Dinner, Lunch Candace Dorsey Dinner, Lunch Candace Dorsey

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!

 

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!

salmon salad

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.

salmon salad

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).

salmon salad
salmon salad

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.

salmon salad

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!


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.

 
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Sides Candace Dorsey Sides Candace Dorsey

Melon Berry Summer Salad

Melon Berry Summer Salad - A refreshing salad made with seasonal, rich produce to revitalize you on a hot summer day!

 

Melon Berry Summer Salad - A refreshing salad made with seasonal, rich produce to revitalize you on a hot summer day!

melon salad

Summer is the prime season for melons, making it the perfect time to savor a refreshing salad filled with summer produce to wrap up the season.

This vibrant salad features a mix of summer produce such as blueberries, cucumbers, avocados, cantaloupe, along with robust veggies like shaved Brussel sprouts and kale forming the base.

For a protein boost, grilled shrimp is a great addition. It complements the citrusy and refreshing flavors of the salad, and you don't even need to use the oven. Leftover cold shrimp also pairs well with the salad.

melon salad
melon salad

HOW TO MAKE THE CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

  • Crafting the Citrus Vinaigrette is simple. Combine oil, herbs, seasonings, Dijon mustard, honey, and any citrus fruit you have on hand. In this recipe, half a grapefruit was squeezed, which adds a perfect touch to the salad.

  • Use the remaining half of the grapefruit to create a delightful paloma cocktail or mocktail to complement the meal. (recipe here)

melon salad
melon 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!


Melon Berry Summer Salad - A refreshing salad made with seasonal, rich produce to revitalize you on a hot summer day!

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

Ingredients

salad components

  • 2 cups shaved brussels sprouts

  • 2-4 cups kale (de-stemmed, leaves torn into bite sized pieces)

  • 1 cup or 3 mini cucumbers, sliced

  • 1 avocado, diced

  • ½ small red onion, sliced

  • ½ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

  • 1 cup fresh blueberries

  • ¼ cup small cantaloupe, diced

  • ¼ cup sliced almonds

  • Optional: 1 lb grilled seasoned shrimp

Vinaigrette dressing:

  • ½ grapefruit (juice)

  • ¼ cup avocado oil

  • 1 Tbsp honey

  • 1 Tbsp dijon mustard

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp oregano

Directions

1) To prepare the dressing: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar. If using a mason jar, seal the lid and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the dressing is well mixed. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until they are combined.

2) In a large salad bowl, combine shaved Brussels sprouts and kale. Pour the dressing over the greens and toss until they are evenly coated. Finally, add your remaining toppings and serve!

3) Enjoy this dish as a side salad or as a main course alongside grilled shrimp or your preferred protein source!

 
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Dinner Candace Dorsey Dinner Candace Dorsey

Summer Burger Salad

Burger in a bowl - all the amazing components from a barbeque or straight off the grill, but in salad form!

Summertime barbeques are the best! A great time for family and friends to come together, hang out by the pool or grill, and just EAT!

Some of my favorite barbeque dishes are burgers, grilled veggies, fresh fruits and refreshing salads! And if I’m lucky enough, there just might be some leftovers to bring home!

 

Burger in a bowl - all the amazing components from a barbeque or straight off the grill, but in salad form! 

Summertime barbeques are the best! A great time for family and friends to come together, hang out by the pool or grill, and just EAT! 

Some of my favorite barbeque dishes are burgers, grilled veggies, fresh fruits and refreshing salads! And if I’m lucky enough, there just might be some leftovers to bring home!

When that glorious time happens, I usually create summertime barbeque in a bowl or burger salad if you will, as a quick lunch or dinner! 

The components of my burger salad are: 

  • Massaged kale (kale + sea salt + lemon juice + olive oil) 

  • How to make massaged kale and nutrition benefits here

  • Grass Fed burger patties

  • Fresh fruit like strawberries

  • Leftover pickles

  • Feta or goat cheese crumbles (or just a slice of cheese on the burger)

  • Air fried sweet potatoes (since lettuce burgers as a gluten free option is pretty boring!)

  • Grilled asparagus

  • And Random sauce that compliments the ingredients like buffalo sauce

That is pretty much it! So whatever you have leftover from last night’s barbeque or day grilling, make yourself a quick and easy burger 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!


Burger in a bowl - all the amazing components from a barbeque or straight off the grill; but in salad form! 

