Grilled Salmon Cilantro Lime Salad (Print Version)

Perfectly grilled salmon on a bed of arugula with avocado, tomatoes and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Ready in 30 minutes!

# Ingredients:

→ Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

01 - 1/3 cup olive oil
02 - 1/4 cup lime juice, more to taste
03 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 garlic cloves
06 - 1/2 a jalapeño, sliced (more for more heat)
07 - 1/2 teaspoon honey, more to taste
08 - 1/2 cup cilantro, packed (including tender stems)

→ Grilled Salmon Salad

09 - 4 pieces of salmon (4-6 ounces each) or substitute steelhead or ocean trout
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
13 - 5 ounces baby arugula
14 - 3 Turkish cucumbers, sliced, salted
15 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
17 - 2 avocados, sliced
18 - 1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
19 - 1/3 cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
20 - Cilantro leaves for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
02 - Place all dressing ingredients except cilantro in a blender and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add the cilantro and blend again. Taste and adjust jalapeño, honey, and lime juice as desired.
03 - Brush each piece of salmon with olive oil and lightly season both sides with salt, chili powder, and cumin. Place salmon on a greased, hot grill and check for grill marks after 2-3 minutes. Turn and continue grilling for a few more minutes to medium or desired doneness. Turn off the heat.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the arugula, cucumber, and onions with dressing (you won’t need all of it). Fold in the avocado, tomatoes, half of the pumpkin seeds, and half of the Cotija cheese. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
05 - Arrange the salad on a serving platter or divide among four plates. Top with grilled salmon and garnish with remaining pumpkin seeds, Cotija cheese, and cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Ensure the salmon is cooked to your preferred level of doneness without overcooking.