• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Amanda Wilens logo
  • About
  • Parties
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Classes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Parties
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Classes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Blackened Salmon Salad

    Blackened Salmon Salad

    Published: Jan 11, 2021 · Modified: Aug 11, 2021 by Amanda Wilens · This post may contain affiliate links. 6 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    bowls of salad and dressing with salmon

    I am always excited to create fun and delicious recipes for Lauren Conrad Co.. This one I created was to use their new tabletop collection line at Kohl’s. It’s now sold out, but hopefully we’ll see some new collections in the upcoming years. These were beautiful and so fun.

    I love creating salad recipes, but often do it more for personal use instead of on this site. However, I find that salads can be really specific because there are so many toppings you can change around. I am going to tell you my favorite way to compose this particular salad, but of course, if you need to change up a few of the toppings to fit your dietary needs, feel free!

    Also, this recipe has a lot of different components to it. So, if you’re in a time crunch, you can make it simpler by buying premade dressings and seasonings.

    For the best tips for styling/plating your dish, check out my Food Styling Guide. Also, if you love salads, try my Spring Mix Salad with Cilantro Parmesan Vinaigrette and Chicken.

    bowls of salad and dressing with salmon

    Table of Contents

    • Table of Contents
    • Tasty Dinner for Two
    • Best Lettuce for Salad
    • Massaging Kale
    • What does it mean to blacken fish?
    • How do you know if salmon is cooked?
    • How should I store excess dressing?
    • What is in Fajita Seasoning?
    • How to Make Spicy Avocado Cilantro Dressing
      • Ingredients
      • Directions
    • Making a Blackened Salmon Salad
    • How to Cook Salmon
    • Blackened Salmon Salad Nutritional Facts
    • FAQs for Blackened Salmon Salad
    • Other Recipes to Try

    Tasty Dinner for Two

    I love making smaller recipes. Although my main thing is large recipes for groups and parties, I tend to make these types of small batch or meals for two the most. It’s just myself and my partner who live together. Some recipes are great for leftovers, like lasagna, casseroles, etc. However, salad or fish, not my favorite leftovers. So, this recipe is perfect for 2 servings.

    This recipe makes 2 servings, however, there will likely be left over dressing and seasoning that you can definitely use for other meals.

    Best Lettuce for Salad

    Greens are one of those things I feel like everyone has preferences with. My sibling, Leo for example, used to live and breathe iceberg lettuce. However, I will never go near the stuff. My favorite lettuce types are dark greens. I love kale, spinach, spring mix. In this recipe I use a mix of spring mix and kale. These greens are usually much healthier for you than something like iceberg and have more nutrients. Taste of them is completely up to you however. If you hate spinach, then use a spring mix or kale. Try out different dark leafy greens to find your favorites.

    Massaging Kale

    However, I will say that many kale haters out there I think come from the fact that they are eating kale without massaging it. Once you clean and dry your kale, you should tear/cut it, if not already cut, place into a bowl and massage it. Almost like you are kneading bread. This breaks down the kale making it 1) easier to digest, but 2) creates a softer texture 3) makes the lettuce less bitter.

    salmon on salad with avocado

    What does it mean to blacken fish?

    To blacken fish, you will be coating the fish in a mix of herbs and seasonings. Sometimes you’ll coat it in butter or oil first and then toss in the seasoning mixture. However, I like to leave mine dry, then coat in the seasoning mixture (here I use my favorite homemade fajita seasoning), then place into a hot pan with olive or avocado oil. To blacken it means your final product, the outside of the fish will be “black” with seasoning.

    How do you know if salmon is cooked?

    People do prefer their fish cooked at different “doneness” and that is fine. However, to test it without cutting your fillet open, you just want to gently push the thickest part of the fish, if it separates along the side of the fillet (you’ll see those white strips of fat somewhat coming apart from the flesh) you should be good to go. In a medium/hot pan it will take one fillet about 4 minutes on each side to cook through.

    How should I store excess dressing?

    Place it in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and place in the fridge. Use it within 1-2 weeks. Shake well before using again as ingredients might separate.

    salmon in salad

    What is in Fajita Seasoning?

    Ingredients

    • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • black pepper
    • cumin
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne

    Directions

    1. Mix all ingredients together in one bowl. Store in a clean dry container.

    How to Make Spicy Avocado Cilantro Dressing

    Ingredients
    • 2 avocados
    • 1 lime, juiced
    • 1 jalapeno, deseeded
    • ½ cup cilantro, loosely packed
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic, minced (1-2 cloves)
    • 4 Tablespoons avocado oil
    • 3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • ½ cup water
    • ½ teaspoon of fajita seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    Directions
    1. Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Store in a clean container in the refrigerator.

    Making a Blackened Salmon Salad

    Ingredients

    • 4 cups kale, massaged
    • 2 cups mixed greens
    • ¼ cup cilantro, loosely packed
    • 8 oz cooked black beans
    • ½ bell pepper
    • 8 oz of cherry tomatoes
    • ¼ red onion
    • ½ cup spicy avocado cilantro dressing
    • 1 avocado
    • 2 tablespoon sunflower seeds

    Directions

    1. Toss greens, beans, pepper, tomatoes, onion, and dressing.
    2. Place onto dishware. Top with sliced avocado and sunflower seeds.
    bowls of salad with forks

    How to Cook Salmon

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 8 oz fresh salmon, sliced into 2 fillets
    • 1 Tablespoon fajita seasoning

    Directions

    1. Remove salmon from package onto a plate with a towel to dry the fish off. Allow fish to come to room temperature.
    2. Rub fajita seasoning onto the salmon.
    3. Heat avocado oil in a pan on the stove over medium heat.
    4. Place salmon fillets into the warm pan flesh side down. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip. And cook skin side down for 4 minutes.
    5. Remove from heat and place on top or next to the salad. Serve and enjoy!
    salmon on salad in two bowls

    Blackened Salmon Salad Nutritional Facts

    So, the facts below are a little off because it lumps together all the salad dressing, which you will not use all of it. The calories, fat, etc. are all effected by this. You’re probably looking at closer to 600-800 calories. However, you can of course put all of this into a nutrition calculator for what you use exactly.

    FAQs for Blackened Salmon Salad

    How do I tell if the salmon is cooked?

    People do prefer their fish cooked at different “doneness” and that is fine. However, to test it without cutting your fillet open, you just want to gently push the thickest part of the fish, if it separates along the side of the fillet (you’ll see those white strips of fat somewhat coming apart from the flesh) you should be good to go. In a medium/hot pan it will take one fillet about 4 minutes on each side to cook through.

    How should I store excess dressing?

    Place it in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and place in the fridge. Use it within 1-2 weeks. Shake well before using again as ingredients might separate.

    Can I swap ingredients?

    I would not recommend swapping ingredients in any part of this recipe except for the salad ingredients. If you don’t like tomatoes or avocados, etc. feel free to swap those out for something else. If you change ingredients in the dressing or fajita seasoning, this would change the overall flavors and development of this recipe.

    Other Recipes to Try

    • Spring Mix Salad with Cilantro Parmesan Vinaigrette and Chicken
    • Mediterranean Pasta Salad
    • Chimichurri and Fresh Salad with Chicken
    • Sheet Pan Nachos
    • Soup and Chili Round Up
    bowls of salad and dressing with salmon

    Blackened Salmon Salad

    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Share Rate
    Course: Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 35 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Author: Amanda Wilens

    Ingredients

    Fajita Seasoning Ingredients:
    • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons salt
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne
    Spicy Avocado Cilantro Dressing Ingredients:
    • 1 avocado
    • ½ lime juiced
    • ½ jalapeno deseeded
    • ¼ cup cilantro loosely packed
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic minced (1-2 cloves)
    • 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
    • 1 ½ Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • ¼ cup water
    • ¼ teaspoon fajita seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    Salad Ingredients:
    • 4 cups kale massaged
    • 2 cups mixed greens
    • ¼ cup cilantro loosely packed
    • 8 oz cooked black beans
    • ½ bell pepper
    • 8 oz cherry tomatoes
    • ¼ red onion
    • ½ cup spicy avocado cilantro dressing
    • 1 avocado
    • 2 tablespoon sunflower seeds
    Salmon Ingredients:
    • 3 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 8 oz. salmon sliced into 2 fillets
    • 1 Tablespoon fajita seasoning

    Instructions

    Fajita Seasoning Instructions:

    • Mix all ingredients together in one bowl. Store in a clean dry container.

