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This Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad is one of our favorite meals ever. Use the easy, healthy salmon recipe in lots of other ways too!
I probably should have told you about this Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon sooner... um, let me rephrase that; I definitely should have told you about this before now. But, better late than never - so here you go!
We've enjoyed variations of this Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad more times than I can count. It's an easy, fresh, super delicious dinner and... the best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes. Each time I've served it, Scott or I have said, "We have to get pictures for the blog, this is so... good".
So finally, after having lots of good intentions, we took the time for a photo shoot. We could hardly wait to get the pictures finished, so we could enjoy it once again.
This Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon is super versatile. I add whatever vegetables are seasonable and fresh and will work with the Mexican theme. During the summer months, I use fresh corn, zucchini, and homegrown tomatoes. Other times of year I add black beans and/or sliced avocado. Diced mango is wonderful; as are slivers of red or white onion. We also enjoy it as a salad with crushed tortilla chips scattered over the top.
I often change up up the dressing too. The salad's pictured with my Spicy Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing, but we also love it with this Sweet and Spicy Mango Dressing or this Honey-Cumin Vinaigrette.
Although this Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad is easy enough to throw together for a weeknight dinner, it's also great for guests. Serve it with a basket of warm Artisan Rolls or this Ridiculously Easy Focaccia Bread and you've got a healthy, super delicious meal.
I like to keep a bag of salmon in the freezer - the kind that comes wrapped in individual-size portions. It can be thawed in a bowl of cold water and ready to go in less than 20 minutes. Then it's just a matter making the simple rub; sugar, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
The salmon is patted dry, then sprinkled with this sweet and spicy rub then seared on the stove top. It takes about 4-5 minutes per side. The salmon will take on a glistening copper hue. Plate it up with fresh greens, veggies and your dressing of choice for a ridiculously delicious meal.
So there you have it, the long overdue, Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad. I think you'll love it as much as we do and it might just become a favorite dinner at your house too!
Café Tips for making this Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon...
- This salad can also be served with Sweet and Spicy Mango Dressing or Honey Cumin Vinaigrette.
- Feel free to add or sub other veggies to the salad; sliced or diced zucchini, diced mango, bell peppers, jicama, slivers of red or white onion, etc.
- This Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon is also delicious served with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus, carrots or Brussels sprouts.
- To ensure browning, be sure to pat your salmon dry before sprinkling with the seasoning.
- Because there's sugar in the seasoning mixture for the Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon, don't use a super high heat to cook it. A medium-low setting is perfect. You want the salmon to sizzle just a bit when it hits the hot oil, but not to splatter all over the stovetop.
- Leftover salmon is perfect for a lunch salad!
- Use a good quality nonstick sauté pan/skillet for cooking the salmon. I love these All-Clad nonstick pans. They're super heavy-duty and dishwasher-safe; but also reasonably priced.
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Mexican Sugar-Seared Salmon Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 24 ounces skinless salmon fillets, 4 6-ounce fillets
- 6-8 cups baby arugula
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, quartered and sliced in ¼ inch slices
- Spicy Cilantro Buttermilk Dressing, see other options below
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except oil and salmon in a small bowl.
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel and rub each fillet all over with a drop or two of olive oil. Sprinkle all over (including sides of fillets) with sugar mixture and pat lightly to adhere.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-large, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until hot. Swirl pan to make sure oil is covering the bottom and add salmon. There should be a sizzle when you add the salmon, but it should not be spattering furiously. (This salmon needs to cook a little slower than some because of the sugar in the rub. If cooked at too high a temperature, it will burn instead of turning golden brown.)
- Cook salmon on the first side for 4 minutes, then flip to opposite side and cook another 4 minutes or until deep golden brown and salmon feels fairly firm in the center when lightly touched. At this point, I like to turn the pieces on their side surfaces and cook for another 30 seconds, then flip and do the same on the opposite side. Salmon should be cooked to an internal temp of 120-125˚F.
- Divide arugula between 4 dinner plates. Add one salmon fillet to each serving and scatter salads with tomatoes and avocado slices. Drizzle with dressing or serve the dressing on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
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I prepared this dish tonight and must say it was very easy to put together and super delicious! Definitely an impressive meal that can be quickly prepared for a get together. Rather than serving it with a salad, I chose to make your Roasted Veggie and Crispy Chickpea Salad as an accompaniment which is also very delightful, colorful and gourmet in appearance. Can't wait to make it again!!! Thanks, Christine.
Wonderful! Thank you for your review, Christine!
Hi Chris...
I love this salmon. My daughter made it for a grandma shower I put on for a friend. It was delicious.
Question: Could I make this a couple hours in advance of serving it? I plan to make it for a game night we have monthly with 2 other couples, but we play Shanghai for about an hour, then eat dinner, then play some more. Would love to have the salmon cooked in advance. If you think it would be OK, should I refrigerate it after cooking?
