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Cedar Planked Salmon Salad with Citrus Ginger Vinaigrette

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Enjoy this Cedar Planked Salmon Salad with Citrus Ginger Vinaigrette, for an easy and healthy weekday dinner. The perfect dinner salad to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.

Cedar Planked Salmon Salad Recipe

I was fortunate to be asked to be part of the Inaugural Cedar Bay Grilling Blogger Recipe Challenge. Cedar Bay has provided me with two of their 24-ounce Planked Atlantic Salmon Fillets to create my recipes with. Each of the recipes created for this challenge will be judged on visual appeal, creativity and taste; and are eligible for a cash prize. Please wish me luck guys!

Are you looking for a way to hold onto the last bit of summer we have left? What better way than to enjoy a flavorful, fresh dinner salad featuring goat cheese, dried cranberries, candied pecans, strawberries, and bacon. With a little meal prep, you can have a healthy dinner on the table in about 20 minutes (salad dressing can be made and bacon cooked and crumbled ahead of time).

Cedar Bay Grilling Company's Planked Salmon Full Fillet - Applewood with Orange and Ginger

Cedar Bay Applewood with Orange & Ginger Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon

Cedar Bay offers a full fillet of Atlantic Salmon on pre-soaked cedar planks. This provides a very convenient way to serve a high-quality salmon dinner to your family and friends already prepped for you. The plank is pre-soaked and the salmon seasoned perfectly; you just have to choose the spice rub that interests you (either Sugar & Spice or Orange Ginger).

You can easily thaw in the refrigerator overnight and cook on the grill or in the oven, and serve in less than 20 minutes.

Citrus Ginger White Balsamic Vinaigrette

There is nothing better than homemade salad dressings made with only fresh and high-quality ingredients you want to serve your family. This vinaigrette includes orange juice, lemon juice, freshly grated ginger, and garlic, to marry with the orange and ginger flavors in the salmon; and finished with a light white balsamic vinegar and high quality extra virgin olive oil.

Cedar Bay Grilling Company's Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon Salad

Assembling Cedar Planked Salmon Salad

To accompany the fresh orange and ginger flavors of the salmon, I’ve added fresh summer flavors. This dinner salad starts with a bed of spring mix greens and adds sweet, salty and sour flavors from dried cranberries, goat cheese, bacon, strawberries, and candied pecans. It is then drizzled with the Citrus Ginger White Balsamic Vinaigrette on top of your salad and topped with a piece of Cedar Bay Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon.

Cedar Bay Grilling Company products can be found throughout the US and Canada, at Kroger, Publix, Hannaford, Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Ralph’s, Giant, Giant Eagle, Stop n Shop and Roche Bros. Visit Cedar Bay Grilling Company for a purchase location near you and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for great tips and recipes.

Cedar Planked Salmon Salad with Citrus Ginger Vinaigrette
 
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Enjoy this Cedar Planked Salmon Salad with Citrus Ginger Vinaigrette for an easy and healthy weekday dinner. The perfect dinner salad to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer.
Author:
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 Cedar Bay Applewood with Orange & Ginger Cedar Planked Atlantic Salmon Filet (24 ounces)
  • 5 ounces Spring Mix Greens
  • 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup candied pecans
  • 6 large strawberries, sliced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 t. garlic, finely ground (about 2 cloves)
  • 1 t. fresh ginger, finely ground
  • 1 t. sugar
  • 1 t. pepper
  • Dash of salt
  • 2. T. lemon juice
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup white balsamic vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Salad Dressing:
  1. Grate garlic and ginger with a fine grater or zester, place in a small mason jar or similar container that closes securely.
  2. Add sugar, pepper, salt, lemon juice, orange juice, white balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil to the mason jar and shake to mix well.
  3. Set aside.
Salmon:
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Place Cedar Planked salmon directly on the middle rack and place a foil-lined baking sheet on the rack below to catch dripping juices.
  3. Cook 18-20 minutes, until the flesh becomes flakey. It is perfectly cooked when it is still slightly pink in the center of the fillet.
  4. Cut into 4 pieces.
Salad:
  1. While salmon is cooking, place spring mix greens in 4 bowls or plates.
  2. Top greens with goat cheese, dried cranberries, candied pecans, strawberries, and bacon.
  3. When salmon is done, drizzle with Citrus Ginger White Balsamic Vinaigrette and top with salmon.
  4. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
1. Discard the plank after 1 use.
2. Keep the salmon frozen until 24 hours before cooking.
3. Once Salmon has defrosted, do not re-freeze!

