Strawberry Salmon Salad

Simple strawberry salmon salad requires less than six ingredients, your preferred salmon seasoning, and the option of homemade or store-bought dressing - perfect for effortless summer days!

I've been preparing this salad throughout the summer! Why? Because it's nutritious, rejuvenating, and incredibly simple to whip up. Everything can be ready in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or for meal prepping for lunch.

TIPS ABOUT STRAWBERRY SALMON SALAD

• Simplicity is key! This recipe is all about keeping things easy. I personally opt for my beloved strawberry vinaigrette from the store, but you can also whip up a speedy honey vinaigrette dressing from my alternative strawberry salad recipe.

• This salad recipe is simple with just a few ingredients. If you feel like enhancing it, consider incorporating red onions, avocado, or substituting pepitas with pecans or almonds.

• In this salad recipe, salmon takes the spotlight due to its quick cooking time and the avoidance of heating up the oven on a hot summer day. To ensure quality and sustainability, opt for wild-caught Alaskan or Sockeye salmon.

• To transform this into a lunch meal prep, opt for glass containers when packing salads. This choice helps maintain freshness and prevents sogginess. I would also separate the ingredients like keep the salad undressed and dressing in a separate container and store the cooked salmon separately. (salmon refrigerate up to 3 days).

TO PREPARE THE EASIEST TOASTED HONEY PEPITAS

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat without adding any oil.

• Spread pepitas in the skillet to form a single layer and shake occasionally.

• Continue shaking until they turn golden brown (4-5 minutes). Transfer the toasted pepitas to a bowl to cool, then add a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of honey.

• Stir until the seeds are well coated and set aside to cool.

Watch the video below to see how simple it is to prepare this salad!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Simple strawberry salmon salad requires less than six ingredients, your preferred salmon seasoning, and the option of homemade or store-bought dressing - perfect for effortless summer days!

SERVINGS: 4 | PREP TIME: 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 15 MIN

Ingredients

• 2 - 4 salmon filets

• 1-2 Tbsp go to salmon seasonings*

• 4-8 cups favorite salad greens (I used half arugula half mixed)

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced

• ¼ cup pepitas

• ¼ cup crumbled feta

• 1 tbsp honey

• ¼ cup strawberry balsamic vinaigrette*

• salt + pepper to taste

• fresh dill for garnish, optional

Directions

Prepare Toasted Honey Pepitas:

1) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat without adding any oil. Spread pepitas in the skillet to form a single layer and shake occasionally. Continue shaking until they turn golden brown (4-5 minutes). Transfer the toasted pepitas to a bowl to cool, then add a pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of honey. Stir until the seeds are well coated and set aside to cool.

To prepare the salmon:

1) Season your salmon with your favorite seasonings (refer to the notes below for my recommendations). Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot and shimmering. Cook the salmon without moving it, skin side up, until it turns golden and crisp, approx. 4 minutes. Gently flip the fillets and lower the heat to medium. Cook until it reaches your desired level of doneness, around 4-5 minutes. Finally, transfer the salmon to a platter to cool.

Preparing the salad:

1) Coat the salad greens in dressing in a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients like toasted pepitas, feta, strawberries, salt, and pepper. Top it off with a salmon filet and savor the dish!

Notes:

• Choose whatever greens you would like. I used arugula and mixed greens but you can also use spinach, butter lettuce, kale or romaine.

• When it comes to my salmon, I favor a classic garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and splash lemon juice and chopped fresh dill over. If you need more guidance, there are many salmon or fish focus seasonings that you can use.

Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls

Craving a sweet treat that won't sabotage your healthy lifestyle? Try these Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls – they're a hit with gym goers and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

HERE’S WHY WE LOVE THEM:

• An adequate amount of protein per serving

• No baking required, easy to prepare

• Minimal ingredients needed

• A healthy Valentine's Day snack or dessert

• Ideal as a pre/post workout snack

WHAT MAKES THEM SO PROTEIN-PACKED?

This recipe uses nut butter and a clean protein powder source as its primary protein sources. We recommend using the vanilla flavor from Equip Foods – it provides the perfect balance of sweetness and nutrition. If you're interested in trying this protein powder, use the code ROOTS at checkout to receive 15% off. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more exclusive promo codes from this brand!

