, and a fresh grind of black pepper. Serve immediately while the salmon is warm and the salad crisp.

Servings and Timing

This Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe serves 4 generous portions, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The prep time is about 20 minutes, including making the dressing and croutons, while marinating the salmon can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your schedule. The cook time totals around 15 minutes, including baking croutons and broiling the salmon. Altogether, you’re looking at approximately 50 to 60 minutes from start to finish, which feels just right for a dish this special.

How to Serve This Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe

A white plate holds a fresh salad with three layers: the bottom layer is green leafy lettuce with some creamy dressing giving a shiny texture, the middle layer has golden brown crunchy croutons scattered around, and the top layer features a long, pink grilled salmon fillet with grill marks and slightly charred spots, centered on the salad. To the right of the plate is a fork with a wooden handle, and beneath the plate is a white marbled textured surface. In the background, there is a large white bowl filled with more salad and salmon pieces, visible with wooden serving spoons resting on the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this salad fresh and warm, with the salmon just off the broiler so it retains that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adding the salad to chilled or room temperature bowls helps keep the greens crisp and refreshing. For a complete meal, I often pair it with a light side like a chilled cucumber and dill salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables that complement without overshadowing the bold Caesar flavors.

To really make this dish shine, sprinkle extra Parmesan or some freshly ground black pepper right before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side add a zesty punch for anyone craving more brightness. I also like to get creative with presentation by arranging the salmon beautifully atop the tossed salad and finishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of vibrant color.

As for beverages, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry sparkling wine pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness of the salmon and cheese with refreshing acidity. If you prefer cocktails, a classic gin and tonic or a refreshing cucumber-mint cooler work wonders. Non-alcoholic fans can enjoy sparkling water with lemon or a cold iced green tea. This salad is perfect for family dinners, casual dinner parties, or even a sophisticated lunch when you want to impress without fuss.

Variations

One of the reasons I adore this Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and dietary needs. If you want a gluten-free version, swapping the crusty bread for gluten-free bread cubes or toasted nuts works beautifully without losing that essential crunch. For a dairy-free twist, omit the Parmesan and try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.

For those who prefer a plant-based option, you can replace the salmon with grilled marinated tofu or hearty portobello mushrooms, and swap the egg yolk in the dressing for vegan mayonnaise or blended silken tofu to maintain the creamy texture. Flavor-wise, adding a touch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the dressing can bring a smoky, spicy kick that I personally love experimenting with.

If you’re short on time, you can pan-sear the salmon instead of broiling it, which gives a lovely crisp skin and tender inside with less oven monitoring. Alternatively, I’ve even grilled the salmon outdoors during warm months—it adds a wonderful smoky char that uplifts the dish beautifully. The croutons can be substituted with toasted nuts or seeds for an easier, no-bake route.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I transfer the salad components separately into airtight containers—salmon and romaine keep best away from the croutons, to prevent sogginess. The salmon and lettuce should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two days. I keep the croutons in a paper towel-lined container to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the whole salad as the lettuce and croutons don’t fare well after thawing. However, the salmon filets themselves freeze beautifully. I wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store them in a vacuum-sealed bag, then freeze for up to three months. When ready to use, I thaw the salmon overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat leftover salmon without drying it out, I gently warm it in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10-12 minutes, covered loosely with foil to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can toughen the flesh. I add fresh croutons and toss new lettuce for serving to revive the salad experience. If you saved any dressing separately, toss the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made Caesar dressing instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While the homemade dressing really elevates this recipe with its fresh garlic and anchovy richness, a good-quality pre-made Caesar dressing works in a pinch. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to taste since some store-bought dressings can be saltier or have a different consistency.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolk in the dressing?

Great question! I always recommend using very fresh, high-quality eggs from a trusted source when making dressings with raw yolk. If you’re concerned, you can use pasteurized eggs or supplement with store-bought mayonnaise for creaminess without sacrificing flavor.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Look for an opaque color and when you gently flake the salmon with a fork, it should separate easily but still feel moist. Overcooking makes salmon dry and tough, so broil it for about 5 to 6 minutes as instructed, depending on thickness.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can prepare the dressing, croutons, and even marinate the salmon a day ahead. Keep ingredients separate until just before serving to maintain freshness—toss the salad greens and dressing, reheat the salmon, and add croutons last minute for the best texture.

What other greens work well if I don’t have romaine lettuce?

I’ve found that sturdy greens like kale or baby spinach make great alternatives. They hold up well to the dressing and provide a slightly different flavor profile that can be a nice twist if you want to change things up.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Salmon Caesar Salad Recipe because it truly marries comfort and sophistication flawlessly. With its fresh, vibrant dressing, perfectly cooked salmon, and crispy croutons, it’s become one of my favorite dishes to share with friends and family. Give it a go—you’ll find it’s not just a salad, but a delicious celebration of flavors that feels like a treat every time.

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