Kale Salad with Salmon
A vibrant and healthy salad featuring tender pan-seared salmon over a bed of hearty kale. Toasted hazelnuts, sweet cranberries, and a tangy lemon-dijon vinaigrette make this a satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Kale and Hazelnuts
- b.In a dry, medium skillet over medium heat, toast the hazelnuts, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool completely, then roughly chop.
- c.Place the chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of the extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. Using your hands, massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it softens, shrinks in volume, and turns a darker green.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Make the Vinaigrette
- b.In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, the juice of the lemon (about 3 tbsp), dijon mustard, minced shallot, and maple syrup.
- c.Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk vigorously or seal the jar and shake until the dressing is well emulsified.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Salmon
- b.Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin. Season both sides generously with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- c.Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down.
- d.Sear for 4-6 minutes, pressing down gently on the fillets for the first 30 seconds to ensure even contact. The skin should be golden and crispy.
- e.Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking (an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C for well-done).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.To the bowl of massaged kale, add the dried cranberries, toasted hazelnuts, and most of the parmesan cheese. Pour over about three-quarters of the vinaigrette and toss everything together until well coated.
- c.Divide the salad among four plates or bowls.
- d.Gently place a warm salmon fillet on top of each salad.
- e.Garnish with the remaining parmesan cheese and a final drizzle of the vinaigrette. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Massaging the kale with oil and salt is a non-negotiable step! It tenderizes the tough leaves, making them much more enjoyable to eat.
- 2For perfectly crispy salmon skin, ensure the fillets are bone-dry and the pan is sufficiently hot before the fish goes in.
- 3To save time, you can make the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and shake well before using.
- 4Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking before placing it on the salad. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender fillet.
- 5For a nut-free alternative, substitute the hazelnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Not a fan of salmon? This salad works beautifully with grilled chicken breast, seared shrimp, or even a can of high-quality drained tuna.
Cheese VariationCheese Variation
Replace the Parmesan with crumbled feta for a briny kick or creamy goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Go VeganGo Vegan
Omit the salmon and cheese. Add a can of rinsed chickpeas or some crispy baked tofu for protein and use a vegan parmesan alternative.
Add GrainsAdd Grains
To make the salad even more substantial, toss in a cup of cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Heart and Brain Health
Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are crucial for reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and supporting cognitive function.
Rich in Antioxidants
Kale is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as flavonoids and polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress.
Supports Bone Health
A single serving of this salad provides a significant amount of Vitamin K from the kale, which is essential for bone metabolism and proper blood clotting.
Promotes Satiety
The combination of high-quality protein from salmon and fiber from kale and hazelnuts helps you feel full and satisfied, making it a great meal for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this salad contains approximately 695 calories. This can vary slightly based on the exact size of the salmon fillet and amount of dressing used.