Is it April yet?

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

Or really just May fifth, because clearly I already have Cinco de Mayo on the brain.

Ok well, I actually always have Mexican on the brain, but who can blame me? It is good stuff. Plus, it is always fresh and colorful, and we all know I love that.

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

Speaking of colorful, it finally stopped snowing here this week and there has been blue skies for the last two days. So awesome, it actually feels a little like spring. I love when these days happen in the dead of winter. It is a total energy booster.

But I mean, really spring is not even that far away. March twentieth, and if you have been living in a hole, that is next month. That’s not far at all.

Whoa! How the heck did that happen? The Easter candy is already in stores and people are talking spring break and Easter brunch. Well I am totally ready for spring, but time still needs to slow down. I feel like it was just Christmas, and before I know it is going to be summer. This both excites me and scares the heck out of me, but what’s new?

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

Let’s talk about this salad. This is the perfect salad. Full of flavor, super easy and I swear it gets better with each and every bite. If I could I would serve this every other night or at least something similar, but you guys know most of my family hates fish. Hates it so much that they actually have problems sitting at the table when it is around.

Basically they are a giant bunch of babies that have five foods they will eat. Tacos (understandable), chicken (as long as it is not weird), pasta (as long as it’s as simple as can be) , rice (white) and steak (grilled). I mean, do you see what I am working with here?

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

Whatever, they are crazy.

And I have known this my whole life, but to be honest, they would all say that I am the craziest of them all. Really though, I cannot argue with that. I admit it, I am crazy, but I totally accept it. It is what makes me, me.

Plus, I fully believe that we are all a little crazy in some way, and if you say you’re not, well than sorry, but I don’t believe you.

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

Anyway, back to the point here. This salad!

You guys are going to love this salad or at least I hope you will. I feel pretty confident that if you like these flavors you will love it. You should also know that if you are not into fish you can swap the salmon with chicken and or steak. Both are good and I do know this for a fact, since I obviously had to make the steak and chicken versions for the fish haters at the table.

Oh, and I also have to say that most of the brothers left out all the color in this one and just had the steak + chicken and then headed straight for the leftover rice in the fridge. I love color and well… they hate it.

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

The whole meal can come together in under thirty minutes, so it is perfect for a weeknight meal or even a weekend meal because it is that good. I mean, I know a salad on the weekend may seem boring, but this is not boring, in any dang way.

Hello, there are tortilla chips. Totally weekend worthy, but bonus if you get to make it tonight <– do it if you can, your Wednesday will be made!

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

A few notes, don’t skimp on the the tortilla chips – and have a margarita. It makes things pretty fun…..

Even if mine was a virgin.

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

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4.56 from 9 votes

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

The Recipe

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.

By halfbakedharvest

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: salmon salad
This is the perfect salad. Full of flavor, super easy and I swear it gets better with each and every bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 707 kcal

Ingredients

Salmon

Salads

  • 8 cups butter lettuce or spring greens mix chopped
  • 1 smallish mango peeled + chopped
  • 1 small jalapeno seeded + chopped
  • 1/3 cup cooked black beans rinsed + drained if using canned
  • 1-2 avocados sliced
  • 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 ounces queso fresco or cajita cheese crumbled
  • fresh cilantro for topping
  • crushed tortilla chips

Simple Honey Lime Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice about 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped (or more to your liking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey depending on your taste (I used 2)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, honey and salt and pepper. Whisk to combine, taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. Set aside.
  2. In a large salad bowl add the lettuce, mango, jalapeno and black beans. Drizzle with the juice of half a lime (only do this if eating right away). Toss well and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar, lime zest and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Place the salmon on a plate and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the salmon and gently rub it into the salmon.
  5. Heat a medium size skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and once hot, add the red pepper slices and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir fry the peppers for 4-5 minutes. Remove the peppers from the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil and add the salmon, skin side facing up. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes and then flip and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your salmon. Cut the salmon into 4-6 pieces or chop into bites.
  6. To assemble the salads, add the red peppers to the salad bowl and toss. Divide the salad among plates or bowls. Sprinkle each plate with a little of cheddar and a little of cajita. Top each bowl with a piece of salmon. Add a few slice of avocado and drizzle with the dressing. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips and more cilantro.

Chile Lime Salmon Fajita Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette | halfbakedharvest.com

But if you were here, I’d add tequila to yours. Promise.

half-baked-harvestHEY GUYS, I NEED YOUR HELP!!

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