Looking for a fresh and healthy salad? This Salmon Cobb Salad is packed with protein and vibrant flavors! Made with pan-seared salmon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a variety of colorful veggies, this salad is both filling and nutritious. Topped with a zesty cilantro lime dressing, it’s the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a healthy salad recipe or a new way to enjoy salmon, this Cobb salad is a flavorful and satisfying choice. Try it today for a delicious, low-carb, and high-protein meal!

Ingredients:

For the Pan-Seared Salmon:

1 lb boneless, skinless salmon fillets (preferably wild-caught)
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Cobb Salad:

1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped, rinsed, and spun dry
2 ears of corn, cooked, shucked, and kernels cut off the cob
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Cilantro Lime Dressing:

3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from 1 to 2 limes)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 large garlic clove, pressed or finely minced
1 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Cook the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets generously with sea salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook until the first side is golden and crisp (about 4 minutes). Flip the salmon and continue cooking for another 4 minutes, or until cooked through, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Transfer to a plate and let it cool to room temperature before flaking it into bite-sized pieces with forks.
Prepare the Salad: Arrange the chopped romaine lettuce on a large platter or shallow bowl. Neatly arrange the salad ingredients in rows over the lettuce: cooked corn kernels, thinly sliced red onion, quartered hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Make the Dressing: In a small measuring cup or bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, chopped dill, pressed garlic, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to combine and enjoy!

Tips:

Perfect Salmon: If your salmon fillets are thick, you may need to cook them a little longer. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Cool the Salmon: Allow the salmon to cool before flaking it to keep the texture perfect and prevent wilting the salad.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing and the salmon until right before serving.

Variations and Substitutions:

Grilled Chicken: If you’re not a fan of salmon, grilled chicken breast is a great alternative for this Cobb salad.
Vegan Option: Omit the eggs and replace the salmon with grilled tempeh or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh cilantro or dill, try substituting with parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.

FAQs:

Can I use pre-cooked salmon for this salad?
Yes, pre-cooked or leftover salmon works great. Just make sure to flake it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad once it’s cooled.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?
While you can prepare most of the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to add the dressing and salmon just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions:

As a Main Course: This Salmon Cobb Salad makes a filling main dish for lunch or dinner, with plenty of protein from the salmon and hard-boiled eggs.
Pair with a Side: Serve this salad alongside some roasted vegetables, a light soup, or crispy bread for a complete meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Pack the salad ingredients (without the dressing) in containers for a quick, healthy lunch throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Salmon Cobb Salad is a vibrant and nutrient-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With fresh, crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, and flaky, perfectly seared salmon, each bite is a balance of flavors and textures. The cilantro lime dressing ties everything together with its tangy, herbaceous freshness, making this salad a satisfying and healthy option. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for those looking for a delicious and well-rounded meal!