When I plan a vacation, food is the first thing I think about. Whether it’s scoping out restaurants to try in a new city or making time to dine at my favorite delis when I visit my hometown, planning for the delicious food I will eat always gets me excited about a trip. But one thing that I struggle to incorporate into my meals when I travel is eating enough vegetables.

Related: I Always Make This 3-Ingredient Anti-Inflammatory Dinner When I Get Home from Vacation

While I don’t go entirely vegetable-free during my travels, it’s hard to pick a healthier veggie-packed dish over ones I’ve been missing, especially when I’m back home in New Jersey (I’m looking at you, pizza, bagels and sandwiches). And when I’m in a new city, I’m usually compelled to pick something different and exciting to try.

So it’s not a surprise that once I’m back home, I turn toward lighter, veggie-packed meals as a reprieve from the heavier meals I enjoyed on my trips. And my go-to post-vacation meal is Balsamic-Butter Salmon Bites and a Caesar salad—here’s why. 

This nutritious dinner comes together quickly in 20 minutes, which leaves me with time to deal with other post-vacation chores like unpacking and laundry. It’s also easy to make, and I appreciate that I can toss together a salad while the salmon cooks and the glaze simmers away. While I prefer to use a store-bought Caesar salad kit for the convenience, you could also make your own salad with our Caesar Salad Dressing if you have a few minutes to spare. 

One of my favorite sources of protein, salmon is quick-cooking and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Not only does the nutrient help support cognitive function and heart health, it can also help reduce inflammation. Since our bodies can’t produce omega-3s, we have to get them through supplements or foods like salmon. And let’s not forget about the salad. Romaine lettuce also contains some antioxidants that may help decrease inflammation. Plus, the leafy green is a good source of folate, a key nutrient for heart health. 

Aside from the health benefits, these salmon bites and salad are also a win when it comes to taste. The glaze is made by reducing three items I always keep in my pantry—balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and brown sugar. The result is a slightly sweet glaze that stands up well against the fish. Be sure to add the glaze at the end of the salmon’s cook time to prevent the sugars from burning. I like to drizzle any leftover glaze from the baking sheet over my salad—its acidity cuts through the creaminess of the Caesar dressing. 

While the salmon bites are my go-to salad topper (I always have fish stocked in my freezer), if you’re not a fan of fish, Garlic-Butter Chicken Bites would also be delicious. Or try another flavor combination on the fish with our Lemon-Garlic Salmon Bites for an equally tasty meal. Once you try this meal, you’re going want to make balsamic-glaze salmon bites and Caesar salad all the time, not just after a vacation (I know I do!). 

Related: I’m a Dietitian & This Is the #1 Thing I Do with Leftover Vegetables Before a Trip