Salmon with Zucchini Salad

This dish beautifully combines the rich taste of salmon with the freshness of zucchini, creating a meal that is both flavorful and nutritious. The tender salmon, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, is enhanced by the richness of sun-dried tomato oil, resulting in a delicately balanced main course. The zucchini salad, with its crisp texture and tangy capers, adds a refreshing contrast to the plate. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, zucchini, and capers creates a symphony of flavors that is sure to delight any palate. Not only is this dish visually appealing, but it is also packed with vitamins and healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for a nutritious meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its delightful mixture of vibrant colors and tantalizing tastes, this dish is a feast for the senses. The step-by-step guide ensures that even novice cooks can achieve perfect results. Enjoy the pleasure of healthy eating, brought to life in every bite of this salmon with zucchini salad.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 thick slices of salmon
• 2 zucchinis
• 120 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 80 g capers
• Salt
• Pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 130°C (266°F) to ensure it's ready for the salmon.
2. Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon slices on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
3. Add Flavor: Brush the salmon slices with the sun-dried tomato oil, making sure each slice is well-coated.
4. Bake the Salmon: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your liking.
5. Slice the Zucchini: While the salmon is baking, cut the zucchinis into thin strips. A vegetable peeler is perfect for this task.
6. Season Zucchini: Lightly salt the zucchini strips and set aside to allow the salt to draw out excess moisture.
7. Chop the Tomatoes: Dice the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.
8. Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the zucchini strips, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and capers.
9. Dress the Salad: Add a splash of sun-dried tomato oil and 1-2 teaspoons of caper brine to the salad. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are coated.
10. Allow to Marinate: Let the salad sit for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11. Plate the Salmon and Salad: Place the baked salmon slices on serving plates and accompany with a generous portion of zucchini salad.
12. Final Touches: Ensure the plates are visually appealing and garnish if desired.
13. Serve Warm: The meal is ready to serve warm, providing a delightful contrast between the hot salmon and cooled salad.
14. Leftover Tips: If there are leftovers, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
15. Reheating Salmon: Gently reheat the salmon in the oven for best results.
16. Zucchini Freshness: Serve the zucchini salad fresh for a crisp texture in every bite.
17. Invite Guests: This beautifully balanced meal is perfect for entertaining guests.
18. Enjoy the Aroma: The combination of ingredients will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
19. Savor Each Bite: Take time to enjoy the complex flavors and textures.
20. Pair with Wine: A crisp white wine pairs wonderfully with this dish.

Tips

• Thin Zucchini Slices: Use a vegetable peeler for perfect thin strips.
• Oil Substitute: Olive oil can be used in place of sun-dried tomato oil if necessary.
• Capers Substitution: Olives can be used if you prefer a different flavor.
• Extra Marinade: Allow the salad to marinate for deeper flavors.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace salmon with grilled tofu or tempeh.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with crusty bread or a light couscous.
• Garnishes: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for added zest.
• Beverage: Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea.

Best Places

• The Salmon House - Renowned for its fresh and innovative salmon dishes. Location: 2229 Folkestone Way, West Vancouver, Canada.
• Zucchini Blossom - Famous for its variety of garden-fresh salads. Location: 34-36 Bell St, London, United Kingdom.
• Sun-Dried Delights - A charming spot focusing on Mediterranean ingredients. Location: Via della Vite, Rome, Italy.
• Capers & Co. - Specializes in caper and olive-based pairings. Location: 9 Rue de la Grande Chaumière, Paris, France.
• Salt & Pepper Bistro - A rustic venue known for its classic seasoning. Location: 10 Smith St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Olive Orchard - Offers a diverse menu of olive-rich specialties. Location: Dries Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Lemon Thyme Café - Known for its refreshing zest and herb-based dishes. Location: 11 El Camino Real, San Francisco, USA.
• Gardenia's Harvest - A botanical restaurant celebrating fresh produce. Location: Herrengasse 10, Vienna, Austria.
• Herb & Soul - Focuses on locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Location: 123 Lorong J Telok Kurau, Singapore.
• Mediterranean Haven - A go-to for traditional Mediterranean flavors. Location: 58c Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.