Salmon With Cucumber Salad Food

SALMON AND COUSCOUS SALAD WITH CUCUMBER-FETA DRESSING

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In the center of a sheet pan, place salmon skin-side down. Pat the salmon dry, then coat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric. Coat 1 of the lime halves in some of the olive oil in the pan, then place cut-side up in the corner.
• Roast the salmon on the center rack until opaque on the outside and light pink in the center, about 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
• While the salmon roasts, make the couscous: In a lidded pot over medium-high heat, toast the couscous, uncovered, stirring until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, season with salt, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain an active simmer, then cook until the couscous is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous in a colander, then drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Stir in the arugula, letting it wilt. Leave in the sink to cool slightly while you make the dressing.
• Prepare the dressing: In a serving bowl, combine the yogurt with 1/4 cup room temperature water and the zest and juice of 1 lime, then whisk until smooth. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin, plus 1/4 cup feta, most of the herbs (reserving some for garnish) and the cucumber. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt. Set aside.
• Add the cooked couscous and arugula to the yogurt mixture, tossing to combine. Remove the salmon from the skin, then flake with a fork. Add half the salmon to the couscous, mixing it together. Place the remaining salmon on top, squeeze the roasted lime half over the dish, then garnish with the scallions, remaining feta, parsley and mint. Quarter the remaining lime half and serve it on the side.

GRILLED SALMON WITH CREAMY CUCUMBER-DILL SALAD

Steps:

• Cut the cucumber in half and then slice each half down the middle lengthwise. Use the tip of a teaspoon to scoop out the center seeds. Cut each half into thin slices and place in a colander along with the red onion slices. Toss with salt and let sit in the sink for at least 30 minutes, until the water drains out.
• In the meantime, make the dressing: combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, dill, garlic, sugar and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well.
• When the cucumbers and onions are ready, release any excess water by tapping the colander on the base of the sink, then use a large wad of paper towels to pat the vegetables dry. Add to the dressing and toss well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill rack, then brush lightly with oil. Close the lid and let return to temperature. Rub the salmon with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt (about ¾ teaspoon) and pepper. Place the fillets skin side down and grill until golden brown and slightly charred, 4-5 minutes (resist the urge to peek or flip early; when fillets are nicely seared on the first side, they should release easily). Flip the fillets over and continue grilling until done, 2-3 minutes. Let cool slightly, remove the skin if desired, and serve with the cold cucumber-dill salad piled over top or alongside.

SLOW-ROASTED SALMON WITH CUCUMBER DILL SALAD

Steps:

• For the salad: Quarter the cucumber, lengthwise, and remove the seeds, but leave on the skin. Thinly slice the cucumbers and mix with the salt in a colander. Set in the sink for about 1 hour to drain. Meanwhile, place the yogurt in a coffee filter-lined strainer and set over a bowl to drain, about 1 hour.
• Rinse the cucumbers with cold, running water. Press down on the cucumbers to extract as much liquid as possible and pat dry. Toss the cucumbers with the drained yogurt, dill, sugar, orange zest, cayenne, and season with pepper, to taste.
• Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.
• Cut the salmon lengthwise and then crosswise to make 4 equal squares of fish. Lightly sprinkle the salmon all over with a pinch of turmeric and rub in slightly to coat evenly. Season salmon with salt and pepper and place on a very lightly oiled oven-proof nonstick pan. Roast the salmon, turning the pieces carefully with a spatula after about 10 minutes, until just cooked through, about 20 minutes in all. (Slow-roasted salmon looks bright orange when done, and will be luscious in the center.) To serve, divide the cucumbers between 4 plates, top with the salmon and garnish with dill fronds.

CRISPY SALMON WITH CUCUMBER SALAD AND SPICY MAYO

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil and a large pinch of salt in a large bowl. Thinly slice the cucumbers lengthwise about 1/8-inch thick with a mandoline or vegetable peeler. Add the cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing; add the cilantro and peanuts and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, if needed. Stir together the mayonnaise and chile-garlic sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Set both aside for serving.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillets with a large pinch of salt. Place the arrowroot or cornstarch in a medium shallow bowl or baking dish and whisk in the cayenne and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dredge the salmon fillets until each side is well coated.
• Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the salmon. Cook until well browned and just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side.
• Give the cucumber salad a toss, then transfer to a serving bowl. Place each salmon fillet on a plate, drizzle with the spicy mayo and serve with the cucumber salad.

GRILLED SALMON WITH SMASHED CUCUMBER-DATE SALAD

Steps:

• Prepare the salmon: Prepare a charcoal fire in an outdoor grill (alternatively, cook the salmon indoors on a grill pan); the coals should be medium-hot and the rack should be positioned about 6 inches from the fire. Place the salmon fillets on a cutting board, skin-side down. Cut down the center of each fillet lengthwise along the center seam. Cut through the flesh but not the skin. Draw the salmon flesh apart at the incision, flattening the fillets, leaving them skin-side down. Fold each fillet into a horseshoe shape, bending it back onto itself, so it resembles a boneless salmon steak. Brush each piece of fish lightly on both sides with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper.
• Grill the salmon just until the flesh firms and grill marks appear, about 2 1/2 minutes on the first side and about 1 1/2 minutes on the second side. Rotate each fillet one quarter-turn (90 degrees) and grill just long enough to mark the fillets, completing a cross-hatch pattern, less than 1 minute. Turn the fillets over and repeat the grilling and rotating procedure until the other sides show the cross-hatch grill markings. Remove the fish from the grill and reserve. (The salmon can be grilled up to 1 hour in advance of the meal.)
• Prepare the salad: Roll the cucumber pieces up in a clean linen napkin or towel, and then smash them, pressing down hard with the heels of your hands while ensuring the towel doesn't unroll, to release the juices. Transfer the crushed cucumbers to a cutting board, and then coarsely chop. Combine the cucumbers, sliced fennel, dates, walnuts, chives and some of the fennel fronds in a salad bowl and mix gently.
• Finish cooking the salmon and dress the salad: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Arrange the salmon fillets in a baking dish, brush each one lightly with extra-virgin olive oil and roast about 3 1/2 minutes for medium-rare.
• Meanwhile, dress the cucumber salad with the lemon juice and 4 tablespoons of fruity olive oil. Then season with sea salt and pepper. Toss the salad lightly, and then arrange equal portions on each of six plates. Top each portion of salad with a grilled salmon fillet. Drizzle a little fruity olive oil on top of each portion, garnish each plate with fennel fronds and serve.

SLOW-ROASTED SALMON WITH CUCUMBER DILL SALAD

Steps:

• Quarter the cucumber, lengthwise, and remove the seeds, but leave on the skin. Thinly slice the cucumbers and mix with the salt in a colander. Set in the sink for about 1 hour to drain. Meanwhile, place the yogurt in a coffee filter-lined strainer and set over a bowl to drain, about 1 hour.
• Rinse the cucumbers with cold, running water. Press down on the cucumbers to extract as much liquid as possible and pat dry. Toss the cucumbers with the drained yogurt, dill, sugar, orange zest, cayenne, and season with pepper, to taste.
• Preheat the oven to 275ºF.
• Cut the salmon lengthwise and then crosswise to make 4 equal squares of fish. Lightly sprinkle the salmon all over with a pinch of turmeric and rub in slightly to coat evenly. Season salmon with salt and pepper and place on a very lightly oiled oven-proof nonstick pan. Roast the salmon, turning the pieces carefully with a spatula after about 10 minutes, until just cooked through, about 20 minutes in all. (Slow-roasted salmon looks bright orange when done, and will be luscious in the center.) To serve, divide the cucumbers between 4 plates, top with the salmon and garnish with dill fronds.

PAN FRIED SALMON WITH CUCUMBER RADISH SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Bring salmon to room temperature 10 minutes before cooking. Toast sesame seeds in a small, dry skillet over medium heat, stirring and tossing, until fragrant and golden, about 4 minutes. Pour into a small bowl and cool.
• 2. Place cucumber, radishes, and jalapeno in a medium bowl. Finely grate ginger into bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil, toasted sesame seeds, vinegar, sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and sesame oil. Toss and set aside.
• 3. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to pan; Increase heat to medium high. Place salmon, skin side up, in pan. Cook, without moving, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Turn fillets over using a metal spatula and cook until firm to touch, about 3 more minutes. Transfer to plates or a platter and serve warm with cucumber salad.

