This Parmesan Crusted Salmon Caesar Salad is the ultimate combination of fresh, crunchy, and creamy. Juicy salmon with a crispy Parmesan crust, homemade Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons make it a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.

Try our Air Fryer Chicken Caesar Cutlets or Kale Caesar Salad next!

😍Why You’ll Love It

Let’s be honest: salads don’t always feel exciting. But this one? It’s a total game-changer. This Caesar salad is elevated with flaky, Parmesan crusted salmon, perfectly crispy croutons, and a creamy dressing that’s miles better than store-bought. It’s fresh, hearty, and feels fancy while being super easy to make.

This recipe balances textures and flavors: crisp romaine lettuce, tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and tender salmon topped with a cheesy crust. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as an impressive lunch, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

✅What You’ll Need

Baguette – A small baguette cut into 1-inch chunks makes the perfect croutons.
Olive oil – For toasting the croutons. Avocado or canola oil works too.
Parmesan cheese – Adds that salty, nutty flavor to both the dressing and salmon crust.
Salmon – Skinless fillets for a smooth texture that pairs perfectly with the salad.
Garlic – Fresh garlic for both the croutons and the Caesar dressing.
Romaine lettuce – Fresh, crisp, and crunchy; the base for this salad.
Red onion – Thinly sliced for a mild, sweet bite.
Homemade Caesar dressing – Made with mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and anchovy for a creamy, tangy flavor.

👨‍🍳Helpful Tips

Use fresh Parmesan: Grating your own Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture.
Toast croutons evenly: Toss the bread cubes halfway through baking to ensure they’re golden all over.
Don’t overcook the salmon: Bake just until the salmon is flaky inside.

🔪How to Make Parmesan Crusted Salmon Caesar Salad

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card below.

Make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the baguette pieces with olive oil, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp. Set aside.

Prepare the dressing: Whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing. Mix ¼ cup of dressing with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan. Set the rest of the dressing aside for later.

Crust the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, brush generously with the dressing and top with grated Parmesan. Bake at 400°F for 12–14 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden.

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce, croutons, and red onion with the dressing. Divide onto plates and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Top each salad with a Parmesan-crusted salmon fillet.

✨Substitutions and Variations

Swap salmon for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add toppings like cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Use store-bought croutons and Caesar dressing if you’re short on time.

🍽️What to Serve with It

This salad is filling enough on its own but pairs well with a side of Garlic Bread or a bowl of soup, like our Celery Soup.

🗄️Leftovers and Storage

Salmon: Store any leftover salmon separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Salad: Only toss as much salad with dressing as you plan to eat immediately, as dressed lettuce doesn’t store well.
Croutons: Keep croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

To become a salmon cooking pro, don't miss our Everything You Need to Know About Salmon!

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