I’m guilty of overbuying salmon. When it’s good, it’s great! Besides appreciating its laundry list of health benefits, I truly love the flavor, and adore having leftovers. Most often in my kitchen it ends up simply roasted and served alongside a salad or side vedge as a nourishing family dinner, but occasionally I’ll want to really vaunt its allure with a punchy sauce or vibrant salsa.
Salmon is rich with good fats, is tender and would never be considered a fishy fish when fresh. Pairing it with something acidic helps cut through any richness. These dishes, while not complex, each have a little something zesty to set them apart:
Roasted Salmon with Gingered Mango & Avocado Salsa
This is an easy dinner party dish, as the salsa can be prepped a few hours ahead and the fish roasted just before serving. The salsa has a slight Asian flare to it with the ginger and fish sauce, but not so much that an accompanying side needs to stay on that theme. A simple green salad and crusty bread works just as well with the salmon as a bowl of creamy coconut rice, so take it in whatever direction you prefer.
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Sheet Pan Salmon With Roasted Grapes & Shallots
The richness of salmon lends itself well to sweet/savory accompaniments. Here, shallots and grapes are roasted to concentrate their sugars and soften the texture, then the salmon is added and roasted alongside for an easy, one-pan meal. While the oven is going, pop some fingerling potatoes in and roast for a simple side dish, or serve the fish with rice or a nice loaf of bread.
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Roasted Salmon With Ginger Roasted Tomatoes & Lime Yogurt
I like to use multi-colored grape tomatoes for this recipe, as it results in a visually vibrant plate. No matter which kind of tomato you use though, cherry or grape, red or mulit-colored, slow roasting them with ginger, garlic and a bit of sugar is an excellent accompaniment for salmon. Drizzled with a simple lime yogurt, this is a dish that will excite you and your dining companions.
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Extra Saucy Braised Salmon & Swiss Chard With Couscous
A Yotem Ottolenghi recipe of similar ingredients, which our family adores, inspired this dish. The secret is in the sauce – a tomato paste and white wine-based concoction generously seasoned with spices, in which the salmon gently braises allowing it to soak up all the flavors. Served with a side of couscous, it's a one-dish dinner.
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Baked Basmati Rice & Salmon With Tomato Pomegranate Salsa
Don’t be discouraged by the lengthy list of ingredients; many you'll likely have in your kitchen, and the recipe is actually very simple and straightforward. While the rice bakes, you prepare the salsa. The salmon goes on top of the rice toward the end and they are baked together to finish the dish. Top with a flavorful tomato salsa and serve.
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Teriyaki Salmon Bowls With Sesame Roasted Brussels & Sushi Rice
A very adaptable weeknight dish that is healthful and bursting with flavor. Tofu can be subbed for the salmon. Swap out the brussels for broccoli. And if you'd rather rice noodles or a different grain in the bowl, most anything will work. An important note: Keep an eye on the salmon while it's roasting. Depending on the variety that you buy, and the thickness of the cut, it may take shorter or longer, and if you leave it in too long, it can easily dry out.
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