A flavorful and healthy salmon kale Caesar salad made with massaged kale, roasted salmon, parmesan, and crunchy croutons. Perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch at home.
There’s just something about a restaurant-quality salad that hits different… until you check the receipt. I love Sweetgreen’s Kale Caesar and Chopt’s Salmon Caesar Salad, but $15+ for greens? Nope. That’s why I started recreating my favorites at home, and this Salmon Kale Caesar Salad is the perfect example of flavor, nutrition, and ease—all in one bowl.
It’s hearty, packed with protein, and full of bold Caesar flavor thanks to tender roasted salmon, garlicky dressing, and crunchy add-ons like parmesan and croutons. The best part? It comes together in 20 minutes and costs a fraction of your usual lunch order.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Kale Caesar
- Affordable: Same vibes as Sweetgreen and Chopt, but half the price.
- Nutrient-dense: Kale, salmon, and parmesan make for a protein- and fiber-packed lunch.
- Quick + Easy: Minimal prep, maximum payoff.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make the salmon and grab a salad kit to save time, then toss and eat all week.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Fresh kale (I prefer baby kale, but curly kale works too)
- Roasted salmon (seasoned with olive oil, and Louisa sazon)
- Crunchy parmesan crisps
- Homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
- Croutons or crispy chickpeas for crunch
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Optional: squeeze of lime juice, cracked black pepper
Tips for the Best At-Home Kale Caesar
- Massage your kale. This is non-negotiable. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt go a long way in breaking down the fibers and making it tender but using baby kale saves time, you can skip this step
- Use high-quality salmon. Whether you’re roasting it fresh or using leftovers, the flavor of the fish takes center stage here.
- Don’t skip the crunch. Croutons and my favorite crunchy parmesan crisps are a game changer
Make It a Full Meal
This salad is already filling thanks to the salmon, but you can bulk it up with:
- Cooked quinoa or farro
- A soft-boiled egg
- Avocado slices
- Pickled red onions or capers for a briny punch
A Lunch Worth Looking Forward To
Whether you’re working from home or need a quick lunch before school pick-up, this salmon kale Caesar salad checks every box. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and better than anything you’d get in a plastic container for $17. Bonus: you control the ingredients, salt, and portions.
Save your coins and treat yourself to a gourmet lunch at home—you deserve it.
Salmon Kale Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh baby kale or curly kale, chopped
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (or 1 bag of pre made caesar salad kit)
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Louisa Sazon or your favorite all-purpose seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing homemade or store-bought
- 1/3 cup croutons or crispy chickpeas
- 1/3 cup crunchy parmesan crisps
- fresh lime wedges to serve
- cracked black pepper and kosher salt to taste
Instructions
Season the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides generously with Louisa Sazon and kosher salt to taste
Air Fry the Salmon:
- Place salmon in the air fryer basket skin-side down. Air fry at 425°F for 12 minutes. Then broil for 1 additional minute to crisp up the top.
- Prep the Kale:
- Add baby kale to a large bowl. Massage lightly with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to tenderize (especially if using curly kale).
- Assemble the Salad:
- To the kale, add your pre made caesar kit romain, chopped tomatoes, Caesar dressing, parmesan crisps, and croutons. Toss until evenly coated.
- Place a roasted salmon fillet on top of each salad. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a few cracks of black pepper, if desired.
More Lunch Ideas You’ll Love:
Tag me @natashagreene if you try this—can’t wait to see your take!
