Yesterday I read a review from a mom on Amazon about my First Bites cookbook being "too healthy" and let it get me down.  I mean I am happy that her complaint was that the food was too healthy (she even admits that the recipes are not hard to make), but it bugged the heck out of me that she gave it two stars and messed up my ratings based upon the fact that it was healthy, which is what I wanted the book to be by the way.  I just didn't/don't understand who would take the time to write that when it doesn't help anyone involved, especially because most of my cookbook purchases are bought by moms who in fact want to cook healthy food for their kiddos!  Needless to say, I am waking up with a clear head this morning and that woman's review has only added fuel to my fire to keep doing what I am doing.  She actually just re-confirmed that what I am doing is helping people.  There is an unhealthy food epidemic in our country so if I can add a little healthy back into the mix then I am going to do it!  My healthy blackened salmon cobb salad is just the kind of salad that is full of healthy ingredients, but tastes amazing too!

I love making a salad that tastes too good to be good for you, but this one actually is!  My spin on the classic cobb salad is lighter, has a few new ingredients to the mix, and you are going to this combination of flavors.  It's the perfect salad to embrace the Spring season and I have a feeling that I will be making this one on the regular.

Spicy salmon, cool cucumbers, crunchy lettuce, a little sweet from a few blueberries, and a homemade ranch dressing to top it all off makes for one killer bowl of goodness!  Salads are all about texture for me, and this one has all of the bases covered in that department!  The weather has been crisp this week and has me craving all of the fresh and healthy foods just like this recipe!

This salad is also kind of beautiful with it's vibrant colors and who can resist food that is this pretty?  I hope you add this to your list of weeknight dinners sometime soon because I cannot wait for you to give it a try!

Ingredients:

For the Blackening Seasoning-

• 1 Tsp. Paprika

• 1/4 Tsp. Thyme

• 1/4 Tsp. Oregano

• 1/2 Tsp. Kosher Salt

• 1/4 Tsp. Black Pepper

• 1/8 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper (more if you like it extra spicy)

• 1/4 Tsp. Garlic Powder

For the Salad-

• 3 Pieces of Wild Sockeye Salmon, about two inches wide

• 1 Tsp. Avocado Oil

• 1 Tbsp. Butter

• 3 Cups of Shredded Romaine Lettuce

• 1 Cup Grape Tomatoes, sliced in half

• 1 Seedless Cucumber, sliced

• 1/4 Cup Finely Diced Red Onion

• 2 Ears of Fresh Corn, kernels removed from the cob

• 1/2 Cup Blueberries

• Avocado

• Fresh Dill

Optional: Add Turkey Bacon

For the Homemade Ranch-

• 1/2 Cup Avocado Oil Mayo

• 1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt or Plain Greek Yogurt

• 1 Tsp. Lemon Juice

• 1/4 Cup White Vinegar

• 1 Tsp. Chopped Fresh Dill

• 1 Tsp. Chopped Fresh Parsley

• 1 Tsp. Garlic Powder

• 1 Tsp. Onion Powder

• Salt and Pepper

Directions:

• Make the dressing by combining all ingredients into a mason jar. Stir to combine and add more vinegar or lemon juice if desired for consistency. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

• Make the blackening seasoning by combining all spices in a small bowl and stir to combine.

• Rub the seasoning into the salmon on both sides.

• Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add oil and butter and let melt.

• When pan is hot, add salmon and cook on each side for 4-5 minutes until cooked through but not over done.

• Layer lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, onion, avocado, and blueberries into two bowls.

• Add a piece of salmon on top and drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with more fresh dill.

• Serve immediately.

The flavors of this salad are just so good together guys, I can't wait for you to fix this recipe one night very soon!  This recipe would be great for meal prepping too, for easy lunches or dinners any night of the week!