MORE SNACK BALL RECIPES

snickerdoodle protein balls

dark chocolate chip protein bites

lemon and coconut energy balls

chai latte donut holes

fig, vanilla & orange energy balls

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Craving a sweet treat that won't sabotage your healthy lifestyle? Try these Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Balls – they're a hit with gym goers and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Servings: 36-38 balls Prep: 5 MIN Cook time: 0 MIN

Ingredients

• 3 cups gluten-free oats (or oat flour)

• 1 cup vanilla protein powder

• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp pink Himalayan sea salt

• 1 cup pure maple syrup

• 1 ½ cup nut butter

• ½ cup coconut oil (half melted)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ - ½ cup white chocolate chips

• 1/4-1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries

Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend oats until flour consistency and then add the rest of the ingredients to process minus the chocolate chips. Fold in the white chocolate chips and use a 1 tbsp measuring spoon or cookie scooper to turn into balls!

Notes

1. Although it's not necessary, melting the coconut oil can improve the dough's texture and the distribution of the white chocolate chips throughout the balls, creating a delightful cheesecake flavor.

2. Use code: ROOTS for 15% off our preferred clean protein powder source!

White Chocolate Double Strawberry Blondies

These White Chocolate Double Strawberry Blondies are a fun way to elevate the classic blondie while being gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and dairy-free friendly.

I wanted to squeeze in one late summer recipe before moving on to fall recipes so I thought these white chocolate double strawberry blondies would be the perfect finisher! 

When I was in Las Vegas last month for a personal training conference, I so happily indulged in a strawberry shortcake milkshake in between sessions! It was truly amazing! Layers of ice cream, strawberry drizzle, and garnished with an entire slice of strawberry cake and a classic strawberry shortcake ice cream bar - the inner child in me was truly content! 

So, in like fashion, I had to create a healthier version that didn’t cause a major sugar crash in the middle of the day! Lol Almost felt like a hangover! 

And I know what you might be thinking…how is a strawberry shortcake milkshake anything like a blondie? And you are totally right - there is no comparison, haha. 

I don’t think it’s practical to recreate a layered milkshake - no matter how “healthy” I can make it, it would still be pretty dense! So to slim it down - this blondie contains two types of strawberries: fresh and freeze dried with white chocolate that cuts into the tartness of the strawberries all while salivating for more as I love pairing lemon with strawberries to provide a bright note at the end. 

Bonus - Breaking freeze dried strawberries down to powder form creates the natural pink color in the blondie batter!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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These White Chocolate Double Strawberry Blondies are a fun way to elevate the classic blondie while being gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and dairy-free friendly.

prep time: 10 min | Cook Time: 25 min | Servings: 8

Ingredients 

• 1 cup oat flour

• ½ cup GF baking flour

• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup

• ¼ cup drippy natural peanut butter

• ¼ cup plant based or regular milk

• 1 egg

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2-4 Tbsp freeze dried strawberries (creates the pink color in batter)

• ½ cup white chocolate chips

• ½ cup sliced fresh strawberries

• Juice of ½ lemon + zest

Optional garnish

Additional freeze dried strawberries

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. *Tip - leave some of the paper hanging over the edges for easy removal. 

2. In a food processor, pulse 2-4+ Tbsp freeze dried strawberries until you get a powder like consistency. 

3. In a bowl, whisk the dry ingredients (flours, baking soda and powder, salt, freeze dried strawberry powder). 

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients (maple syrup, peanut butter, milk, egg, vanilla extract, juice of ½ lemon and zest). 

5. Stir the wet mixture into the dry mixture until well combined. 

6. Fold in the white chocolate chips and strawberries until everything is combined - do not overmix! I stop as soon as I no longer see flour chunks in the batter. The batter should be a thick consistency. 

7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top in an even layer. 

8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set and lightly golden. Resist the urge to overbake! *Hence, what makes a blondie a gooey blondie! 

9. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan before slicing into squares. 

Notes

• The more freeze dried strawberry powder you use, the more your batter will be pink! Just make sure that the batter doesn’t become too dry so may have to add 1 Tbsp of milk for desired batter consistency. 

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SHOP OUR FAVORITE TOOLS + INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE!

Healthy Strawberry Brown Rice Krispie Treats

Healthy Strawberry Brown Rice Krispie Treats - Healthy play on the traditional rice krispie treat! Gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally lower in sugar!

After finding out that I was sensitive to gluten, my love for rice krispie treats grew. I know that sounds bad and unhealthy, but hey, at the time, there weren’t too many gluten-free options when it came to desserts!

