Clementine Crunch Salmon Salad

on Jun 27 2025
Clementine Crunch Salmon Salad

There’s nothing more refreshing, or brain-nourishing, than a vibrant summer salad.  This one is a standout: packed with color, texture, and flavor, it's as satisfying as it is smart.  The zesty citrus from fresh clementines, paired with the richness of omega-3–rich wild salmon, creates a delicious contrast that supports both taste and brain function. 

Salmon is a top source of DHA and EPA, omega-3s essential for brain health.  DHA helps maintain brain cell structure, while EPA reduces neuroinflammation linked to cognitive decline and mood issues.  It also provides vitamin D to support mood, immune balance, and brain resilience.  Crisp vegetables add polyphenols and flavonoids like kaempferol, quercetin, and magnesium to boost blood flow, combat oxidative stress, and protect cognitive function.  Creamy avocado offers healthy fats and fiber, while crunchy pecans and pumpkin seeds deliver vitamin E and antioxidants to nourish the brain with every bite. 

Clementine Crunch Salmon Salad

Diana Dibblee R.D.N

Cuisine

Mediterranean and MIND Diets

Category

Lunch, Dinner

Clementine Crunch Salmon Salad

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets 
  • 5-6 cups spinach 
  • 1 cup chopped broccoli 
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber  
  • 1/2 cup baby tomatoes  
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion 
  • 2 clementines, peeled and divided 
  • 1/2 avocado chopped  
  • 1/2 cup carrots grated 
  • 1/4 cup pecans 
  • 1/4 pumpkin seeds 

Salmon Marinade

  • 2 tbsp or less of honey 
  • zest & juice of 2 clementines  
  • dash of water  
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger  
  • 2 minced garlic cloves  
  • Salt & pepper to taste  

Directions

    Salmon Instructions:

    1. Pat dry the salmon fillets, sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a flat bowl or a plastic bag, add the salmon & pour the marinade over top or into the bag. Refrigerate 20-30 minutes.

    2. Heat oven to 400 degrees.

    3. Line an oven tray with foil.

    4. Place the salmon on the tray with the skin down & excess marinade on top.
    5. Cook 15-20 minutes, until flaky, depending on the thickness of salmon.

    Salad Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, prepare vegetables.
    2. Once salmon is cooked, top salad with salmon pieces & fresh vinaigrette of choice.
    3. (Olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinaigrette, dash of honey, salt and pepper & fresh clementine juice is a good option)
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