Thank you for any advice you can give me.
Hi Sue, so happy you have enjoyed this!
If you wanted to make this in advance, I would undercook it just a bit (just get some nice color) and then refrigerate. Just before serving, I would gently rewarm it in a pan or in the oven. Here is another salmon recipe that can be made ahead: https://thecafesucrefarine.com/honey-coriander-make-ahead-salmon/
Delicious! I served with mashed potatoes and a green salad with avocado dressing!
Yum! Sounds like a delicious dinner!
When I saw the recipe for this I was thrilled. The perfect dish to share with a friend whom I hadn't seen for a long time and who adores salmon. What a feast to prepare - if the aroma of the spice mix for the rub does not lift your mood then I really don't know what will!
Today my friend came and I served this with a mixed salad with the exotic and colourful Sweet and Spicy Mango Salad dressing and some boiled potatoes. We were joined by my family and this has straight away gone on our favourites list.
Christine, you really have created a dish here that is so easy to prepare, minimal fuzz to cook and yet an absolute stunner on the table. Thank you.
Awww, such a kind and well thought out comment, Karin! I'm so happy you enjoyed this salmon and I love that your family was all together to savor it! Thanks so much, for sharing your results! 💕
A family favorite! We cooked it in the smoker and it was divine 🙂
Yum! That sounds wonderful!
Absolutely fabulous recipe. Our latest favorite salmon preparation. The recipe was perfect exactly at written. Will make this often. Thank you for another amazing yet simple recipe!!
I’ve cooked salmon in many different ways but this is by far the best I’ve ever eaten! Went exactly by your recipe.
So happy you enjoyed it, Polly, thanks for sharing your results!
I'm the only person in the family that doesn't eat salmon but that won't keep me from making this for them to enjoy. It's a beautiful meal and thanks for the recipe.
Oh. my. word. This was absolutely amazing! I made it for dinner tonight, substituting the chilli powder for paprika for my spice avoiders. I added some lime slices to the pan when I turned the salmon, and served it with coriander (cilantro) leaves on top, and mashed potatoes and peas on the side. It was delicious. My kids liked it, too. This will definitely be a “make again” recipe (an accolade in our house on a par with your “blog-worthy”). Thanks for the inspiration!
I'm glad that you two took the time to photograph and share your salmon dish with us. Just looking at it makes me hungry.
This looks like such a delicious recipe and I love the coating it makes on the salmon. The plating is so appetizing also! We are definitely in a grilled salmon rut so would love to give this a try.
Delicious! The coating was very light and crispy; not too spicy. Ate it with spiralized beets with a balsamic honey-mustard dressing and a zucchini casserole. Will try it as a salad with the buttermilk cilantro dressing soon. Thanks for another winner.
I am so in need of salmon. Lately I think my blood is made of sugar. Definitely eating this tomorrow night!
I made this for my daughter for dinner tonight and she really enjoyed it. I liked how quick and easy it was to put together. I served it with roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes with a little cinnamon and smoked paprika sprinkled on them. Thanks for a great recipe!
Never tried salmon coated with that kind of mixture; must try. Keeping this one ! Thank you !
This looks like the perfect meal to me Chris! I could eat this at least once a week. Thanks for sharing - I'm pinning for sure 😉
When I make a marinade or rub for salmon, I almost always use some sugar. This combination of seasonings sounds perfect for our next go 'round!
I've been making this recipe for years; it is one of my favorite ways to prepare salmon. I always leave the sugar out, though, because I try to avoid added sugar where possible.
The name alone makes me crave this Chris, and we are always looking for new ways to cook our favorite fish, I have a feeling this is going to be a hit here 🙂
I just made it for dinner and it was super excellent. I don't normally like cilantro, but it was perfect in the dressing- not overpowering at all. Thanks Chris for this awesome recipe.
Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know your results Antoinette!
I have just found your site and I am in heaven. The recipes look outstanding! I will be sharing!
Thanks so much Sandra, welcome to The Café!
I love the sound of this Chris. I'm looking forward to trying this method for a Mexican sugared crust. Yum!
I made this tonight for my husband and son and it was DELICIOUS!!! Both of them ate and ate the Salmon and asked when we were having it again! I used fresh/frozen salmon filets from Trader Joe's and the flavor with your seasonings was amazing! A true "keeper"! Thanks, Chris!
That thrills us Malinda! Scott calls this recipe, "candy"! That's his highest accolade for a recipe! We love it too!
I gotta try this, it looks absolutely amazing Chris!
Hi Chris, salmon is my favorite of all things to eat, love how you seasoned the fish and the dressing that you suggested. Great idea to keep salmon in the freezer. Take care!