PREP TIME 10 MIN | Servings 4

Components

  • 1–2 heaping cups massaged kale (or mixed greens)

  • 4 cooked burger patties or 1 lb cooked ground grass fed beef, turkey, or bison

  • ½ cup pickles, sliced

  • 1 large sweet potato, cubed

  • 1 bunch grilled asparagus spears

  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced

  • ½ cup feta or goat cheese

  • Sauce of choice

Directions 

  1. Prepare ingredients or have whatever is on hand from prior barbeque or grill sesh. 

  2. To make air fryer sweet potatoes: 

    1. Peel and slice sweet potato into cubed or ¼ inch thick slices. 

    2. Add sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl, drizzle with oil of choice and toss to combine. Sprinkle desired seasoning blend over the potatoes and toss to combine. 

    3. Transfer fries to an air fryer basket and cook on 400F for about 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway until golden brown and crisp on the outside. 


SHOP OUR FAVORITE TOOLS + INGREDIENTS FOR THIS RECIPE!

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Dinner Candace Dorsey Dinner Candace Dorsey

Grilled Peach and Steak Salad

Yes, I did in fact, get my peaches from Georgia. Tifton, GA to be exact! As I was driving home from Florida last week, I stopped by the cutest store: The Market at Rutland Farms and picked up a bag of fresh peaches along with assorted fruit preserves to bring back to family. So if you are around the area, you should most definitely stop by!

Peaches are the perfect sweet addition to any summer salad. But let’s not stop there. Let’s crank up the grill and put some nice grill marks on those bad boys.

Did you say steak? Yeah, let’s throw some steaks on the grill as well!

 

Grilled Peach and Steak Salad - A fresh and flavorful salad using less than 10 ingredients and that includes a peach vinaigrette that can’t be beat! (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo friendly)

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Yes, I did in fact, get my peaches from Georgia. Tifton, GA to be exact! As I was driving home from Florida last week, I stopped by the cutest store: The Market at Rutland Farms and picked up a bag of fresh peaches along with assorted fruit preserves to bring back to family. So if you are around the area, you should most definitely stop by! 

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4L0A2364.jpg

Peaches are the perfect sweet addition to any summer salad. But let’s not stop there. Let’s crank up the grill and put some nice grill marks on those bad boys. 

4L0A2373.jpg

Did you say steak? Yeah, let’s throw some steaks on the grill as well! 

4L0A2378.jpg

With grilled peaches and steak in hand, the possibilities are endless now! Having steak as your main protein source, you could make a peach chutney to go over the steak and have a side of seasonal veggies and a starchy carb like potatoes or rice. 

Or....

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You could make this super easy and just toss a salad together! 

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Using less than 10 ingredients and made in under 20 minutes, you have a light but substantial fresh grilled salad with a dressing that can’t be beat! 

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.


Grilled Peach and Steak Salad - A fresh and flavorful salad using less than 10 ingredients and that includes a peach vinaigrette that can’t be beat! (gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo friendly)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb grass-fed flank steak

  • 1-3 fresh peaches

  • 2 handfuls fresh arugula

  • 2 handfuls fresh spinach

  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (sliced)

  • ½ avocado (sliced)

  • ½ red onion (thinly sliced)

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta, goat, dairy-free feta, or blue cheese

  • ¼ cup chopped raw almonds

  • Steak seasoning of choice (I prefer the classic salt & pepper)

Peach vinaigrette 

  • 1 grilled peach halve 

  • ¼ cup avocado oil

  • 1 Tbsp coconut aminos or balsamic vinaigrette 

  • 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • Salt and pepper 

Directions

  1. Prepare the flank steaks by seasoning of choice. I prefer a generous seasoning of salt and pepper! 

  2. Get the grill ready by setting temperature to medium-high and coating grates with a little bit of cooking spray. 

  3. Remove the steaks from the fridge and let sit for 10 minutes. While you are waiting on your steaks, prepare the peaches by cutting them in half, removing the pits, and spraying both sides with nonstick spray. 

  4. Cook the flank steaks for about 5-7 minutes on each side until you have reached the desired “pinkness.” Cook the peaches on the grill for about the same time or until the peaches have nice grill markings.

  5. Transfer the flank steak to a cutting board and let rest for about 10 minutes covered using aluminum foil. While your steak is resting and peaches are cooling, prepare the dressing.

  6. To a food processor, add in the grilled peach half, oil, aminos, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test before removing dressing from processor (i.e. want more peach flavor? Add another peach half! Need more salt? Add in more coconut aminos or salt)

  7. Now, it's time to build your salad! To a serving platter, layer with both greens, sliced grilled peaches, sliced grilled flank steak, avocado, red onion, almonds, cheese, strawberries and drizzle with peach vinaigrette. 

Notes

  • Red onions are not pictured in the blog pictures or IG reels but it’s strongly recommended for this salad! 

  • makes 4 servings

  • If you cannot find flank steak - skirt or sirloin cuts are a great alternative as these cuts are not as fatty and will pair nicely with this fresh and summery salad.

 
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