Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Credits: Recipe & Photo – Coles
Published on: TopChefsBiography.com

Top chefs Introduction

The Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon is a refreshing and elegant dish that blends the richness of salmon with the natural sweetness of berries. It’s a colorful, nutrient-packed salad that combines the earthy creaminess of goat’s cheese, the crunch of toasted hazelnuts, and the freshness of cucumber ribbons and baby rocket.

This salad is perfect for a light lunch, weekend brunch, or a healthy dinner option. With a drizzle of homemade honey mustard dressing, every bite delivers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors. It’s not only delicious but also deeply nourishing — a true celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together in harmony.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 150 g blueberries
• 50 g blackberries
• 1 Lebanese cucumber, peeled into ribbons
• 1 avocado, stoned, peeled, thinly sliced
• 120 g baby rocket leaves
• 150 g hot smoked salmon, coarsely flaked
• 100 g goat’s cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (35 g) hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing
   Place the vinegar, honey, mustard, and olive oil in a screw-top jar. Shake well until all ingredients are combined and the dressing is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Assemble the Salad Base
   Arrange the blueberries, blackberries, cucumber ribbons, avocado slices, and baby rocket on a large serving platter.
3. Add the Main Ingredients
   Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad base. Gently place the flaked hot smoked salmon and crumbled goat’s cheese on top.
4. Finish and Serve
   Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts before serving for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of creamy, fruity, and smoky flavors.

Health Benefits of Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon

This salad is a powerhouse of nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Every ingredient contributes to better heart health, improved immunity, and glowing skin. Let’s explore the detailed benefits of each key component.

Blueberries – The Antioxidant Champion

Blueberries are one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which protect cells from oxidative stress.

Health Benefits:

• Helps in reducing inflammation and supports heart health.
• Enhances memory and cognitive function.
• Supports immune strength and improves skin elasticity.
• Low in calories and high in fiber, aiding in digestion and weight management.

Blackberries – Immunity and Skin Boosters

Blackberries are packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, offering both taste and nourishment.

Health Benefits:

• Strengthens the immune system.
• Promotes collagen production for healthier skin.
• Improves bone health due to vitamin K content.
• Supports healthy digestion with dietary fiber.

Hot Smoked Salmon – Omega-3 Powerhouse

Salmon is one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, known for promoting heart and brain health.

Health Benefits:

• Reduces bad cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health.
• Enhances cognitive function and memory.
• Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair.
• Supports glowing skin and reduces inflammation.

Avocado – Nature’s Creamy Superfood

Avocado adds richness to the salad and provides healthy monounsaturated fats and essential vitamins.

Health Benefits:

• Supports heart health and reduces cholesterol.
• Boosts nutrient absorption from other foods.
• Keeps skin hydrated and promotes joint flexibility.
• A great source of potassium and fiber for overall wellness.

Goat’s Cheese – A Source of Calcium and Probiotics

Goat’s cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor while offering nutritional benefits.

Health Benefits:

• Easier to digest compared to cow’s milk cheese.
• Provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Contains probiotics that improve gut health.
• Adds high-quality protein and healthy fats.

Hazelnuts – The Crunch of Good Fats

Hazelnuts are a nutrient-dense nut rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Health Benefits:

• Supports brain function and reduces oxidative stress.
• Provides healthy fats that promote heart health.
• Aids in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Improves hair and skin health due to vitamin E.

Baby Rocket and Cucumber – Hydration and Detox

Rocket (arugula) and cucumber are refreshing, low-calorie greens that add hydration and detoxifying properties.

Health Benefits:

• Provides hydration due to high water content.
• Aids digestion and helps in detoxification.
• Contains essential minerals like calcium and potassium.
• Supports eye health and boosts metabolism.

Nutritional Value (Approx. per Serving)

This salad provides a complete nutritional balance — combining lean protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants in one wholesome meal.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

The Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon is light yet indulgent, simple yet sophisticated. It’s a perfect dish for anyone who values fresh, clean eating without compromising on taste.

You’ll love this recipe if you are:

• Looking for a high-protein, antioxidant-rich meal.
• Following a Mediterranean-style or balanced diet.
• Seeking a creative, colorful salad for lunch or dinner.
• Interested in dishes that nourish both body and mind.

Top Chef’s Tip

• Use freshly smoked salmon for a more robust flavor.
• Replace goat’s cheese with feta or ricotta if preferred.
• For extra crunch, add a few pomegranate seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Chill the salad for 10 minutes before serving for a cool, refreshing experience.

Final Thoughts

The Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon is a stunning dish that celebrates freshness, nutrition, and balance. Every element — from the sweetness of the berries to the smokiness of the salmon and the creaminess of the cheese — works in harmony.

This salad is proof that eating healthy can be both satisfying and elegant. Whether served as a light meal or as part of a gourmet spread, it’s a perfect reflection of modern, mindful eating.

Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Credits: Recipe & Photo – Coles
Published on: TopChefsBiography.com

Introduction Top chefs recipes

The Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon is a refreshing and elegant dish that blends the richness of salmon with the natural sweetness of berries. It’s a colorful, nutrient-packed salad that combines the earthy creaminess of goat’s cheese, the crunch of toasted hazelnuts, and the freshness of cucumber ribbons and baby rocket.

This salad is perfect for a light lunch, weekend brunch, or a healthy dinner option. With a drizzle of homemade honey mustard dressing, every bite delivers a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and nutty flavors. It’s not only delicious but also deeply nourishing — a true celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together in harmony.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 150 g blueberries
• 50 g blackberries
• 1 Lebanese cucumber, peeled into ribbons
• 1 avocado, stoned, peeled, thinly sliced
• 120 g baby rocket leaves
• 150 g hot smoked salmon, coarsely flaked
• 100 g goat’s cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup (35 g) hazelnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup (60 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing
   Place the vinegar, honey, mustard, and olive oil in a screw-top jar. Shake well until all ingredients are combined and the dressing is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
2. Assemble the Salad Base
   Arrange the blueberries, blackberries, cucumber ribbons, avocado slices, and baby rocket on a large serving platter.
3. Add the Main Ingredients
   Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad base. Gently place the flaked hot smoked salmon and crumbled goat’s cheese on top.
4. Finish and Serve
   Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top. Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts before serving for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the balance of creamy, fruity, and smoky flavors.

Health Benefits of Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon

This salad is a powerhouse of nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats. Every ingredient contributes to better heart health, improved immunity, and glowing skin. Let’s explore the detailed benefits of each key component.

Blueberries – The Antioxidant Champion

Blueberries are one of nature’s richest sources of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which protect cells from oxidative stress.

Health Benefits:

• Helps in reducing inflammation and supports heart health.
• Enhances memory and cognitive function.
• Supports immune strength and improves skin elasticity.
• Low in calories and high in fiber, aiding in digestion and weight management.

Blackberries – Immunity and Skin Boosters

Blackberries are packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, offering both taste and nourishment.

Health Benefits:

• Strengthens the immune system.
• Promotes collagen production for healthier skin.
• Improves bone health due to vitamin K content.
• Supports healthy digestion with dietary fiber.

Hot Smoked Salmon – Omega-3 Powerhouse

Salmon is one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, known for promoting heart and brain health.

Health Benefits:

• Reduces bad cholesterol and improves cardiovascular health.
• Enhances cognitive function and memory.
• Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair.
• Supports glowing skin and reduces inflammation.

Avocado – Nature’s Creamy Superfood

Avocado adds richness to the salad and provides healthy monounsaturated fats and essential vitamins.

Health Benefits:

• Supports heart health and reduces cholesterol.
• Boosts nutrient absorption from other foods.
• Keeps skin hydrated and promotes joint flexibility.
• A great source of potassium and fiber for overall wellness.

Goat’s Cheese – A Source of Calcium and Probiotics

Goat’s cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor while offering nutritional benefits.

Health Benefits:

• Easier to digest compared to cow’s milk cheese.
• Provides calcium for strong bones and teeth.
• Contains probiotics that improve gut health.
• Adds high-quality protein and healthy fats.

Hazelnuts – The Crunch of Good Fats

Hazelnuts are a nutrient-dense nut rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Health Benefits:

• Supports brain function and reduces oxidative stress.
• Provides healthy fats that promote heart health.
• Aids in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
• Improves hair and skin health due to vitamin E.

Baby Rocket and Cucumber – Hydration and Detox

Rocket (arugula) and cucumber are refreshing, low-calorie greens that add hydration and detoxifying properties.

Health Benefits:

• Provides hydration due to high water content.
• Aids digestion and helps in detoxification.
• Contains essential minerals like calcium and potassium.
• Supports eye health and boosts metabolism.

Nutritional Value (Approx. per Serving)

This salad provides a complete nutritional balance — combining lean protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants in one wholesome meal.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

The Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon is light yet indulgent, simple yet sophisticated. It’s a perfect dish for anyone who values fresh, clean eating without compromising on taste.

You’ll love this recipe if you are:

• Looking for a high-protein, antioxidant-rich meal.
• Following a Mediterranean-style or balanced diet.
• Seeking a creative, colorful salad for lunch or dinner.
• Interested in dishes that nourish both body and mind.

Top Chef’s Tip

• Use freshly smoked salmon for a more robust flavor.
• Replace goat’s cheese with feta or ricotta if preferred.
• For extra crunch, add a few pomegranate seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Chill the salad for 10 minutes before serving for a cool, refreshing experience.

Final Thoughts

The Blueberry and Blackberry Salad with Hot Smoked Salmon is a stunning dish that celebrates freshness, nutrition, and balance. Every element — from the sweetness of the berries to the smokiness of the salmon and the creaminess of the cheese — works in harmony.

This salad is proof that eating healthy can be both satisfying and elegant. Whether served as a light meal or as part of a gourmet spread, it’s a perfect reflection of modern, mindful eating.