Easy Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad

Alright so I am obsessed with Salmon. I would eat it once a week if not more if my family was on board. They love salmon too, but just not as much as me. I am all about grilling salmon or pan searing the salmon to perfection like we do in this recipe. This recipe inspiration came from one of my favorite salads at a local restaurant called Canyon Cafe. It is the first place I have had crispy capers, which let me tell you are a game changer in a salad! In this Easy Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad the dressing is easy as well as the seasoning for the blackened salmon. Be prepared to want to make this salad over & over & over again! Let’s get started!

---

---

What is Blackened Salmon?

Blackened DOES NOT mean burnt. Blackened is simply a special mix of seasoning that when cooked takes on a very dark almost burnt color when on the grill, oven or stove top. It does not take on a burnt taste, instead the salmon is encrusted on the outside & perfect cooked & flaky on the inside. You are going to love it. Here is how you achieve the best blackened salmon for the Easy Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad.

1. Heat your skillet at medium heat with 2 tbsp butter
2. Take a paper towel and blot the tops of your salmon fillets. Then with a basting brush, brush the tops & sides of the salmon fillets generously with melted butter.
3. Then you will take your mild taco seasoning & take 2 to 3 tsp to sprinkle on top of the filets. You will coat it all the way with the seasoning on the tops & sides pressing it down with your hands
4. Flick water on the skillet, if the water starts to “dance” crackle when you flick it on it is ready to place the salmon down. It is key to have it nice & hot so that will blacken perfectly.
5. Place the salmon seasoned side down into the pan. Cook for 4 minutes then flip to the skin side & cook on skin side for 4 more minutes ( 5 for more well done salmon)

**** If you add the butter & follow the steps above the salmon should not stick to the pan & blacken perfectly!

---

---

How to Make the Easy Southwest Caesar Dressing

I love this dressing so much, it is such a fun twist to your traditional Caesar dressing & has a fun tangy kick to it. You will love this dressing!

Southwest Caesar Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• cloves garlic (2)
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 2 tbsp greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp capers
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chili pepper
• 1/4 tsp cumin

Directions:

In a immersion blender safe container, add all the ingredients and immersion blend until smooth. It is important to immersion blend it not just whisk

---

---

What Other Ingredients are Needed for the Easy Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad

I love to make this salad as easy as possible and so there are some ingredients store bought that you could totally make on your own. However, this was the best way to still make it healthy, delicious and easy!

Spring Mix Lettuce

4 6oz Salmon Filets

1 packet of Mild Taco Seasoning

Pint of cherry tomatoes

1 package of tortilla strips ( found in isle with the other Mexican Food OR by the croutons )

Jar of capers ( 3.5 oz)

4 oz container of Shredded Parmesan Cheese

2 tsp corn starch

---

---

How to Make Crispy Capers

So this to me is a game changer… and I cannot wait for you guys to try. This takes capers to a whole new level. Crisping these capers make this salad so unique and gives it a salty crunch that is incredible with Salmon.

You will need your jar of capers & corn starch

Total of 5 minutes to make

1. Pour 2 tbsp of olive oil into a pan & heat on medium heat
2. First you will drain your capers & add them to a bowl. Then sprinkle the corn starch on top. With a spoon toss your capers to cover them in corn starch. Then put them back in the strainer to toss. Get rid of any excess corn starch
3. Once your pan is nice & hot ( can check with flicking water on it, if it starts to “dance” ) it is ready. Add your capers and cook them 4 minutes on each side, tossing occasionally
4. Then transfer your capers to a plate with paper towel to soak up any access oil. Place a towel on top and gently rub the top or dab to get any excess oil. Then you have your crispy capers to add to the top!

---

---

Other HGHF Salmon Recipes You Will Love

The Best Healthy Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Easy Salmon BLT

Grilled Salmon with Gruyere Creamed Spinach

Easy Sweet and Spicy Salmon Skewers

---

---

Most Common Questions When Making Easy Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad

Do I have to pan sear the salmon or can I grill it?

Yes, follow the same directions with buttering the sides & top of the fillets as well as the seasoning on top. Then grill as follows

1. Place the salmon filets on the charcoal grill or gas grill over medium heat. ( 350 degree F- 375 degree

F) 2. Place them flesh side down first. Grill, covered, for 6 minutes. Then flip the fish over now skin side up & flesh side down. Cover for another 2 minutes. Lift grill lid & with tongs pull the skin off the filets that are now face up. Then close cover for 2 more minutes. Then flip back over so the flesh top side is now facing up. If the salmon starts to flake with a fork it is done. Keep on longer if need be or whenever it gets to the texture you would like! a good rule of thumb is about 4-6 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness of salmon. So normally salmon filets have about 1 inch thickness ( this is in regards to the thickest part of the filet)

Am I able to use a different seasoning besides mild taco seasoning?

You could use southwest taco seasoning, but it is important to have a cajun, Mexican type of seasoning that will make the blackened salmon encrusted, texture we want as well as color.

How long does the dressing keep for?

The dressing can last for 2 weeks up in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to store Easy Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad?

Store the salmon in air tight container & then assemble a salad the next day!

Is this recipe gluten free & dairy free?

In order for it to be dairy free you can use dairy free parmesan ( I have never done that before, but let me know I you do!) For it to be gluten free you can use arrow root instead of corn starch when making the capers. Then you’d be good to go!

---