But within a year of only eating rice krispie treats, I felt like I was done for life. 5 years later, that’s all I crave! So, without further ado, I have made for you a healthier rice krispie treat -- but with a spin.

Instead of using marshmallows, I used a mixture of peanut butter, coconut oil, pure maple syrup and strawberry preserves. I just love the addition of strawberry preserves, making these rice krispie treats taste more like a PB&J or a no bake cookie!

You can also play with the toppings if you would like. My favorite way to add color and to play off the strawberry preserves is to add freeze dried strawberries, goji berries, and melted peanut butter into the dark chocolate. You could keep it classy with melted dark chocolate and sea salt flakes, or create a superfood rice krispie treat with goji berries, bee pollen, nuts and seeds, cacao nibs, and coconut flakes. The possibilities are endless!

These are great as a healthy snack and dessert as each serving size is less than 200 calories with about 10 grams of sugar per serving. The ingredients I used in predicting these numbers are listed in the notes section below.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Healthy Strawberry Brown Rice Krispie Treats - Healthy play on the traditional rice krispie treat! Gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally lower in sugar!

Makes 16 servings

Ingredients

• 3 cups brown rice cereal

• 1 cup dark chocolate

• ½ cup natural peanut butter

• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup

• 2 Tbsp coconut oil

• Pinch of salt

• 1 Tbsp strawberry preserves

Toppings

• Freeze dried strawberries

• Goji berries

Directions

1. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper. Set aside

2. Place a small saucepan on the stove-top over low heat. Combine peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, strawberry preserves, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Add brown rice cereal to a medium bowl and pour peanut butter mixture over the brown rice. Mix until combined and cereal is completely coated.

3. Transfer rice krispie mixture to the parchment paper lined pan and press mixture down flat using a spatula to create an even surface.

4. In a small microwave safe bowl, add dark chocolate and 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional) and heat in 30-second increments (stirring in between) until chocolate is fully melted and smooth.

5. Pour chocolate mixture over krispie mixture and add toppings. You can follow the strawberry trend and add freeze dried strawberries, goji berries, and melted peanut butter or you can keep it classic with sea salt or naked. Up to you!

6. Place pan in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until bars are completely cooled and chocolate is set.

7. Place bars onto a cutting board and cut into 16 bars. Bars should be kept in the fridge covered for up to a week.

Notes

• Ingredients I used: Erewhon organic brown rice gluten free cereal, pure maple syrup, dark chocolate, strawberry preserves.

• If you would like to add more protein to these bars, add a scoop of collagen peptides to the peanut butter mixture when everything is in the saucepan heating.

Strawberry Watermelon Mint Agua Fresca

Strawberry watermelon mint agua frescas are a refreshing seasonal drink that’s great on a warm, summer day!

Sadly, summer is coming to an end, which means my favorite fruit, watermelon, will no longer be in season. Well, instead of being sad about it, I’ve decided I am just going to make strawberry watermelon mint agua frescas until I can’t anymore!

Agua frescas are refreshing fruit drinks that are made simply with blended fruit, lime juice, and sometimes sweetener. It is best to use seasonal fruit so that it’s fresh and naturally more sweetened, making it unnecessary to add sugar.

What I love about agua frescas is that the juice can be unfiltered, which means more fiber and more nutrients! You do not need to add any extra sweetener unless you absolutely want to, especially if you have picked a perfectly ripe and sweet fruit! So, not only are you avoiding extra sugar, you are also getting in your vitamins with this refreshing drink!

I’ve raved about the benefits of watermelon in other blog posts (check out my watermelon salad and watermelon lime refresher recipes)! However, you can make agua frescas with just about any type of fruit like cantaloupe, cucumber, pineapple, strawberries, melon, mango or watermelon. This recipe is crazy simple and easy to follow, so feel free to mix things up depending on what you have on hand that’s ripe and in season.

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with!

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Strawberry watermelon mint agua frescas are a refreshing seasonal drink that’s great on a warm, summer day!

INGREDIENTS

• Half of small seedless watermelon

• 1 cup fresh strawberries

• 2 large mint leaves

• Juice of two limes

• 1-2 Tbsp sweetener (if you are using a perfectly ripe and sweetened fruit, then this is optional)

• 1/2 cup filtered water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Taste, and add more lime or sweetener if necessary.

2. Serve immediately, over ice.