A vibrant twist on the classic Caesar, this salad features tender, mayonnaise-coated salmon grilled to perfection and served atop crisp romaine and sugar snap peas. The homemade Caesar dressing, enriched with lemon, garlic, and Parmesan, complements the smoky salmon, while grilled baguette slices add a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish balances ease and elegance for an impressive yet straightforward meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: With minimal active time and simple techniques, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Rich, Balanced Flavors: Smoky, charred salmon meets tangy, creamy Caesar dressing for a harmonious taste.
Textural Contrast: Crisp romaine and snap peas, crunchy grilled bread, and succulent salmon each add their own dimension.
High in Protein: Salmon and Parmesan boost protein content, making this salad both satisfying and nutritious.
Versatile Components: Easily adapt each element—fish, greens, dressing, or croutons—to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound salmon fillet (preferably wild), skin removed
1/4 cup mayonnaise, divided
1 tablespoon seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
12 half-inch-thick slices baguette
2 small romaine lettuce hearts, roughly chopped
4 ounces sugar snap peas, sliced on an angle (about 1 cup)

Directions

Prepare the Salmon
Preheat a grill to medium-high. Cut salmon into 1½– to 2-inch pieces (about 16 total). In a large bowl, gently toss the salmon with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise to coat. Season lightly with seafood seasoning and set aside.
Make the Dressing
In a mini food processor or blender, combine remaining 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Process until the garlic is fully incorporated. With the machine running, drizzle in 3 tablespoons olive oil to form a smooth dressing. Refrigerate until needed.
Grill Salmon and Bread
Lightly brush baguette slices with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill salmon pieces, turning once, until lightly charred and just cooked through, about 3–7 minutes total depending on thickness. Grill bread slices, flipping once, until marked and lightly toasted, about 1 minute per side. Rub each warm bread slice with the remaining raw garlic clove.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss romaine and snap peas with all but 2 tablespoons of the dressing. Divide the dressed greens among shallow bowls. Top each serving with grilled salmon pieces and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Serve alongside the grilled baguette.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Total Time: 40 minutes
Active Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Swap: Replace sugar snap peas with thinly sliced cucumbers or blanched asparagus for a different crunch.
Anchovy Boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 2 minced anchovy fillets into the dressing for a more traditional Caesar flavor.
Leafy Alternative: Use baby kale or mixed greens in place of romaine for added nutrients and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute mayonnaise with a vegan mayo and omit Parmesan for a dairy-free salad.

Storage/reheating

Storing: Transfer leftover salmon and dressing to separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep greens and croutons separate to preserve texture.
Reheating Salmon: Warm salmon gently in a 275 °F oven for 8–10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying.
Reassembling: Toss chilled greens with dressing just before serving, then top with warmed salmon and freshly grilled bread.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have a grill?

You may cook the salmon on a stovetop grill pan or in a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, following the same timing guidelines. For the bread, toast it under a broiler until lightly browned.

Can I grill a whole salmon fillet instead of pieces?

Yes. Adjust the cooking time: grill a whole fillet skin-side down for 5–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125 °F for medium-rare or 145 °F for well-done.

How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?

Coating the salmon with mayonnaise, as in this recipe, helps create a nonstick surface. Ensure the grill is clean and well-oiled before preheating to medium-high.

Is it safe to use store-bought Caesar dressing?

While homemade dressing offers superior freshness and flavor control, a high-quality store-bought dressing may be used in a pinch. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I prepare any components in advance?

The dressing and croutons may be made a day ahead. Grill the salmon just before assembling to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover salad?

Assemble only the portion you intend to eat. Store dressed salad in an airtight container for up to 6 hours; beyond that, the greens may wilt.

Can I freeze leftover salmon?

While technically safe, frozen-then-thawed salmon often becomes dry and mealy. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 2 days.

What is the best way to rub the grilled bread?

After grilling and while still warm, rub the cut side of a garlic clove over the bread surface. The heat releases the garlic’s oils for subtle flavor.

How can I make the salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread for the croutons or omit the grilled baguette entirely. Ensure all seasoning blends and sauces are certified gluten-free.

What wine pairs well with Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad?

A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrusy dressing and smoky salmon, while a light Pinot Noir can also pair nicely without overpowering the dish.

Conclusion

This Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad elevates a familiar favorite with smoky, succulent salmon and a bright, creamy homemade dressing. Its balance of textures and flavors makes it both satisfying and refined. Whether served for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers ease, versatility, and impressive taste in every bite. Enjoy the harmony of charcoal-kissed salmon, crisp greens, and tangy dressing for a salad that feels indulgent yet nourishing.