Description
A nourishing fall salad featuring roasted salmon glazed with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce, served over a bed of fresh mixed greens with crisp apple slices, crunchy nuts, dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese. This hearty yet fresh salad combines warm roasted salmon with autumnal flavors, perfect for a cozy meal or elegant lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon Glaze: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
- Glaze and Roast Salmon: Brush the maple mustard glaze generously over each salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Make the Dressing: While the salmon roasts, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a jar or small bowl until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or individual bowls, arrange the mixed greens. Top evenly with thinly sliced apples, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion for vibrant color and texture.
- Finish and Serve: Once the salmon is done, flake it gently over the salad to distribute pieces without breaking it down too much. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the entire salad and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm salmon and fresh ingredients.
Notes
- Salmon can also be grilled or pan-seared if preferred for different texture and flavor.
- Substitute goat cheese with blue cheese for a bolder and tangier flavor profile.
- Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes to the salad for added heartiness and seasonal depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad / Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
