• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Contact
  • My Recipe Box

Gimme Some Grilling ®

Recipes for the Everyday Grill Master

  • All Recipes
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dish
    • Desserts
    • Rubs
  • Meat
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
  • Shop Our Rubs

Grilling

Smoking

Chicken

Main Dish

Appetizers

Burgers

Visit my other sites:

Julie’s Eats & Treats

Kids Activity Zone

HomeMain Dish

Grilled Southwest Salmon Caesar Salad

Jump to Recipe
  • Share
By: the EvinksLeave a Comment
Posted: 08/01/22

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Mix up your salad with one that’s bursting with flavor. This easy Salmon Caesar Salad has flaky grilled salmon, romaine lettuce, black beans, cherry tomatoes, croutons, pepitas and a homemade southwest dressing.

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Loading

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Overhead image of salmon caesar salad

If you want to amp up your grilled salmon, I’m showing you how to make seasoned grilled salmon that’s loaded with southwest flavors. Pair that with grilled corn and a fresh salad you get a light, healthy meal on the grill.

Why You Will Love This easy salmon Salad recipe

  • This isn’t a puny side salad – no, it’s definitely a main dish salad loaded with delicious flavors, bright colors, and a variety of textures. It will fill you up!
  • I love the combination of the rich salmon with the taco seasoning and creamy Caesar dressing. There’s nothing boring about this Southwest Caesar salad!
  • If you’ve never grilled salmon before, you’re going to love it. It’s so easy and I’m sharing all the tips so yours turns out perfectly cooked every time.
  • This salad is definitely crave-worthy! It’s light but satisfying and a great weeknight meal for the family.
Southwest Salmon Caesar Salad Ingredients

Ingredients for Salmon Caesar Salad

This recipe has three parts: the homemade Southwest Caesar dressing, the salad components, and the grilled corn and salmon.

  • Mayonnaise – This is the base of the Caesar dressing. It adds richness and makes it really creamy.
  • Chipotle peppers in adobo – I like to mince the peppers so there aren’t big chunks in the dressing. You’ll love the kick of heat they add!
  • Garlic cloves – You’ll want to mince the garlic so it blends into the dressing.
  • Lemon juice – Fresh-squeezed juice is best!
  • Parmesan cheese – Grated cheese works best (not shredded) so it sort of dissolves into the dressing giving it tons of flavor.
  • Milk – Use 2%, whole milk, or for an even richer dressing, try cream.
  • Salt and ground black pepper
  • Romaine lettuce – Give it a good chop!
  • Canned black beans – Or, you can use pinto beans.
  • Cherry tomatoes – I like to halve them or you can dice a larger tomato instead.
  • Croutons – Use plain ones or try ones flavored with Southwest seasonings.
  • Pepitas – These are pumpkin seeds or you can substitute sunflower seeds. Both will add a nice crunch to your salad!
  • Olive oil – This is used for grilling the salmon and corn.
  • Corn on the cob – During the summer, we use fresh corn and husk it first. You can use frozen corn on the cob, too! Or, if you’re short on time, use canned corn.
  • Taco seasoning – Pick up a packet at the store or make your own!
  • Fresh salmon – slice the piece of fish into fillets.

Can you grill frozen salmon?

Yes, you can grill frozen salmon. You can thaw it first and pat it dry before grilling or grill it frozen. If you grill it frozen, you may need to add a few minutes of cooking time.

How to Make Southwest Salmon Caesar Salad

Mix the Dressing: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Chill the dressing while you make the rest of the salad.

Assemble the Salad: Combine the lettuce, beans, pepitas, tomatoes, and croutons in a large bowl. Place the bowl in the fridge until you’re ready to serve the salad.

Homemade southwest dressing in glass bowl
Southwest salad on white plate
Seasoned salmon on aluminum foil
Grilled salmon on foil
Overhead image of salmon caesar salad

Grill the Salmon and Corn: Oil and season the corn with taco seasoning. Grill it until lightly charred and juicy. Take the corn off the grill and let it cool. Place the salmon on an oiled piece of foil and season it with taco seasoning. Place the salmon on the grill (with the foil) and cook it until it’s cooked through.

Serve! Slice the kernels off the corn and sprinkle them over the salad. Add the grilled salmon fillets and drizzle the dressing over the top. Devour!

Tips for the Best Grilled Salmon

  • Grill the salmon skin-side down on the foil.
  • There’s no need to turn the salmon while it cooks. If you do, the seasoning will just burn and add a bitter taste.
  • The cook time will vary depending on how thick your fillets are, so it’s always good to go by sight and use a thermometer. Salmon is done when you can flake it easily with a fork and the internal temperature is 145°F.

Don’t have a grill? You can roast the salmon on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes.

How to make Salmon Caesar Salad Ahead

This grilled salmon recipe is great for entertaining because you can make parts or all of it ahead to make things easy.

  • Caesar dressing: You can make the dressing a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. It will taste even better because the flavors will fully develop.
  • Salad: You can toss the salad part (without the salmon, corn, and dressing) a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge.
  • Corn: I like this salad with fresh-grilled corn that’s still a little warm, but you can grill it a day ahead. Just remove the kernels and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Salmon: It’s the same with the salmon – it’s delicious served warm with the salad, but you can grill it the day before and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve it. Cooked salmon will keep well for up to four days.

If you want to make everything ahead, it’s a good idea to keep things in separate containers so the veggies stay crisp and fresh.

Can you use a different kind of protein?

Yes, you can easily switch up the protein in this salmon salad recipe. Maybe you don’t like fish or you don’t have any on hand – no problem!

You can use grilled chicken breasts, Southwest pork tenderloin, grilled steak, or even grilled shrimp!

