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Seared salmon salad on a marble table.
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5 from 2 votes

Seared Salmon Salad

This healthy salad is perfect for weeknight dinners or a nice lunch. Paired with creamy basil dressing (or any of the sauces in the post), it's a wonderful gluten and dairy free recipe.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Lactose, Low Salt
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 348kcal
Author: Alicia

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh skin-on salmon, cut into individual servings
  • 1 large carrot, shaved
  • 1 head bibb lettuce
  • cup sliced English cucumbers
  • avocado oil
  • salt and pepper

Creamy Herb Dressing

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • ½ cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, loosely packed
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • ½ garlic clove,
  • ¼ cup avocado oil or other light oil

Instructions

  • Combine the mayo, basil, parsley, vinegar, and garlic in a food processor and pulse till chopped, combined. If you have a top with an opening, slowly drizzle in the oil as your processor is running until totally smooth and a light green color. Add salt and pepper to taste and chill for about 30 minutes, if possible.
  • Take the salmon out of the fridge for at least 10 minutes before you intend to cook. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat salmon dry on both sides with a paper towel. Heat oven safe pan over medium high heat for a few minutes until hot, but not smoking.
  • Season salmon with salt and pepper and brush with avocado oil, then immediately put into the pan, skin side up. Sear, untouched, for 4 minutes. The only reason you should touch it is to gently pat the sides if they curl up. They should relax after a good pat-down. Salmon will release easily from the pan when it’s nice and brown.
  • Flip and transfer to the oven at 425 degrees, baking for about 8 minutes. Let it rest, covered with foil, until it cools a little bit, about 4 minutes
  • Meanwhile use a vegetable peeler to shred carrots and arrange bibb lettuce on a plate. Add sliced cucumbers. Place the cooled salmon on top of the lettuce and add the dressing.

Notes

  • This recipe can serve 2-3 people depending on how big you'd like your salmon portions to be. 
  • This dressing is best when made in the food processor. If made with a blender, you need a blender that can go at a low speed and can slowly add the oil in on top. If blended, the mayo can break up and it turns more oily and chunky instead of smooth and creamy. 
  • This dressing will keep in the fridge for up to one week. 

Nutrition

Calories: 348kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 1433mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 7885IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg