It took a split second. A glance to the side to check ingredients diverted my attention away from the task. Onions were sliced and sitting in a bowl next to the cutting board. Jalapeño peppers were to join them soon. A smash on the knife blade crushed the garlic clove. The peel released easily and gave off the all too familiar aroma. A slice down the middle allowed access to remove the bitter middle. Now the garlic laid flat on the board. My knife glided through the garlic and in that split second of diversion the edge of my thumb was gone. A stupid mistake ended the plans for that meal. A trip to the doctor ensued to get patched up and on the path to healing.
Salmon spinach salad with orange miso dressing became Plan B. The dressing was already made and waiting in the refrigerator. Fresh orange zest and juice, white miso paste, ginger, honey, vinegar, and a few more ingredients were combined together with a quick whirl in the blender. The flavors had developed and it was time for it to compliment a fresh pan seared salmon fillet. A pile of lush green spinach serves as the right base for the salad. Sweet Vidalia onion and toasted pine nuts give the right crunch.
The orange miso dressing is one I developed. There wasn’t a single one I found that stood out. I took five different recipes and pulled bits from each to make it what I wanted. The greatest thing about homemade dressings is they can be tweaked to fit your personal taste. A little more or less of something can make all the difference. Serve the salmon spinach salad with bread. I have a few recipes if you want to bake your own. Take a look at my Basic White Bread and Sourdough French Bread.
How often do you make dressings? Which kind is your favorite? I make them very often and I’m on a mission to explore new flavors. Give me your ideas and suggestions in the comments below. Oh, and all will be well with my thumb. It will heal up fine in a short matter of time.
Salmon Spinach Salad With Orange Miso Dressing
Ingredients
For the orange miso dressing:
- 1 heaping tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons white miso paste
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 cup rice bran oil or light cooking oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vingegar
For the salad:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 skinless salmon fillets 4 to 6 ounces each
- Salt and pepper
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- Sweet onion slices Vidalia recommended
- 1 orange peeled and sliced
- Toasted pine nuts about 1 tablespoon
Instructions
For the orange miso dressing:
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Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Transerfer to a serving container. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container.
For the salad:
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Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
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Dry the salmon with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Place the salmon top side down in the skillet.
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Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until edges are browned. Flip salmon and cook 2 to 3 minutes until the center is opaque or to desired doneness.
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Tranfer salmon fillets to a plate to cool slightly.
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Divide the spinach, onion, and orange slices onto two plates. Top each with cooked salmon. Garnish with toasted pine nuts. Drizzle dressing on salads.
Recipe Notes
A recipe for a salmon spinach salad made with pan seared salmon fillets, spinach, onion, and a homemade orange miso dressing. It is great for a light meal.
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
August 13, 2013 at 7:41 amSo this is the recipe that got your thumbs attention! Let me tell you that dressing sounds simply amazing! Not worth the cut I know, but still…jaja. Hope it´s healing fast Renee!
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:41 pmThe recipe that got my thumbs attention was scrapped. I still intend to make it and post it soon on my blog. Until then there is this salad.
Tony Rose says
August 13, 2013 at 8:25 amI love making dressings, sauces and dips, I must try this one.
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:42 pmThanks Tony. Homemade is so much better. I need to make more sauces and that is another goal of mine.
Helene D'souza says
August 13, 2013 at 12:26 pmOrange Miso sounds divine and your picture with the salmon salad is so mouth watering Renee. How it comes I just published a creamy mustard salad dressing today. =)
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:43 pmThanks Helene and I need to check out your creamy mustard recipe. I loved the whole grain one you posted for Sunday Supper.
addie | culicurious says
August 13, 2013 at 4:42 pmOuch, sorry about your finger but this recipe looks delicious! I also frequently find myself consulting several recipes when tackling something new. There’s 100 ways to do almost anything and I like to see what recipes have in common and what can be done differently while keeping the spirit of the dish.
I am stuck on the same dressing all the time. A basic vinaigrette with either white balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar with pecan oil, a little Dijon, a little dried dill and some salt and cayenne pepper. It’s tangy and perfect for me. 🙂
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:44 pmWait…pecan oil. I must get some. I see a whole bunch of salad dressings with that. Thanks for the inspiration.
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
August 13, 2013 at 4:59 pmI feel like you’re a mind reader. How could you combine all my favorites into one mouthwatering meal? Especially that orange miso dressing…I’ll definitely give this a try!
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:45 pmGlad I could make a dish just for you (and hopefully a lot of other people too).
Abbie @ Needs Salt says
August 13, 2013 at 6:54 pmYum!! This looks so good. I LOVE salmon + salad.
And this miso dressing looks so good! I can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Pinning!
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:45 pmThanks Abbie and I really appreciate the pin.
The Ninja Baker says
August 13, 2013 at 7:02 pmYou’ve got such a great attitude and joie de vivre, Renee. I admire you =)
And am a fan of your dressing, miso, soy sauce and fresh ginger? You bet! One of my faves – along with miso dressing is wasabi =)
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:46 pmI have yet to make a dressing with wasabi however that could change real soon. Thanks for the idea Kim.
Liz says
August 13, 2013 at 10:03 pmBill is going out of town for a long weekend and THIS is what I want to eat! Love the sound of the salad dressing…but not the sound of your injury. Ouch!
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:47 pmGlad to see I’m not the only one who make different things when my husband is out of town or working late. I hope you enjoy the salad Liz.
Stacy says
August 14, 2013 at 5:55 amI love the colors in this beautiful dish, Renee. And everything about that dressing is singing siren songs to me. Hope your thumb is healing well!
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:47 pmThanks Stacy and my thumb is getting better every day.
Bill says
August 14, 2013 at 9:34 amWe eat salmon almost every week and this salad looks delicious! Love the dressing recipe. Gotta try this one!
Renee says
August 14, 2013 at 12:47 pmThanks Bill!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
August 16, 2013 at 9:51 pmLove salmon, must try this Renee!