Looking to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? Dive into the world of Mediterranean flavors with our Lemony Salmon and Cherry Tomato Couscous! This quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, combines succulent salmon fillets with fluffy couscous, bursting cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon twist. In just 25 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Couscous
- Cherry tomatoes
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Prepare couscous according to package instructions, typically by adding boiling water and letting it sit covered for about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork when done.
- Mince fresh garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are clean and ripe.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy.
- Gently flip salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until fish is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked couscous with halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil.
- Drizzle lemon juice and additional olive oil over the couscous mixture, tossing gently to combine and season with salt and pepper.
- Plate the couscous and place the salmon fillet on top, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately while salmon is warm and couscous is fluffy.
Tips
- Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon is often a great choice if available.
- Perfectly Cooked Couscous: Ensure you follow the package instructions carefully for the couscous. Fluffing it with a fork after cooking helps achieve that light and airy texture.
- Don’t Rush the Salmon: Allow the salmon to cook skin-side down without moving it for the first few minutes. This helps achieve a crispy skin that adds wonderful texture to the dish.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil to enhance the flavor profile. Fresh herbs can make a significant difference in the overall taste.
- Zesty Finish: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice to the couscous mixture.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right after plating to savor the warm, flaky salmon and fluffy couscous.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 414kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 56mg