Cedar Planked Salmon Salad

Grilled Curry Chicken Skewers

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Grilled Curry Chicken Skewers Recipe

This Grilled Curry Chicken Skewers Recipe takes chicken to the next level. The beautiful color and spicy flavor of the chicken makes this dish special. Serve right off the grill warm, or enjoy cold for a picnic or added to a salad. I hope you enjoy this chicken marinade recipe and it brings variety to your family meals.

While it does take some time to marinade (I prefer overnight), it takes very little prep and cooking time. I like to make a batch for leftovers whenever I’m already using my grill.

Grilled Curry Chicken Skewers
 
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Grilled Curry Chicken Skewers Recipe add a beautiful color and spicy flavor to chicken making a special dish.
Author:
Recipe type: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 1½ pounds chicken (boneless and skinless)
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
  1. Cut chicken into cubes (about 1½ inches).
  2. Combine curry powder, olive oil, soy sauce and garlic in a zip top bag; combine ingredients.
  3. Add chicken to the marinade and refrigerate for 4 hours to 2 days (I usually marinade overnight).
  4. Start grill.
  5. Add chicken to skewers.
  6. Grill, turning occasionally, until done (about 15 minutes).
  7. Serve warm, or enjoy cold for a picnic or added to a salad.
Notes
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while grill is warming up (about 1 hour), to prevent burning.


Grilled Curry Chicken Skewers Recipe

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

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Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines comfort food with adding veggies to your family’s diet

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines the hominess of your favorite comfort food, while still adding veggies to your family’s diet. This casserole is so easy to make and your family and friends will love the cheesy goodness. It is the perfect side dish for a family dinner, or take it to a pot luck or covered dish dinner to share with your friends. This is a family favorite around our house and we rarely have leftovers. I hope you enjoy this comforting casserole as much as we do.

Cheesy Eggplant Casserole
 
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Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines comfort food with adding veggies to your family’s diet
Author:
Recipe type: Vegetables & Sides
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
  • 3 medium eggplants, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup butter (1 stick)
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, melted
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
  1. Boil cubed eggplant for about 25 minutes. The eggplant will be tender, but not mushy.
  2. While eggplant is boiling combine milk, butter and cheddar cheese in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until cheese is almost completely melted.
  3. Drain eggplant and spread evenly in a 2 quart casserole dish. Pour cheddar cheese sauce over eggplant.
  4. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese, and then sprinkle with panko bread crumbs.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes until mozzarella cheese is melted and top is golden brown.

Recommended for this recipe:

Easy Cheesy Eggplant Casserole combines comfort food with adding veggies to your family’s diet

Moussaka (Greek Eggplant Casserole)

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Moussaka - Greek Eggplant Casserole

I absolutely love Greek food and Moussaka is the perfect go-to comfort food. Moussaka is a Greek Eggplant Casserole that is traditionally made with ground lamb or beef, but soy crumbles can also be used for a vegetarian alternative. Since it does take a bit more time to prepare than most of my go-to dinner dishes, I don’t make it as often as I’d like, but thoroughly indulge when I do.

Moussaka (Greek Eggplant Casserole)
 
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Moussaka is a Greek Eggplant Casserole, and perfect for comfort food. It is traditionally made with ground lamb or beef, but soy crumbles can also be used for a vegetarian alternative.
Author:
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 6
Ingredients
For Eggplant:
  • 3 medium sized Eggplant
  • ¾ cup Olive Oil

For Meat Sauce (or Vegetarian Option):
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • 1 large Onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic, chopped
  • 1½ pounds Ground Lamb or Beef (or 1 package frozen Soy Crumbles)
  • 3 Tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 T. Tomato Paste
  • 1 t. dried Oregano ( or 2 t. fresh Oregano)
  • ¼ t. ground Allspice
  • Pinch ground Cinnamon
  • ½ cup Dry Red Wine
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

For Bechamel Sauce:
  • 4 T. Butter
  • 6 T. Flour
  • 2 cups Milk
  • Pinch ground Nutmeg
  • ⅔ cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 t. Salt
  • White Pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated (for Moussaka assembly)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  2. Peel and slice eggplant into ½ inch slices. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil, and bake in a single layer for 10 minutes on each side. They will be golden browned. Set aside to cool. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
  3. For meat sauce, heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic cook about 15 minutes or until translucent; add and ground meat (or Frozen Soy Crumbles) to the pan and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the meat is browned or the Soy Crumbles have thawn completely. Add the remaining meat sauce ingredients, and cook for about 20 minutes, or until moisture has evaporated. Set this mixture aside.
  4. For Bechamel sauce, melt butter under low heat in a medium saute pan, add flour and cook for about 1 - 2 minutes. This will be a white sauce, so don't allow it to brown at this point. Slowly whisk in milk. Continue stiring until mixture is thickened and smooth, about an additional 15 minutes. Remove from heat and add 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese. Set sauce aside.
  5. To assemble moussaka, place one layer of eggplant slices on bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, overlapping slices. Spread the eggplant with ⅓ of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese. Add two more layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and cheese. Cover the layers with the Bechamel sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake Moussake for about 1 hour, or until mixture is bubbly and golden browned on top. Let sit for about 20 minutes after removing from oven, cut and serve.

