Kevin Durant's go-to Salmon Caesar Salad

Chef Ryan Lopez, private chef of NBA star Kevin Durant, shares one of KD's go-to Verlasso salmon recipes when recovering from a workout or about to hit the court for a big game. This light and fulfilling salad won't weigh you down but will give you the strength and energy you need to perform at a high level - like Kevin Durant.

Breaking Down the Nutrients with Chef Ryan Lopez

Avocados carry plenty of potassium. Potassium is a form of electrolyte, and this helps maintain a healthy balance of fluids in his body. So in the 4th quarter, Kevin Durant can still be performing the same way he did in the 1st quarter. Avocados also pack a ton of Vitamin K, which helps keeps his bones strong.

Greek yogurt is abundant in probiotics, B-12 and protein. Getting the right amount of protein is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and also helps balance fluids along with muscle and bone strength.

Verlasso Salmon in this dish plays a number of important roles for Kevin that help with his performance. It's packed with protein which will helps the body maintain muscle. It also helps with lowering inflammation, which throughout the NBA season is crucial to help heal the body as efficiently as possible to prevent injury. 

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 pound Verlasso Salmon (skin off)
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 slices of bacon cut in 1/4 inch strips
  • Small red onion, sliced thin
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 heads of romaine lettuce

For the Yogurt Avocado Caesar Dressing

  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and skin removed
  • 1/2 cup non-fat plain greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 anchovy
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

For the Salad

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and place salmon on a foil-lined baking sheet. Seasoning with cajun seasoning and cook for 12-15 minutes. When salmon is cool flake apart into bite size pieces using a fork or hands. Set aside.
  2. Cook bacon on medium high heat for 5-6 minutes until crispy. Drain on paper towel. Set aside.
  3. If using whole romaine, cut about 2 inches off the stem of the romaine. Cut the romaine in half lengthwise and turn and cut again lengthwise. Turn the romaine and cut 1inch strips and place in bowl.
  4. Cut the avocado in half and take out pit. Take off the skin and cut into 1/2 inch slices. Set aside.

 For the Yogurt Avocado Caesar Dressing

  1. In a blender or food processor, blend together all ingredients until smooth.

Plating

Toss romaine with Caesar dressing then plate in dish. Top with flaked salmon, bacon, onion, tomatoes and avocado.

chefryanlopez6.jpg

Recipe by Chef Ryan Lopez
Private Chef of Kevin Durant

Read More about how he fuels Kevin Durant for a winning season by clicking here!