We call this a "superfood salad" because it combines some of the healthiest ingredients you can eat.
The centerpiece is grilled salmon (though you could skip the fish altogether for a vegetarian version), and it's tossed with steamed broccolette, watercress, baby spinach, quinoa, avocado, tomatoes and grated carrots for a super-tasty, super-nutritious one-dish meal.
This recipe is extraordinarily versatile, so feel free to add any ingredients you especially enjoy and use your favorite vinaigrette dressing. We like to top the salmon with our creamy Herb Aioli (optional).
Season the salmon with salt and pepper and grill the fish until cooked through. Set aside to cool. The salmon can be grilled a day in advance of serving; just cover the fillet tightly and refrigerate. Before serving, cut the salmon into large chunks.
Place the quinoa in a strainer and rinse thoroughly with cool water for 1 minute. Place 1/2 cup of water and the quinoa in a small pan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the water has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Turn the heat off, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and let it cool.
In another pan, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook the broccolette until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge the broccolette into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and set its bright color. When the broccolette is cool, drain thoroughly and set aside.
To make the Herb Aioli, whisk together the mayonnaise and pesto. Add the lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.
Place the spinach, watercress, tomatoes, carrots, parsley leaves and cooled broccolette in a large bowl and toss with your favorite vinaigrette salad dressing. Transfer the mixture to a large platter or divide among individual plates. Scatter the cooled quinoa and a handful of microgreens or sprouts over the greens. Top with the salmon and avocado. Sprinkle the salad with the sunflower seeds and top the salmon with the Herb Aioli, if using, or another drizzle of vinaigrette. Serve immediately.