    Spicy Avocado Cilantro Dressing Instructions:

    • Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Store in a clean container in the refrigerator.

    Salad Directions:

    • Toss greens, beans, pepper, tomatoes, onion, and dressing.
    • Place onto dishware. Top with sliced avocado and sunflower seeds.

    Salmon Directions:

    • Remove salmon from package onto a plate with a towel to dry the fish off. Fish should be thawed if frozen.
    • Rub fajita seasoning onto the salmon.
    • Heat avocado oil in a pan on the stove over medium heat.
    • Place salmon fillets into the warm pan flesh side down. Cook for about 4 minutes, then flip. And cook skin side down for 4 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and place on top or next to the salad. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • How to tell if salmon is cooked: People do prefer their fish cooked at different “doneness” and that is fine. However, to test it without cutting your fillet open, you just want to gently push the thickest part of the fish, if it separates along the side of the fillet (you’ll see those white strips of fat somewhat coming apart from the flesh) you should be good to go. In a medium/hot pan it will take one fillet about 4 minutes on each side to cook through.
    • How should I store excess dressing? Place it in an airtight container, like a mason jar, and place in the fridge. Use it within 1-2 weeks. Shake well before using again as ingredients might separate.
    • Swap Salad Ingredients: I would not recommend swapping ingredients in any part of this recipe except for the salad ingredients. If you don’t like tomatoes or avocados, etc. feel free to swap those out for something else. If you change ingredients in the dressing or fajita seasoning, this would change the overall flavors and development of this recipe.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @amanda.wilens
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Celine S. says

      March 16, 2021 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      I can't wait to try out this salmon recipe. I'm always a little hesitant with blackened salmon because I'm worried I'll burn it, but your steps seem pretty simple.

      Reply
      • Amanda Wilens says

        March 20, 2021 at 11:23 am

        Yes, so easy and delicious!

        Reply
    2. Rachael says

      January 13, 2021 at 8:58 am

      5 stars
      This salad looks so good. Can't wait to eat it.

      Reply
      • wilensamanda says

        January 13, 2021 at 9:07 am

        Definitely one of my favorites!

        Reply
    3. Kelly says

      January 13, 2021 at 8:57 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite salads. Made it off of your recipe on Lauren Conrad last year and have made it a few times since. Thanks for sharing here with the recipe card.

      Reply
      • wilensamanda says

        January 13, 2021 at 9:11 am

        Oh that's great! I'm glad you like it too!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    photo of Amanda Wilens

    Hi there!

    My name is Amanda and I am an event planner, recipe developer, photographer, and stylist. I created this space where together we can together Plan, Plate, and Celebrate! Whether you need tablescape ideas for entertaining or a simple and delicious recipe for cookies, you can find it all on this website...more about me.

    floral separator

    Follow

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    floral separator
    floral separator

    Top Recipes

    • chocolate chip cookies on pink platter
      Egg Yolk Cookies
    • Lavender lemonade alcoholic drink with lender stems and ice
      Lavender Lemonade Cocktail
    • strawberry cupcakes with filling on a cake stand with flowers
      Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
    • lemon bars with shortbread crust on the little market plate with lemons
      Lemon Bars
    floral separator

    Valentine's Day

    • strawberry cupcakes with filling on a cake stand with flowers
      Strawberry Filled Cupcakes
    • red velvet cookies on a plate
      Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
    • Valentine's Date Night at Home
    • small batch cupcakes
      Small Batch Vanilla Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream
    floral separator

    Spring Favorites

    • salad in a bowl with serving utensils
      Spring Mix Salad
    • dessert trays on a table with flowers and balloons
      French Garden Party Wedding Shower
    • cinnamon rolls overhead
      Spring Brunch Recipes
    • ranunculus in a floral arrangement
      DIY Floral Arrangements
    floral separator

    As Featured In

    graphics with logos like lauren conrad and the little market
    floral separator

    Footer

    About

    Contact

    Classes

    Photography

    Parties

    Recipes

    Lifestyle

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Featured In

    graphics with logos like lauren conrad and the little market
      Built with ConvertKit

      amandawilens.com
      hello@amandawilens.com

      Copyright © 2021 Amanda Wilens | All rights reserved.
      Privacy Policy