A Summer Salad That Hits All the Right Notes: Grilled Salmon with Apple Cider Crema
There’s something magical about grilled food in the summertime — the smokiness, the sizzle, the way it transforms simple ingredients into something crave-worthy. That’s exactly the spirit behind our Grilled Salmon Salad with Apple Cider Crema — a dish that’s light, bold, and deeply satisfying.
This salad isn’t just “healthy” — it’s smartly built. Think flame-kissed salmon, fresh romaine hearts with just the right amount of char, and a tangy drizzle that steals the show. We’re talking about a crema made with hard apple cider, Dijon heat, a touch of honey, and a whisper of garlic — the kind of dressing you’ll want to spoon on everything.
The Backbone: Grilled Salmon with Bold Seasoning
Salmon is one of those proteins that does all the heavy lifting with minimal effort. A light brush of olive oil and a generous hit of Kilted Chef Daily Catch seasoning gives it everything it needs. A quick turn on the grill brings out its natural richness while letting the seasoning shine.
Texture Matters: Romaine, Red Onion & Capers
Charred romaine adds smoky crunch, while red onions give sharpness and bite. Capers punch in their salty tang and elevate everything they touch. This isn’t a dainty salad — it’s hearty, structured, and built to be a main dish.
The Star: Apple Cider Crema
Let’s talk about that crema. Creamy but not heavy, sweet but not sugary, sharp but not sour. It’s the thread that ties every element together. A blend of mayo, sour cream, hard apple cider, caper brine, garlic, mustard, honey, and fresh parsley — it’s balanced, bold, and unforgettable. It’s also make-ahead friendly, so do yourself a favor and double the batch.
Make It Yours
You don’t have to stop here. This dish loves a remix:
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Toss in avocado or a jammy egg for extra luxury.
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Craving crunch? Add toasted croutons or shaved radish.
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Serving a crowd? Build it out on a platter — it’s a stunner.
This salad is what summer eating should be — effortless, fresh, and just a little indulgent. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard dinner or just trying to escape another boring weeknight meal, this one’s got your name all over it.
Want to make it yourself? The full recipe is right here. Don’t wait on this one—it’s too good to miss, this recipe delivers flavor, color, and a whole lot of local pride. Being NS Loyal means more than just buying local — it’s about creating connections, celebrating what grows here, and putting community at the center of every dish.
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Grilled Salmon Salad with Apple Cider Crema
- Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 salmon fillets (approx. 5–6 oz each)
olive oil
Kilted Chef Daily Catch seafood seasoning
1 large head of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
1/2 small red onion, julienned
2 tbsp capers
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Apple Cider Crema:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sour cream
1/4 cup Hard apple cider
1 tbsp caper brine
1 tsp Some Like It Hot mustard
2 tbsp honey
1 clove garlic minced
1 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Make the Apple Cider Crema:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, hard apple cider, caper brine, mustard, honey, garlic and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be smooth, tangy, and lightly creamy. Chill until ready to use.
Prepare the Salmon
Heat grill to medium.
Drizzle the salmon with olive and sprinkle with daily catch seafood seasoning.
Place the salmon on a grill mat and grill for 6 minutes on each side.
Romaine
Place the romaine on the grill mat and grill until lightly charred.
Assemble the Salad:
Place the romaine on two plates, add julienned red onion and capers. Place a grilled salmon fillet to the side.
Dress and Serve:
Drizzle the apple cider crema over the salad just before serving or serve on the side. Finish with a grind of black pepper and a pinch of flaky salt if desired.
Tips & Variations
Add sliced hard-boiled eggs or avocado for richness.
Want crunch? Toss in some toasted croutons or thinly sliced radish.
This works great plated individually or as a large shareable platter.
- Category: salads, fish, recipes, NS Loyal, recipes
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