Ingredients
Salmon
- 8-12 ounces fresh salmon (2 fillets, 4-6 ounces each)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mild chili powder (not spicy)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Croutons
- 2 slices sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Salad
- 1 heart of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing (or as desired)
- Approximately 1/4 cup freshly grated or shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 lemon, optional (for squeezing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the lined baking sheet. Brush them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, mild chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the fillets sit briefly to absorb the seasoning.
- Prepare the Croutons: Cut the two slices of sourdough bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place these pieces on a separate, unlined baking sheet. Toss the bread cubes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt to season evenly.
- Bake Salmon and Croutons: Put both baking sheets in the oven. Bake the croutons for about 10 minutes until golden and crisp. At the same time, bake the salmon for approximately 12 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Chop the Lettuce: While baking, chop the heart of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Divide the lettuce evenly into two bowls.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the salmon and croutons are cooked, add them to the bowls of lettuce. Top each with Caesar dressing and sprinkle with freshly grated or shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad to add brightness.
- Toss and Serve: Break up the salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- You can use your favorite brand or homemade Caesar dressing for a personalized touch.
- If sourdough bread is unavailable, substitute with any sturdy crusty bread for croutons.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a lovely fresh acidity that balances the richness of the salmon and dressing.
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat