Salmon Brain Power Salad with Farro, Squash, and Pomegranate
With the arrival of fall comes a wealth of seasonal ingredients, from sweet butternut squash to juicy pomegranate. This nutrient-rich salad highlights these flavors alongside perfectly seared salmon, creating a harmonious Mediterranean-inspired dish. Salmon is a foundational component of the brain-protective MIND and Mediterranean diets, with the MIND diet shown to reduce Alzheimer’s risk by over 50%.1 It recommends at least one serving of fish per week, complemented by other brain-healthy foods across its recommended categories, making this salad both flavorful and supportive of cognitive health.
Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids DHA/EPA, which are critical for maintaining brain cell health, as well as vitamin D, which plays a role in neurotransmitter regulation (your brain’s chemical messengers). Butternut squash is rich in carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against oxidative stress and age-related cognitive decline. Pomegranates supply flavonoids such as catechins and anthocyanins, which enhance brain blood flow and support synaptic plasticity. Farro adds vitamin B3 (niacin) and magnesium, both important for energy metabolism in the brain and maintaining healthy neural signaling. Combined, these ingredients create a flavorful, brain-supportive meal.
