Description
A nourishing fall salad featuring roasted salmon glazed with a maple mustard sauce, served over fresh mixed greens with crisp apples, toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese. This hearty and balanced recipe is perfect for a cozy yet fresh meal, highlighting seasonal flavors with a delightful mix of textures and a tangy maple mustard dressing.
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: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Maple Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful glaze for the salmon.
- Glaze and Roast Salmon: Brush the maple mustard glaze evenly over each salmon fillet. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through to your liking.
- Prepare the Dressing: While salmon roasts, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until well emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Arrange the mixed greens on a large platter or in individual serving bowls. Top with thin apple slices, toasted pecans or walnuts, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion for vibrant color and texture.
- Finish with Salmon and Dressing: Once the salmon is warm and cooked, flake it into bite-sized pieces over the salad. Drizzle the prepared dressing generously over everything and serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Salmon can also be grilled or pan-seared instead of roasted for alternative cooking methods.
- Substitute goat cheese with blue cheese for a bolder, tangier flavor profile.
- For added heartiness and seasonal flair, add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes to the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad / Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
