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Crispy Salmon Salad with Sesame Ginger Peanut Dressing Recipe

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4.4 from 5 reviews

This Crispy Salmon Salad combines perfectly seared salmon cubes with a vibrant mix of cabbage, spinach, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy and zesty sesame ginger peanut dressing. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, the salmon is enhanced by a flavorful marinade and a crunchy texture from the skin. A fresh, nutritious, and filling salad perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free