Grilled Salmon Salad with Chickpeas and Mint

This delightful grilled salmon salad combines fresh, succulent fish with nutritious chickpeas, aromatic mint, and crispy cucumbers, creating a refreshing and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish provides a sensory delight, with the richness of grilled salmon contrasting beautifully against the crunchy vegetables and the soft couscous. Mint adds a burst of freshness that elevates the dish, while the olive oil-based dressing brings everything together harmoniously. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a quick and healthy dinner option, this salad is sure to impress. The balance of proteins, fibers, and healthy fats also makes it a fulfilling and nutritious meal. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted easily to suit vegetarian needs by omitting the salmon and adding more vegetables or even tofu. The preparation is straightforward and can be done in under half an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Get ready to indulge in a dish that's as good for you as it is delicious!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 400 g fresh salmon or trout
• 400 g chickpeas
• 50 g couscous
• 2 cucumbers
• 1 bunch of mint
• 3 tbsp olive oil

Spices

• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of lemon pepper

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven or grill for the salmon, ensuring it reaches an appropriate grilling temperature.
2. Season the salmon piece with salt and lemon pepper to taste.
3. Place the salmon on the grill or in the oven. Grill until it's cooked through, typically around 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
4. Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a pot, and prepare the couscous according to package instructions. Generally, this involves pouring hot water over the couscous and letting it sit to absorb.
5. Drain the chickpeas of any liquid and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
6. Slice the cucumbers thinly, allowing them to integrate well with the other ingredients.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked couscous, chickpeas, and sliced cucumbers. Toss them lightly to mix.
8. Once the salmon is grilled, allow it to cool slightly, then break it into sizable chunks.
9. Gently fold the salmon chunks into the salad mix, being careful not to mash the other ingredients.
10. For the dressing, chop the mint finely and blend it with olive oil and a pinch of salt and lemon pepper. Alternatively, substitute mint with basil for a different flavor profile.
11. Drizzle the olive oil dressing over the combined salad ingredients.
12. Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients with the dressing, making sure not to over-mix and preserve texture.
13. Adjust seasoning if necessary, more salt or lemon pepper can be added, based on preference.
14. Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large serving dish.
15. Garnish with remaining fresh mint leaves for an aromatic finish.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use basil instead of mint if desired.
• Texture: Avoid overmixing to maintain the salad’s texture.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fats: 20g
• Carbs: 40g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit salmon and add grilled tofu or more veggies.
• Spicier Option: Add chili flakes to the dressing for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a glass of chilled white wine.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic pita.

Best Places

1. The Salmon Grill - A rooftop eatery known for fresh seafood. Location: 123 Seaside Avenue, Miami, USA.
2. Minty Delight Bistro - Offers a fine selection of innovative salads. Location: 45 Central Park West, New York, USA.
3. Chickpea & Co. - Specializes in chickpea-based dishes. Location: 78 Market Street, Sydney, Australia.
4. The Fresh Bowl - Focuses on healthy and flavorful meals. Location: 22 Green Street, London, UK.
5. Salad Symphony - Features an array of gourmet salads. Location: 10 Main Plaza, Toronto, Canada.
6. Healthy Harvest - A wellness café with a focus on nutritious foods. Location: 15 Orchard Lane, Auckland, New Zealand.
7. The Grilled Fish House - Known for expertly grilled dishes. Location: 55 Beach Road, Cape Town, South Africa.
8. Cucumber Lounge - Offers refreshing dishes in a soothing setting. Location: 9 Peace Avenue, Tokyo, Japan.
9. Mint Leaf Dining - Famous for its herb-centric meals. Location: 37 Spice Street, Mumbai, India.
10. Chic ‘n’ Green - A modern café with a seasonal menu. Location: 7 Elm Row, Edinburgh, Scotland.