Joy Bauer’s Anti-Inflammatory Sheet Pan Salad

Joy Bauer’s Anti-Inflammatory Sheet Pan Salad: A Weekday Winner

Summer Olympics Inspiration

As I watched the Summer Olympics this week, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by the athletes’ endless energy, strength, and ability. Beyond their talents, all I could think about was how hungry they must be. Which, for some reason, makes me also feel hungry. Combined with imagery of the beautiful landscape and architecture of Paris, I find myself craving Parisian specialties. It seems like Joy Bauer, nutrition expert for the Today show, feels the same. She recently shared her anti-inflammatory Sheet Pan Salmon Salad Niçoise recipe on Instagram and we’re smitten.

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A Simplified Niçoise Salad Recipe

To make the recipe, Joy starts with roasting red potatoes, French green beans, and grape tomatoes on a sheet pan drizzled with olive oil. Seasoning the vegetables directly on the pan rather than in a bowl means one less dish to clean, which is a handy hack. After a quick trip in the oven, she makes space among the vegetables for four fillets of salmon, and seasons everything with salt and pepper. The fully roasted salmon and vegetables are placed on top of a bed of mixed greens and then garnished with hard-boiled eggs, artichoke hearts, and a drizzle of homemade honey-mustard vinaigrette.

A Powerhouse Lineup of Anti-Inflammatory Superstars

Unlike traditional niçoise salad, Joy’s version takes advantage of the ease of sheet-pan cooking. Using one pan to cook several components at once simplifies the time-consuming nature of cooking individual ingredients as typically done in niçoise recipes. Joy also smartly uses salmon in place of tuna, which is a nutritious choice that cooks quickly. And the honey-mustard vinaigrette adds a slightly sweet touch to replace the bite of the typical Dijon-based dressing.

Flexibility and Customization

When it comes to serving the salad, Joy recommends enjoying it warm, straight out of the oven. If you’re not ready to eat right away, you can also refrigerate it and serve it chilled the following day. "The dish is flexible," Joy told me. "You can swap in chicken for the salmon and use whatever fresh herbs you like—chopped basil, cilantro, chives, scallions, or tarragon, for example.

Conclusion

Joy Bauer’s anti-inflammatory Sheet Pan Salmon Salad Niçoise is a delicious twist on a traditional niçoise salad, featuring a powerhouse lineup of anti-inflammatory superstars. With its ease of preparation, flexibility, and customization options, this recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy meal during the week.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken instead of salmon?
A: Yes, you can swap in chicken for the salmon and use whatever fresh herbs you like.

Q: Can I refrigerate the salad overnight?
A: Yes, you can refrigerate it and serve it chilled the following day.

Q: What are the benefits of using olive oil?
A: Olive oil is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a healthy choice for cooking and dressing salads.

Q: Are there any other ways to customize the recipe?
A: Yes, you can add or substitute different vegetables, herbs, and proteins to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.