Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Over the holidays one tends to eat a lot more sugar, so add this adaptable Superfoods Salad to your menu rotation.
Superfoods Salad
When I was returning home from Moab, Utah, this past fall, I had a layover at Denver International Airport. I needed a meal and found a healthy kiosk tucked behind a McDonalds. Their superfoods salad looked intriguing so I ordered it topped with chicken and savored every bite. Kale, quiona, almonds, grapes, and more was topped with a champagne vinaigrette. I just had to make my own version at home. 
What are Superfoods?
Power Foods or Superfoods are those known to have a high nutrient value per serving. Whether vitamins, minerals, protein or fiber, there is potentially some health benefit from any ingredient labeled as a superfood. This salad happens to contain a number of these powerhouse foods:
- Kale, Spinach: A good source of folate, calcium, magnesium as well as high in Vitamin K (good for bone health), and iron. Kale has more antioxidants than most other produce and one of its phytonutrients may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
- Avocados: high in monosaturated fats, helps with weight loss
- Red Bell Peppers: rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C
- Salmon: high in omega 3 fatty acids, helps with brain and heart health plus salmon may help prevent skin damage from ultraviolet light as well as reduce inflammation and cancer risks.
- Tomatoes: source of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect your skin from sun damage and may also fight cancer and lower cholesterol
- Berries: high in Vitamin C, fiber, cancer fighting antioxidants plus blueberries may help with memory and neutralize free radicals
- Quinoa: a vegan source of protein, has ALL 9 essential amino acids
- Honey: local honey may help with seasonal allergies
A Terrific Way to Kick off a Healthy New Year
This Superfoods Salad was customized with a variety of my favorite ingredients. Feel free to swap out any of the vegetables to reflect your preferences or just leave out what you don’t like. Salmon is one of my favorite proteins so it beat out the chicken that was in my airport salad. I’m already brainstorming on how to tweak my next version. Maybe ditching the berries and roasting some of the veggies. The options are endless!
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Broiled Salmon and Quinoa Bowl with Champagne Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
A nutrient-packed power salad featuring perfectly broiled salmon over a bed of quinoa, fresh greens, and colorful vegetables. A tangy Champagne vinaigrette brings it all together for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces (142g) of greens (mixture of baby kale,spinach and arugula)
- 1 cup (237ml) cooked quinoa
- 1/2 English cucumber (peeled and chopped)
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- Grape tomatoes (cut in half)
- Fresh berries
- 3 broiled salmon fillets (6 ounces (170g) each)
- Marinated artichoke hearts (optional)
- 3 tablespoons (44ml) champagne vinegar
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) honey
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup (118ml) extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Select your preferred greens and superfoods for the salad.
- Place the greens in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Add the cooked quinoa, cucumber, avocado, red bell pepper, grape tomatoes, fresh berries, and marinated artichoke hearts (if using).
- To make the dressing, whisk together the champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad before serving. Toss and plate the salad, then top with the broiled salmon fillets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the quinoa with another grain in the Superfoods Salad?
Yes, you can substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or even bulgur, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
What type of salmon should I use for this salad?
Fresh, canned, or smoked salmon works well; just ensure it’s cooked or safe to eat raw if you choose to use sashimi-grade salmon.
How can I make the champagne vinaigrette for the salad?
To make the champagne vinaigrette, simply whisk together champagne vinegar, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a bit of honey or mustard for a balanced flavor.
