Recipe of the Week: Salmon and Spinach Salad with Almond and Citrus Dressing

This week, we're diving into a delicious and nutritious recipe that's perfect for supporting your health during menopause: Salmon and Spinach Salad with Almond and Citrus Dressing. This dish is packed with essential nutrients that can help keep your mood and energy levels in check.

Ingredients:

• 1 6-ounce salmon fillet (or 2, 4-ounce fillets)
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cucumber, cut into rounds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 lemon slices for garnish

Dressing:

• 8 ounces plain tofu
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (add more as needed to thin the dressing)
• 3 tablespoons diced white onion
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions:

1. For the Dressing:
• Add all dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and add more almond milk if needed to achieve desired consistency. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. For the Salad:
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
• In an ovenproof skillet, heat the butter over high heat. Add the salmon, skin side down, and cook for 3 minutes.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.
• Allow the salmon to cool slightly, then carefully remove the skin and cut the fish into large pieces.
• Arrange the spinach on a large plate, top with salmon pieces, cucumber rounds, and cherry tomatoes.
• Drizzle with the dressing, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Why it's good for menopause:

• Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
• Spinach: Packed with iron, calcium, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and bone density.
• Almonds (in the dressing): Provide healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, which are great for bone health and mood stabilization.

Give this vibrant salad a try and let me know how it goes!

Trudi xx