White bowl with salmon caesar salad

This salmon Caesar salad isn’t just amazingly delicious, but it’s so pretty, too! The perfect centerpiece for your summer table – you’ll love every last bite.

More salad recipes for the grill!

  • If you love Caesar salad, you have to try my classic Grilled Caesar Salad. It’s so easy but it looks like it’s from a fancy restaurant.
  • Grilled Corn Salad is the perfect side for all your favorite summer main dishes. It’s bursting with fresh flavors.
  • How does a big Grilled Chicken Salad sound? It’s loaded with lettuce, avocado, eggs, corn, and more!

Shop Our Spices

Shop Now!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling or #gimmesomegrilling so I can see your grilling masterpieces!

Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
Loading
Southwest Salmon Caesar Salad Square

Grilled Southwest Salmon Caesar Salad

Tender, flaky grilled salmon on a Southwest Caesar Salad with homemade dressing.
Prep:20 mins
Cook:15 mins
Total:35 mins
Print Recipe Rate Recipe
Save RecipeSaved!
4

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo minced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Salad:

  • 2 heads Romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup canned black beans drained, and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup croutons
  • ½ cup pepitas pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds can be substituted

For the grill:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ears corn husked
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning divided
  • 1 to 1 ½ pound fresh salmon cut into fillets
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

For the dressing:

  • Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar or small bowl. Stir to mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use. This can be done ahead and will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

For the Salad:

  • In a bowl, place lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, croutons and pepitas. Place in the refrigerator until the salmon and corn are ready.

For the grill:

  • Preheat grill to medium heat.
  • Lightly oil corn (I use my hands, but you could use a brush) and sprinkle with about ½ teaspoon taco seasoning. Place directly on grill grates and cook for 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Remove to cool. When cool enough to handle, cut corn off the cob.
  • Meanwhile, brush a piece of tin foil with oil and place salmon fillets (skin side down) on top. Season generously with the rest of the seasoning mix. Place the foil with the salmon, on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes until salmon is cooked through (do not turn). Allow to rest for 5 minutes.
  • Place salmon and corn on the salad mixture and drizzle with dressing. Serve.

Tips

Can you use a different kind of protein?
Yes, you can easily switch up the protein in this salmon salad recipe. Maybe you don’t like fish or you don’t have any on hand – no problem!
You can use grilled chicken breasts, Southwest pork tenderloin, grilled steak, or even grilled shrimp!
Tips for the Best Grilled Salmon
  • Grill the salmon skin-side down on the foil.
  • There’s no need to turn the salmon while it cooks. If you do, the seasoning will just burn and add a bitter taste.
  • The cook time will vary depending on how thick your fillets are, so it’s always good to go by sight and use a thermometer. Salmon is done when you can flake it easily with a fork and the internal temperature is 145°F.
Don’t have a grill? You can roast the salmon on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes.
How to make Salmon Caesar Salad Ahead
  • Caesar dressing: You can make the dressing a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. It will taste even better because the flavors will fully develop.
  • Salad: You can toss the salad part (without the salmon, corn, and dressing) a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge.
  • Corn: I like this salad with fresh-grilled corn that’s still a little warm, but you can grill it a day ahead. Just remove the kernels and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Salmon: It’s the same with the salmon – it’s delicious served warm with the salad, but you can grill it the day before and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve it. Cooked salmon will keep well for up to four days.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 660kcal (33%), Carbohydrates: 26g (9%), Protein: 44g (88%), Fat: 42g (65%), Saturated Fat: 7g (44%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 19g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 111mg (37%), Sodium: 693mg (30%), Potassium: 1303mg (37%), Fiber: 6g (25%), Sugar: 5g (6%), Vitamin A: 2015IU (40%), Vitamin C: 14mg (17%), Calcium: 118mg (12%), Iron: 4mg (22%)
© Gimme Some Grilling ®

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.

Did you make this?

Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @gimmesomegrilling. I love seeing what you made!

Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
77 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Meet the Evinks

Hi! We are Jason & Julie! We focus on easy, simple recipes that everyone can tackle on their smoker and grills that the entire family will enjoy!

Read more...

You May Also Like...

  • Easy Grilled Salmon on board
    Easy Grilled Salmon
  • Grilled Caesar Salad with dressing on baking sheet
    Grilled Caesar Salad
  • Corn guacamole in brown bowl
    Grilled Corn Guacamole
  • Corn Salad in white bowl
    Grilled Corn Salad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi! We are Jason & Julie! We focus on easy, simple recipes that everyone can tackle on their smoker and grills that the entire family will enjoy!

Read More...

Feed a Crowd!

Burnt Ends in foil pan

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

A plate with slices of smoked pork loin in a circle.

Easy Smoked Pork Loin

A whole turkey breast in a foil pan.

Smoked Turkey Breast {Bone-In}

Smoked Pork Butt Pulled on tray

Easy Smoked Pork Butt

5 Secrets to Mastering your Smoker

Close up Traeger Smoker with food

5 Secrets to Mastering your Smoker

Favorites!

Easy Smoked Ribs being brushed with BBQ sauce

Smoked Ribs {3-2-1 Method}

Marinated pork chops on grill pan

The BEST Pork Chop Marinade

Easy Traeger Smoked Meatloaf on electric smoker

Smoked Meatloaf

sausage and egg breakfast casserole in tin pan

Sausage Breakfast Casserole {Grill or Oven}

Our Grilling Secrets

5 Secrets to Mastering your Smoker

As Seen In:

Good housekeeping logo.
Country Living logo.
BuzzFeed logo.
Delish logo.
The Huffington Post logo.
Parade logo.
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Accessibility

Disclaimers

Contact

© 2023 Gimme Some Grilling ®
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly