Citrus Salmon Summer Salad

The weather has been so hot, and this citrus summer salad is exactly what everyone’s craving! Light, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, it’s the perfect dish to keep you cool and satisfied.

Salad Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup quinoa, prepared according to package and cooled

• Spinach

• 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

• 2-3 mandarin oranges (we always have these on hand!)

• 1 avocado, diced

• Optional: crumbled feta or goat cheese

• Optional: 1 jalapeno, thinly sliced

White Balsamic Honey Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon honey (microwave for 5 seconds to thin)

• 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• 1/3 cup good olive oil

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Salmon Marinade:

• 4 wild-caught salmon filets

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon pure maple syrup

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Salmon: Combine the salmon marinade ingredients in a small glass bowl. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Place your salmon on the sheet and brush with the marinade. Let sit for 30 minutes or up to 6 hours in the refrigerator.

2. Bake the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake salmon for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

3. Prepare the Salad: While the salmon cooks, prepare the salad. Start with a generous bed of fresh spinach, then add the cooled quinoa, chives, green onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, mandarin oranges, and diced avocado.

4. Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well, or whisk together in a bowl until fully combined.

5. Assemble and Serve: Toss the salad with the dressing to ensure every bite is flavorful. Serve topped with the perfectly baked salmon. For an extra kick, add the optional jalapeno slices, and for a touch of creaminess, sprinkle on some crumbled feta or goat cheese.

My citrus salmon summer salad is oh-so refreshing and satisfying. The juicy mandarin oranges, the creamy avocados, the savory salmon...girl, you will love it! Not to mention, the quinoa adds a nice texture and keeps you full longer. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, making it a go-to meal for busy summer days.

Love a healthy meal, but don't have time to prepare it yourself? Our INJOY Assistants can help! Contact us today to learn more about our vetted and trained assistants and how they can help you INJOY motherhood.

Bon appétit!

XO - Tessa