Spinach Salad with Grilled Salmon and Strawberries

This beautiful salad is delicious and nutritious, too! Grilled salmon is combined with fresh spinach, red bell pepper, fresh mushrooms, and fresh strawberries. Garnished with chopped pecans and a bit of crumbled bacon--leave out the bacon, if you must. I justify it because there is no added sugar in the vinaigrette.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 454 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and pepper to taste
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (5 ounce) package fresh baby spinach
• 4 tablespoons chopped pecans
• 4 tablespoons high-quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 pound salmon filets, with skin
• 8 medium fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 16 large fresh strawberries, sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl for the vinaigrette. Stir briskly to combine.

Step 2

Brush salmon with 1 teaspoon of the vinaigrette on the cut side, and season with salt and pepper. Reserve the remaining vinaigrette.

Step 3

Clean the grates of an outdoor grill and preheat to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 4

Place the salmon on a grilling mat or fish grill basket on the hot grill, skin side down. Grill for about 10 minutes. Using a turner, carefully flip the salmon, or turn the grill basket, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes more. Salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

Step 5

Transfer salmon to a plate, tent with foil, and allow to rest while preparing the salad.

Step 6

Combine spinach, red bell pepper, mushrooms, strawberries, and reserved vinaigrette in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Remove skin from salmon and flake.

Step 7

Divide salad among individual plates, top with flaked salmon, and garnish with chopped pecans and crumbled bacon.