Seared Salmon Taco Salad
I don’t know about you, but on many weeknights, I’m only in the mood and have time for a meal that takes no more than 30 minutes to throw together. And with any luck, it barely takes 20.
But what I always want is a delicious meal. And just because it doesn’t take much time to cook doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flavor!
That’s where this 20-minute salmon taco salad comes in.
- The salmon itself is dusted with chili powder and seared for 4 to 5 minutes on each side (depending on the thickness), until it flakes when pressed with the back of a fork. It should be melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- The salad just requires a quick chop of romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes, a few scoops of black beans and Mexi-corn and diced avocado (or whatever veggies you want on it!).
- And the dressing is a quick whisk or shake of lime, vinegar, honey, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper.
It really does not get any easier than that! Or more scrumptious.
And just for a little extra inspiration, here’s how to make a basic vinaigrette dressing – this dressing can be amped up with different vinegars, citrus juice, herbs and spices, depending on the flavor profile you’re going for. Give it a try for all of your weeknight salads!
Seared Salmon Taco Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: Serves 4 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stove-Top, No-Cook
Description
A simple taco salad with chili-dusted seared salmon and cilantro lime dressing.
Ingredients
Seared Salmon:
- 1 Tbsp. oil
- 4 4 oz. filets salmon
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- ½ tsp. kosher or sea salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
Taco Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 15 oz. can no added salt added black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Mexican-style canned or frozen corn
- 1 avocado, peeled and diced
Cilantro Lime Dressing:
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lime
- 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- ½ Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
- ¼ tsp. kosher or sea salt
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet to medium heat.
- Dust the salmon filets with chili powder, salt and black pepper. Place filets in the hot skillet and sear 3-4 minutes per side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Arrange the lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, corn and avocado in 4 bowls. Top with the salmon filets. Drizzle with cilantro lime dressing.
Notes
Cooking Tip: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the fish is properly cooked – the internal temperature should reach 145 degrees.
Substitution Tip: Swap out salmon for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Top with: Farmer’s Market Tomato Salsa
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz salmon filet + 1/4 of salad and dressing
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 391mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: salad, salmon, taco, taco salad
Over the weekend i tried this & i must say I’m impressed ! It was delicious !
That’s awesome, Shapharia! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
This looks amazing- and it sounds so simple! Think I will give it a try.
★★★★★
Thanks, Rashidah! Enjoy!
This looks delicious!!
Thank you, Monica! I hope you get a chance to try it!
I’m getting hungry! it looks sooooo good!! I may have to try this!
this looks so yummy! my wife doesn’t like spicy food but I do so any suggestions on what spices I should use on her salmon?
Cumin, garlic powder, onion powder. My husband also doesn’t care too much for spicy and that is how I prepare his “Mexican” or southwestern dishes. I like to add a little chipotle chili pepper to my portion to really spice it up. We will be trying this, it looks delicious.
Sounds delicious, Susan! All of these spices are amazing and can be used in so many dishes. Enjoy the salad!
Omg I need to make this at home! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
★★★★★
You’re welcome, Cynthia! It’s pretty stellar! 🙂
This is so healthy! I’ll cook it for my Grandpop and Grandmom. Thanks!
It is! I’m sure you’ll all enjoy it!!
I was very impressed with this recipe (taste and simplicity) and will make this a regular meal. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
That’s awesome, Doug! Taste + simplicity = the perfect recipe!
It was very tasty! Thanks for sharing.
You’re so welcome, Alicha!
Lai Bhaari….!!!
★★★★★