Citrus-Infused Grilled Salmon Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Elevate your dinner time with this Citrus-Infused Grilled Salmon Salad, a refreshing escape from winter's hearty meals. This salad features succulent grilled salmon, marinated to perfection and combined with a vibrant medley of seasonal citrus fruits, including sweet grapefruit and zesty mandarin oranges. The dish is enhanced by thinly sliced red onion for a hint of sharpness and slivered almonds for delightful crunch. This is all brought together with a luscious honey balsamic vinaigrette that adds a touch of sweetness and brightness to every bite. Ideal for a light summer meal or a winter craving for sunshine, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
honey
2 tablespoons (liquid)
white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (liquid)
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
garlic
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (liquid)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (divided)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (for grilling)
salmon fillets
8 ounces (with skin on, about 1 inch thick)
mixed lettuce greens
4-5 cups (washed and dried)
red grapefruit
1/2 small (peeled, pith removed, flesh cut into bite-sized pieces)
canned mandarin oranges
1/2 cup (drained and cut crosswise in half)
red onions
2 tablespoons (thinly sliced)
slivered almonds
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the honey, white balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and finely chopped garlic. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is emulsified. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Set the vinaigrette aside.
2
Preheat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking. Season the salmon fillets with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
3
Place the salmon on the grill pan, skin-side up, and grill for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is nicely charred. Flip the fillets and reduce the heat slightly. Grill skin-side down for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through but remains slightly opaque in the center. Remove the salmon from the heat, lift it off the skin, and place it on a cutting board. Discard the skin and allow the salmon to cool to room temperature; then, break it into bite-sized chunks.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed lettuce greens, bite-sized pieces of grapefruit, halved mandarin oranges, and thinly sliced red onions. Drizzle half of the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine so that the greens and fruits are evenly coated.
5
Divide the salad mixture between two plates. Top each salad generously with the grilled salmon pieces and sprinkle with slivered almonds for extra texture. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top, if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
15g
Carbs
21g
Protein
2g
Fiber
8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Citrus-Infused Grilled Salmon Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette.
How many calories are in one serving of this salmon salad?
There are 300 calories per serving.
What are the main citrus fruits used in this salad?
The salad features red grapefruit and canned mandarin oranges.
What ingredients are needed for the honey balsamic vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette requires honey, white balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
How much protein is in this salmon salad?
This dish contains 21g of protein.
How should the salmon be grilled?
The salmon should be grilled skin-side up for 3-4 minutes, then flipped and grilled skin-side down for another 2-3 minutes until slightly opaque in the center.
Do you leave the skin on the salmon when serving?
No, you should remove and discard the skin after grilling and before breaking the salmon into chunks.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 19g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
There are 15g of carbohydrates.
What kind of lettuce is best for this recipe?
Mixed lettuce greens that have been washed and dried are recommended.
How is the red onion prepared?
The red onion should be thinly sliced.
What is the recommended garnish for this salad?
Slivered almonds are used as a garnish for extra texture and crunch.
How much sugar is in the salad?
The salad contains 8g of sugar.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
White balsamic vinegar is used for the vinaigrette.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 14 ingredients in total.
Is the garlic minced or chopped?
The garlic should be finely chopped.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
The dish contains 2g of fiber.
How should the grapefruit be prepared?
The grapefruit should be peeled, the pith removed, and the flesh cut into bite-sized pieces.
What type of oil is used for the vinaigrette vs. grilling?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for the vinaigrette, while regular olive oil is used for brushing the grill pan.
How are the mandarin oranges prepared?
The canned mandarin oranges should be drained and cut crosswise in half.
How do you emulsify the vinaigrette?
You gradually whisk the extra virgin olive oil into the mixture of honey, vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic.
What temperature should the salmon be when added to the salad?
The salmon should be allowed to cool to room temperature before being added to the greens.
When should you apply the vinaigrette?
Drizzle half over the greens and fruit to toss, then drizzle the remaining half over the top after adding the salmon.
Is this recipe suitable for a light meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal light summer meal or a refreshing winter option.
What kind of pan is recommended for the salmon?
A grill pan or a cast-iron skillet is recommended.
How thick should the salmon fillets be?
The fillets should be about 1 inch thick.
What kind of salt is specified in the ingredients?
Sea salt is specified for both the dressing and the salmon seasoning.
How is the honey prepared for the dressing?
The honey should be in liquid form.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
It is citrus-infused with a sweet and bright honey balsamic finish.
How do you ensure the salmon doesn't stick to the pan?
Brush the surface of the preheated grill pan or skillet with olive oil before placing the salmon.