Recommended for this recipe:

Moussaka (Greek Eggplant Casserole) is traditionally made with ground lamb or beef, but soy crumbles can also be used for a vegetarian alternative.

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

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Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce Recipe

The taste of homemade marinara sauce can never be replaced by a jar sauce. Not only does homemade marinara sauce taste so much better, but I’m able to control the quality of the ingredients and amount of salt in the recipe. Jar sauces (even high quality and organic brands) often contain way too much salt.

It does take time to make a homemade pasta sauce, so I choose to make large batches of sauce, in a slow cooker and freeze in portion sizes. I find 3 cup portions are the most useful since many recipes call for a jar of pasta sauce (equaling 3 cups). Marinara sauce is so versatile in the typical American diet. I know my family frequently enjoys a wide variety of Italian dishes. I hope you enjoy this slow cooker marinara sauce in your family’s favorite dishes, just like we do.

5.0 from 4 reviews
Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
 
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Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce made in a slow cooker.
Author:
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 21 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 6-7 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6-7 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons oregano
  • 4 tablespoons oregano
  • 2 cups chicken broth (can substitute vegetable broth or water)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (can substitute vegetable broth or water)
  • 4 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes
  • 4 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes
  • 4 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 4 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
  • 3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 5 bay leaves
  • 5 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add onions and saute until translucent, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook an additional 5 minutes.
  3. Add tomato paste, oregano and broth or water; cook an additional 30 minutes.
  4. While the onion mixture is cooking, place whole tomatoes in your slow cooker, crushing tomatoes with back of wooden spoon. Add cans of tomato sauce and bay leaves to slow cooker.
  5. Once onion mixture is ready, add to slow cooker and stir to combine.
  6. Cook on high for 7-8 hours.
Notes
Note: This recipe is for a 8 quart slow cooker. If your slow cooker is a different size, you will need to modify the recipe accordingly.

Recommended for this recipe:

Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce

Caprese Sandwiches

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This post may contain affiliate links. This means I make a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Caprese sandwiches make the perfect quick and light lunch or dinner entrée. Give them a try on a warm summer day with your favorite wine.

 

Caprese sandwiches make the perfect quick and light lunch or dinner entrée. The freshness of the tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese with the perfect touch of basil pesto make the perfect combination on a warm day or evening. Give them a try on a warm summer day with your favorite wine.

My husband and I enjoyed our first Caprese sandwiches at the Viansa Winery in Sonoma, CA. Viansa has beautiful grounds and Italian styled buildings. Each time I make these, we always think of the day we spent at Viansa at a small table outside overlooking the vineyard and enjoying amazing wine with our Caprese sandwiches.

 

5.0 from 5 reviews
Caprese Sandwiches
 
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Caprese sandwiches make the perfect quick and light lunch or dinner entrée. Give them a try on a warm summer day with your favorite wine.
Author:
Recipe type: Sandwiches
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 loaf Ciabatta bread
  • 7 ounces Fresh basil pesto sauce (or ¾ cup homemade basil pesto sauce)
  • 1 pound Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 3 Tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
  1. Cut the Ciabatta bread in half, to create a top and bottom.
  2. Spread fresh basil pesto sauce on inside of both bread halves.
  3. Lay slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on evenly on bottom half of bread.
  4. Lay tomato slices evenly on top of mozzarella slices.
  5. Close top and bottom of Ciabatta bread and slice into individual portions.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Caprese sandwiches make the perfect quick and light lunch or dinner entrée. Give them a try on a warm summer day with your favorite wine.

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Scallops with Stir Fried Vegetables

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Scallops (800x533)

For those nights when you want a more special meal while still staying on the healthy side, Scallops with Stir Fried Vegetables may be just the recipe you’re looking for. This scallop recipe gives you a bit of Japanese Steakhouse taste at home, and it’s also a dish that can be presented beautifully for a special dinner occasion.

