Blackened Salmon, Strawberry Spinach salad & Candied Pecans

Prioritize health and wellness without sacrificing convenience or flavor. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, our Blackened Salmon with Strawberry Spinach Salad and Candied Pecans is a delicious and nutritious option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals.

Yield: 4

Author: Chef Jorge Montes

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Blackened Salmon w/Strawberry Spinach Salad & Candied Pecans

This recipe offers a delightful culinary experience combining succulent blackened salmon with a refreshing strawberry spinach salad, topped with crunchy candied pecans.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 5 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• ¼ cup pecans
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. blackening seasoning (homemade blend or store-bought)Homemade Blend: paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried herbs (oregano, parsley, thyme, rosemary)
• 1 cup strawberries, quartered
• 1 small bag baby spinach
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. honey
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Candied Pecans: Heat a small pan over medium heat. Toast pecans for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add brown sugar and half of the honey. Bring to a simmer. Cook for an additional minute, then add a pinch of salt.
2. Salmon: Season salmon with blackening seasoning and salt/pepper. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat with 1 tbsp. olive oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
3. Vinaigrette: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp. olive oil, balsamic vinegar, remaining orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Add spinach and strawberries to a clean mixing bowl and toss with some of the prepared vinaigrette.
5. Transfer salad portions onto on plates. Place the cooked salmon beside the salad. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and salmon. Garnish with candied pecans.
6. Optional: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese to the salad before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish as a light and refreshing meal option!

Notes

Chef Tips

1. Mastering Salmon Cooking Techniques: To ensure perfectly cooked salmon, preheat your sauté pan adequately to promote even cooking and prevent sticking. Aim for a medium-high heat setting to achieve a crisp blackened exterior while maintaining a tender, flaky interior.
2. Presentation Matters: Elevate the visual appeal of your dish by arranging the salad components artfully on the plate and delicately placing the cooked salmon fillets alongside. Drizzle the vinaigrette in a controlled manner to create an attractive presentation without overwhelming the dish.
3. Serving Suggestions: Pair this exquisite dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the vibrant flavors of the salmon and salad. Serve chilled for a refreshing accompaniment that enhances the dining experience.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @Nowthatssazoned_ on instagram and hashtag it #nowthatssazoned