Thanks Cheri! It's such an all-around versatile fish.
What a fantastic salad Chris and there is nothing I love more than Mexican seasonings. I love the sweet-spicy combo.
Thanks Toni! It's just a really fun recipe, full of flavor and spicy-ness!
You know I love your recipes and I so love salmon every which way. I also love the sound of the Mango Dressing. Summer continues in your recipes xoxo
Thanks Beverley! Sometimes it's hard to let go of summer, isn't it?
I love how one recipe progressed into the cilantro dressing and now this salmon salad 🙂 What a wonderful use of the same base, Chris. I'm always looking for new ways to make salmon too.
Thanks Susan! It's just a really delicious recipe!
YUM!!! I am always on the lookout for good fish ideas!! Do you use regular granulated sugar or brown sugar here? Thanks for the yummy recipes!! My daughter and I have enjoyed making many of them together!
Thanks Julie! I use regular granulated sugar. Cooking with our kids and grandkids is one of the highlights of our life at this time. So many great opportunities for fun and life-influencing conversations take place in the kitchen.
Salmon is one of our local specialties here in the Pacific NW. I often serve it with a salad and a piece of crusty bread. Your version looks delicious, Chris. I can't wait to try using your sugar coating along with your honey cumin vinaigrette. I appreciate the nutritional info.
Thanks Cathy! It was long overdue. Special kudos to Bjork from Food Blogger Pro!
Chris, I don't know what to add that others have not said, except this recipe is outstanding. Maybe someone already said it. Scott your photos are outstanding too!
Thank you Madonna! Scott says, "Me too!"
Yeah, I can see why you'd rather dive right in than stop and take photos! Salmon is probably my favorite seafood and your recipe looks phenomenal!!!
Thanks Liz! As you well know, standing over a plate of delicious food is a real challenge sometimes.
This looks so delicious and light, I will keep in mind for the next time I buy salmon (which will very soon ) 🙂
Thanks Adina! Light, but not light on flavor!
Better late than never is right Chris! I love that it comes together so quickly and is easily adaptable to different cuisines.
Thanks Sandra! It's a great, "Hey, what's for dinner tonight?" recipe.
I have never heard of this method for cooking salmon and now I can't wait to try it, thanks Chris!!
Quick and easy are the two operative words Sue!
Mouth watering Chris..
I agree about the above poster.You have a professional beautiful blog:)
Thank you Monique! That's so sweet and thoughtful!
Love this dish! I'm always looking for new and delicious ways to enjoy salmon and this is perfect 🙂
Thanks Jennifer!
I can understand why you would want to get through the photo shoot as soon as possible with a salad this gorgeous. Great sear on the salmon too. I just want to reach right in the photo a pinch off a piece.
Sam
Thanks Sam! We enjoyed it fully after the shoot. Nothing to put in the trash!
That salmon looks unbelievably delicious, Chris.
Thanks Angie, it is!
Like others have cotmenmed, I am working with the challenges of a small yard, limited sun, etc, plus an active puppy that bounces all over the yard, so this would be very helpful, since I am determined to grow more than ever this year! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Wonderful recipe Chris! I could eat salmon everyday and this would never get old 🙂
That's the way we are too Tricia; salmon is so tasty!
It is so hard to take photos when you are hungry. Sugar seared salmon will certainly be on my list. With that cilantro dressing, of course!
Thanks Abbe! Absolutely don't forget the dressing!
I have loved your site for a long time and I follow you on Pinterest. I spread the word about your site as often as possible because I love it that much. I only read three cooking blogs so I am only interested in the best.. Every single recipe I've tried is great.
However I one request. Sorry it is a big one. I wish you could post the nutritional information for the dishes. I have requested this on two other sites and they thought it was a great idea and began doing it. I think most people who really cook from your site would greatly appreciate the information as so many people watch their sugar. sodium, carb or simply their calorie intake. One lady told me she has a computer program she just pops the recipe into and out pops the nutritional information for her followers and herself. If you provide this information and I have missed it I am so sorry. Love your site keep on cooking!
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for much for your kind and encouraging words. I really appreciate them and also you spreading the word about The Café.
I’ve been wanting to add the nutritional information for a while now but thought it would be very time consuming and time is such a precious commodity right now. But I did a bit of research, after receiving your email, and it doesn’t look too difficult. I actually added it to the salmon salad already! Thanks for prodding me on to figure this out. I needed that 🙂
Thank you so very much!!! Love you guys. Wish you continued success with your blog. God bless you both.
Thanks Jacqueline! We're so glad you stopped by the Café!
Love the sear on that salmon, Chris! This is one gorgeous salad!
Thanks Laura! And it tastes better than it looks!
Wow... This looks gorgeous and so appetizing!! It is healthy happiness in a plate...
Thanks so much Denise! It truly is.