 

5.0 from 2 reviews
Scallops with Stir Fried Vegetables
 
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An elegant scallops dish with a Japanese steakhouse flair.
Author:
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 1½ pounds scallops
  • 1 medium onion, cut in half then thinly sliced
  • 7 ounces fresh shiitake mushroom, remove caps and slice, discard stems
  • ½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger root
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup mung bean sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small bunch scallions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
  1. Dry scallops with a paper towel. This will allow for a nice sear on the scallops. Set aside.
  2. Cut onion in half, then slice each half into thin slices. Set aside.
  3. Remove mushroom stems and discard. Slice caps and set aside.
  4. Mince 2 cloves garlic. Set aside.
  5. Shred 1 cup carrots. Set aside.
  6. Slice scallions to use for garnish and set aside.
  7. Heat 2 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. This will be used for the vegetables.
  8. Add onions and stir fry until lightly brown, about 3 minutes.
  9. Add mushroom caps to onions and cook an additional 2 minutes. The onions and mushrooms will be almost tender.
  10. Add ginger and garlic and cook about another 1 minute.
  11. Add carrots and bean sprouts and cook another 2 minutes. At this point all vegetables should be soft.
  12. Remove vegetables from heat and add the soy sauce and lemon juice.
  13. While vegetables are cooking, heat the other 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium high heat. This will be for the scallops.
  14. Cook scallops in a single layer until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
  15. Remove scallops to a plate to rest while vegetables cook.
  16. To plate: Divide vegetables even between 4 plates, add scallops on top of vegetables and garnish with scallions.

 

Recommended for this recipe:

Pork Souvlaki (Greek Pork Kabobs)

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Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 lbs.  Lean Pork, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 Bell Peppers, cored, seeded and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 Medium Onion, peeled and cut into six wedges
16 Cherry Tomatoes, whole

Marinade:
2 Oranges, juiced
4 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 t. Fresh Thyme, chopped
2 t. Coriander Seeds, crushed
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Combine marinade ingredients in a large zip top bag, add pork pieces and marinate for at least 2 hours in refrigerator.
  2. Remove pork from marinade, reserving liquid.
  3. Alternate pork with onion, pepper, and tomatoes on skewers to make kabobs, leaving a small space between each ingredient for even cooking.
  4. Brush vegetables with reserved marinade.
  5. Broil in oven four to five inches from heat, or on outdoor grill.
  6. Turn to ensure even cooking until pork is thoroughly cooked, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Garnish with orange slices and fresh thyme.

Lamb Souvlaki (Greek Lamb Kabobs)

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Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 lbs.  Boneless Leg of Lamb, cut into 1 inch cubes
2 Bell Peppers, cored, seeded and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 Medium Onion, peeled and cut into six wedges

Marinade:
1/4 cup Dry Red Wine
1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 T. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Small Onion, grated
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 t. Salt
1 t. Dried Oregano
1/4 t. Dried Thyme
1/4 t. Black Pepper

Directions:

  1. Combine marinade ingredients in a large zip top bag, add lamb pieces and marinate for at least 3 hours in refrigerator.
  2. Remove lamb from marinade, reserving liquid.
  3. Alternate lamb with vegetables on skewers to make kabobs, leaving a small space between each ingredient for even cooking.
  4. Brush vegetables with reserved marinade.
  5. Broil in oven four to five inches from heat or on outdoor grill.
  6. Turn to ensure even cooking until lamb is thoroughly cooked, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  7. Serve with Pita Bread and Tzatziki Sauce.

Easy 5 Ingredient Alfredo Sauce

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Easy Alfredo Sauce

 

When you need some homemade comfort food, this easy Alfredo Sauce recipe will hit the spot. This sauce can easily made at home, so it has no preservatives. Just serve this Alfredo Sauce over your favorite pasta for a great tasting (and comforting) entree or side dish. You can make it without meat for a vegetarian meal, or add seafood to this versatile pasta sauce for another option.

 

Easy 5 Ingredient Alfredo Sauce
 
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Easy Alfredo Sauce recipe that will hit the spot when you're looking for quick, homemade comfort food.
Author:
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 stick butter
  • 1 cup ½ & ½
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 T. dried parsley
  • 1 T. dried basil
Instructions
  1. Melt butter in the bottom of a sauce pan on medium heat.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine well.
  3. Cook over medium heat until sauce is thoroughly warmed.
  4. (Optional) Sauce can be thickened at this point if desired. To thicken the sauce, make a mixture of 2 tablespoons of corn starch with ¼ cup of milk or water, and add it to the sauce. Stir occasionally over medium heat until thickened.
  5. (Optional) Seafood of your choice can be added, if desired. Add seafood (like crab meat, cooked shrimp, or canned clams) to the sauce and continue to cook until thoroughly warmed.
  6. Serve over linguine or your favorite pasta. Can be garnished with additional Parmesan cheese, parsley, and/or basil.