Ingredients
For the Dressing
- ¼ cup avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 Tbsp peanut butter
- 3 Tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 small clove garlic (peeled)
- 2 tsp fresh ginger (peeled and grated)
For the Crispy Salmon
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 lb salmon (chopped into bite-sized cubes, skin on preferred)
- 3 Tbsp coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 4 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- Sea salt to taste
For the Salad
- 4 cups green cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 3 cups purple cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
- 2 cups grated carrot
- 1 red bell pepper (cut into matchsticks)
- 5 green onions (chopped)
- 1 cup roasted cashews
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine avocado or olive oil, toasted sesame oil, peanut butter, coconut aminos or soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl or blender. Whisk or blend until the dressing is creamy and smooth. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Make the Marinade for Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and rice vinegar to create the marinade. Set this aside.
- Prepare the Salmon: Remove salmon from packaging, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop salmon into bite-sized cubes, leaving skin on for extra crispiness, or removing skin if preferred.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place salmon cubes skin side down carefully and cook undisturbed for 2 to 4 minutes to get a golden crisp. Flip to another side and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until deeply golden on at least two sides.
- Add Marinade and Finish Cooking: Pour the prepared marinade into the skillet, gently move it around so all salmon is coated. Cover and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and flipping occasionally until salmon is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 130°F). Adjust seasoning with more coconut aminos, rice vinegar, lime juice, or sea salt as preferred.
- Assemble the Salad Vegetables: Thinly slice green and purple cabbage, grate carrots, chop baby spinach, slice red bell pepper into matchsticks, and chop green onions. Combine all salad vegetables in a large mixing bowl along with roasted cashews, sliced almonds (if using), and dried cranberries.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Add desired amount of the peanut sesame ginger dressing to the bowl with vegetables and nuts. Toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the dressed salad and top with the crispy cooked salmon cubes. Serve with lemon halves on the side to drizzle fresh lemon juice over the salad if desired.
Notes
- For a smoother dressing, use a small blender or food processor.
- Leaving the salmon skin on adds a crunchy texture when seared; remove if preferred.
- Cooking times may vary depending on salmon size and stove heat—use a meat thermometer to ensure 130°F internal temperature.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to taste, adding more or less peanut butter or maple syrup for sweetness and creaminess.
- Almonds are optional but add nice crunch and flavor variation.
- Use coconut aminos as a soy-free alternative for gluten-free and Paleo diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free