Southwestern Salmon Salad

Wouldya take a look at that alliteration!

I'm off to Taste of Wheaton soon but thought I'd share Friday's dinner first: grilled salmon with a baby green salad.

This recipe (invented by yours truly) is quick to throw together and requires no indoor cooking which is perfect for a summer evening in the backyard. Note: the 'skeeters have not yet arrived in our backyard, so we are taking FULL advantage before they take over. Last year we used a combination of citronella candles, a citronella lantern thing, and a bunch of tiki torches, to no avail. This year we're considering breaking out the big guns and buying a propane-powered mosquito repellent contraption. What have other people done?? There is no standing water in our backyard, where are they coming from?!

Anyway, before the mosquito army hits your neighborhood, I recommend trying out this recipe!

Southwestern Grilled Salmon Salad

1 large or 2 small fillets of salmon

1/8 cup olive oil

2 tbsp chipotle chile powder

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tsp honey

salt and pepper

3 cups greens (I used a mix of baby spinach and baby arugula, but any would work)

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (or cooked, if dried)

1 cup corn (I thawed some frozen corn)

1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped bite-size

1/2 cup feta crumbles

2 tbsp chile powder

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp coriander

1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 tsp dried or fresh oregano

1/4 tsp garlic powder

a squirt of lime juice

cholula or other hot sauce to taste

Stir together the olive oil, chipotle chile powder, fresh lime juice, honey, salt and pepper then toss with the salmon fillets. Marinate for about 30 minutes then grill to desired doneness (about 5 minutes per side, starting skin-side down).

Meanwhile, toss together the black beans, corn, roasted red pepper, and feta in a large bowl. Add in the spices, herbs, lime juice, and cholula and mix well. Toss in the greens and add more spices to taste. If it needs a little olive oil to coat everything, add it (we didn't need it).

Serve the salmon over the mixed greens and enjoy in your mosquito-free backyard!