Salmon always makes mealtime special. It’s so versatile and easy to make, whether you grill it, cook it on the stovetop, or even bake it. I love salmon in salads, which is why I tossed together Spinach & Salmon Salad with Creamy Dairy-Free Herbed Dressing. You’ll find great flavor in each bite of this dish, from the top down to the bottom.
I absolutely adore homemade salad dressing, and for good reason: I know all the ingredients that go into making the dressing; homemade dressings are fresh, flavorful, and easy to make; and there are no half-empty bottles lingering around in your fridge. Do you have that problem, too? Ugh! Those bottles take up precious shelf space!
My Spinach & Salmon Salad with Creamy Dairy-Free Herbed Dressing was a winner for dinner, and I can tell you the dressing is a new favorite with its herbs and creaminess! I used DREAM Ultimate Almond to make this rich, dairy-free dressing, blending it up with tofu, fresh and dried herbs, and of course garlic!
DREAM Ultimate Almond includes 20 grams of real California almonds per serving, and 5 grams of plant-based protein from almonds in each serving. On top of all those good-for-you benefits, it’s really creamy, and that makes it perfect to use in Creamy Dairy-Free Herbed Dressing.
The new DREAM Ultimate Almond beverage can be found now at Whole Foods and soon at your local Sprouts. Click here for a coupon.
For more inspiration, check out this turmeric smoothie bowl:
d
Print
Pan-Seared Salmon and Spinach Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
A vibrant and satisfying main course salad featuring flaky pan-seared salmon over a bed of fresh spinach, topped with a creamy, dairy-free herb dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 6-ounce (170g) salmon fillet (or 2,4-ounce / 113g fillets)
- 4 cups (946ml) fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cucumber (cut into rounds)
- 1 cup (237ml) cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) butter
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.2ml) ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.2ml) paprika
- 2 lemon slices for garnish
- 8 ounces (227g) plain tofu
- 1/4 cup (59ml) almond milk (unsweetened - extra as needed to thin the dressing)
- 3 tablespoons (44ml) diced white onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.2ml) ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.6ml) dried thyme
Instructions
- For the dressing: Add the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a bit more almond milk to make the dressing thinner, if needed.
- Refrigerate until ready to use, and stir before serving.
- For the salad: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Season the skinless side of the salmon with the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add the butter to an ovenproof skillet over high heat. When hot, add the salmon, skin side down. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow the salmon to cool slightly.
- Carefully separate the salmon from the skin, and cut it into 2-3 large pieces. Set aside.
- Arrange the spinach on a large plate, add the salmon pieces to the top and garnish with the cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Drizzle with the dressing, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.
- Refrigerate any unused dressing immediately and use within several days.
Notes
For a thinner dressing, add more almond beverage. The salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Substitute tofu with Greek yogurt for a non-dairy-free option. The salmon can also be grilled or pan-seared instead of baked.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Modern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Find it online: https://honestcooking.com/salmon-spinach-salad-herb-dressing/
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of salmon is best for the Spinach & Salmon Salad?
Fresh or frozen salmon fillets work well for this salad; just ensure they’re properly thawed if using frozen.
How do I make the creamy herb dressing dairy-free?
Blend DREAM Ultimate Almond with tofu, fresh and dried herbs, and garlic to create a rich, creamy dressing without dairy.
Can I use other greens instead of spinach in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like arugula or kale for a different flavor and texture.