Fresh Salmon Niçoise: A Healthy and Delicious Recipe

 

Introduction

In search of a flavorful and nutritious dish? Look no further than fresh salmon Niçoise. This vibrant salad combines the richness of wild salmon with the freshness of vegetables and the tanginess of a zesty dressing. Bursting with flavors and packed with nutrients, this recipe is a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

To create this delectable salmon Niçoise, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 red onion (about 130g), finely chopped

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 12 pitted Kalamata olives, quartered

• 2 tbsp chopped dill

• 2 tsp chopped tarragon leaves

• 400g small baby potatoes

• 2 eggs

• 320g fine green beans, trimmed

• 4 wild salmon fillets (about 100-125g each), defrosted if frozen

• 2 x 160g Little Gem lettuces, 1 shredded

• 4 tomatoes, cut into wedges

Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, it's important to prepare the ingredients properly. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience:                                                                                                                               

1. Finely chop the red onion.                                                                                               
2. Quarter the pitted Kalamata olives.                                                                        
3. Chop the dill and tarragon leaves.                                                                                
4. Cut the tomatoes into wedges.                                                                                      
5. Trim the green beans.                                                                                                 
6. Defrost the wild salmon fillets if frozen.                                                                                          

Cooking Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to the cooking process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious fresh salmon Niçoise:

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, quartered Kalamata olives, chopped dill, and chopped tarragon leaves.                                                                                                          
2. Mix the ingredients well until they are evenly combined.                                                                           
3. Set the dressing aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes and Eggs

1. Boil the baby potatoes in the base of a steamer for approximately 10 minutes until they are tender.                                                                                                                         
2. Add the eggs to the steamer, ensuring they are fully submerged. If needed, top up with boiling water from the kettle to cover the eggs.                                                                                  
3. Cook the potatoes and eggs together for an additional 8 minutes.                                                  
4. Remove the potatoes and eggs from the steamer, but do not drain them.

Step 3: Steam the Green Beans and Salmon

1. Place the trimmed green beans in a pan and position the steamer on top.                                                      
2. Steam the green beans for approximately 8 minutes until they are cooked to perfection.                                                                                                                                             
3. In the same water used for steaming, add the wild salmon fillets.                                                                        
4. Cook the salmon for approximately 5 minutes until it is tender and flaky.                                                                      

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. While still warm, stir the boiled potatoes into the dressing until they are well-coated.                                                                                                                                   
2. To serve, divide half of the shredded Little Gem lettuce between two plates or pile it onto one platter.                                                                                                                                  
3. Add half of the cooked green beans and tomato wedges to the plates or platter.                                                                                                                                                             
4. Spoon half of the dressed potatoes onto the lettuce, green beans, and tomatoes.                                                                                                                             
5. Remove any skin from the cooked salmon and flake half of the fish over the salad.                                                                                                                                                   
6. Peel one boiled egg, halve it, and place one half on each salad.                                                                           
7. Chill the remaining ingredients for future consumption. They can be enjoyed cold and will keep well when covered and chilled for up to a day

Variations

While the classic fresh salmon Niçoise recipe is already a winner, you can add your own twist to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you might consider:

1. Grilled Salmon: Instead of steaming the salmon, grill it to infuse a smoky flavor into the dish.                                                                                                                                       
2. Lemon Dill Dressing: Substitute the vinegar in the dressing with freshly squeezed lemon juice and add extra dill for a tangier taste.                                                                
3. Quinoa Base: Replace the potatoes with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free and protein-packed alternative.                                                                                                        
4. Avocado Slices: Enhance the creaminess of the salad by adding ripe avocado slices.

Conclusion

Fresh salmon Niçoise is a versatile and nutritious recipe that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and nourishing qualities, it's a perfect choice for those looking to incorporate more seafood and vegetables into their diet. So why not give this recipe a try and indulge in a delightful culinary experience that will leave you satisfied and nourished?