I bought a huge bag of baby spinach at Costco. That’s a lot of spinach for a family of TWO! I’m not sure what I was thinking…haha. I’ve been adding handfuls to my protein smoothies in the morning and having lots of salads for lunch/dinner. I won’t let it go to waste! =)
A few weeks ago, I met a friend for dinner and ordered a spinach salad with grilled salmon topped with warm bacon balsamic vinaigrette. It was as good as it sounds (and the inspiration for this salad), but I almost never have bacon on hand so I made a dijon balsamic vinaigrette instead. I mean it doesn’t have bacon, but it’s still delicious! The vinaigrette couldn’t be easier – only 4 ingredients. (Be sure to use a good tasting EVOO and balsamic vinegar. It makes a difference! I promise.) I brushed the salmon with the dressing and then grilled it for a nice, smokey flavor. This salad is the perfect weeknight meal – start to finish in 30 minutes (or less!) and super healthy too! Enjoy!
Grilled Salmon Spinach Salad with Dijon Balsamic Vinaigrette
for the dressing:
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2-1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper, to taste
1. Combine ingredients in small bowl and whisk to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste. (Alternatively, you could combine in small mason jar and shake until combined.)
2. Store in fridge. Yield: about 10 tbsp.
Nutritional Info (per tablespoon): 39 calories; 2.8 g fat; 3.1 g carbohydrates; 0 g fiber; 0.1 g protein.
for the salad:
4 cups fresh baby spinach
3-4 chopped egg whites (you can use the yolks, if desired)
~1 cup baby carrots, sliced
~3/4 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
croutons, if desired
2 (~4 oz each) salmon filets, raw(see note below)
dijon balsamic vinaigrette (see above recipe)
1. Brush salmon liberally with dressing and set aside while grill preheats. Grill 4-5 minutes per side or until flakes easily with fork (time will vary depending on size and thickness of your salmon).
2. In large bowl combine spinach, egg, carrots, tomatoes, and croutons. Top with cooked salmon and drizzle with additional dressing.
Note: I have also used cod and it was delicious too! Cooking time will be about the same.