SMOKED SALMON WITH CREAMY CUCUMBERS

Steps:

• Thinly slice the cucumber on a mandoline and place in a colander over a bowl. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and allow the cucumbers to sit for 5 minutes. Squeeze out the excess water and place the cucumbers in a clean medium bowl. Add the sour cream, dill and 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir with a rubber spatula to combine.
• Lay the smoked salmon on one half of a platter lightly, so there is movement to the plate, leaving open the other half of the platter. Pile the cucumber mixture on a quarter of the platter or spoon into a bowl that fits on the platter. Serve the toasted pumpernickel bread on the other quarter of the platter.

SOY-GLAZED SALMON WITH CUCUMBER-AVOCADO SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Mix the honey, 2 teaspoons soy sauce and the cornstarch in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until just simmering, 30 to 40 seconds.
• Rub the fish fillets all over with 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and season lightly with salt. Place the fish in a baking dish and bake 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush with the honey-soy sauce mixture. Return the fish to the oven and continue baking until just cooked through, 7 to 9 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk the rice vinegar, mayonnaise and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon each soy sauce and sesame oil in a large bowl. Add the cucumber, scallions and 1/4 teaspoon salt and toss. Gently fold in the avocado. Serve the salmon with the salad and pickled ginger.
• Per serving: Calories 385; Fat 18 g (Saturated 3 g); Cholesterol 98 mg; Sodium 498 mg; Carbohydrate 16 g; Fiber 5 g; Protein 39 g

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKPEA, CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, toss together chickpeas, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, garlic, parsley, dried basil, and Parmesan cheese.
• Mix together olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season to taste with salt.
• Drizzle over salad and toss until well combined, and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Cover and refrigerate at least 45 minutes before serving.
• Serve chilled.

GRILLED SALMON TERIYAKI WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the grill to high and brush a sturdy baking tray with oil. In a large bowl, mix the soy, mirin, sugar, ginger and garlic together until the sugar has dissolved, then toss the frozen salmon in the soy mix until coated. Tip the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
• Place the tray about 4in away from the heat, then grill for 20 mins. Brush the fish every few mins with the simmering marinade until cooked through and glazed. If the fillets are thick, you may need to turn them on their sides so they cook evenly. Remove from the grill. Simmer the marinade until sticky, then pour it over the cooked salmon.
• For the cucumber salad, use a swivel blade peeler to peel the cucumber into slices. Make the dressing by mixing the vinegar with the soy sauce, sugar and sesame seeds. Toss the cucumber with the dressing and serve with the salmon and boiled rice.

COLD-POACHED SALMON WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Place salmon, carrots, celery, shallots, fennel, leek, peppercorns, and wine in a fish poacher or large roasting pan and add enough water to cover. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer; cook until salmon is firm to the touch and some of the fat begins to come to the surface of the fish, about 10 minutes.
• Remove pan from heat and let fish cool in liquid. Transfer to refrigerator until chilled, about 1 hour.
• Remove fish from pan and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with cucumber salad, honey mustard mayonnaise, and rye bread.

SALMON, AVOCADO & CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Season the salmon, then rub with oil. Mix the dressing ingredients together. Halve, stone, peel and slice the avocados. Halve and quarter the cucumber lengthways, then cut into slices. Divide salad, avocado and cucumber between four plates, then drizzle with half the dressing.
• Heat a non-stick pan. Add the salmon and fry for 3-4 mins on each side until crisp but still moist inside. Put a salmon fillet on top of each salad and drizzle over the remaining dressing. Serve warm.

SALMON WITH CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Halve the cucumber lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Slice into half moons and put in a sieve, sprinkle with a little salt and leave to drain for 10 minutes.
• Season the salmon fillets and put on a plate. Steam for 6 minutes or cover and microwave for 4 minutes or until cooked through. Rinse the cucumber and pat dry.
• Flake the salmon, mix with the cucumber, yogurt and dill and season with black pepper. Serve with toast.