July 6, 2026 · 10 min

Sesame Garlic Salmon with Kale and Charred Snap Peas

Lunch10 min4157 cal / serving

Looking for a healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This vibrant bowl brings together tender kale, charred snap peas and a creamy ponzu-sesame dressing with a spicy kick. Topped with perfectly seared salmon, it’s a satisfying meal that feels light yet indulgent.

The magic lies in the yum yum sauce-a blend of mayonnaise, sesame dressing, ponzu and sriracha that coats every bite. With a mix of textures from crisp veggies and flaky fish, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.


Recipe details

Lunch10 min4157 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories4157 kcalProtein31.2 gFat399.6 gCarbs127 gSugar113.9 gFiber2.3 gSodium753 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: yesDairy-free: yes

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: not detectedEgg: containsFish: containsShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: containsSesame: containsMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Carrot3 ounce CarrotView ingredient guide
Ponzu Sauce12 milliliters Ponzu SauceView ingredient guide
Sesame Dressing1.5 ounce Sesame DressingView ingredient guide
Kale4 ounce KaleView ingredient guide
Mayonnaise2 tablespoon MayonnaiseView ingredient guide
Scallions2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guide
Sriracha1 teaspoon SrirachaView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Sugar Snap Peas4 ounce Sugar Snap PeasView ingredient guide
Salmon10 ounce SalmonView ingredient guide
Olive Oil7 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guide
Sugar1 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Trim scallions and cut into 1-inch pieces. Trim and remove strings from snap peas. Remove large stems from kale and roughly chop into bite-size pieces. Peel and grate carrot using the largest holes of a box grater.
  2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sesame dressing, ponzu, sriracha, 2 tablespoons olive oil (4 tablespoons for 4 servings) and 1 teaspoon sugar (2 teaspoons for 4). Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Heat a drizzle of cooking oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add scallions and snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and tender, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a medium bowl. Wipe out the pan.
  4. Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season all over with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium heat. Add salmon and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 5-7 minutes per side. (Reduce heat if browning too quickly.) Transfer to a cutting board.
  5. Place kale in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Massage kale with your hands until leaves are tender, 1-2 minutes. Add charred veggies, grated carrot and ¾ of the yum yum sauce. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Slice salmon crosswise. Divide salad between bowls and top with salmon. Drizzle with remaining yum yum sauce and serve.

Recipe Tips

Massaging the kale with olive oil softens its texture and reduces bitterness.

For extra char, don’t stir the snap peas too often while cooking.

Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking before slicing to keep it juicy.

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of salmon?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.

What can I use instead of ponzu sauce?

Mix equal parts soy sauce and fresh lemon or lime juice as a substitute for ponzu.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the salad and salmon separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Dress the salad just before serving to keep it crisp.

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