Seared Salmon with Cilantro-Cucumber Salsa

Here, a fresh cucumber salsa contributes color, flavor and texture to basic pan-seared salmon for a super-quick easy weeknight meal. You can make the salsa several hours in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve.

 

Seared Salmon with Cilantro-Cucumber Salsa

 

Ingredients

 

• 1 cucumber, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded, halved lengthwise again and thinly
• sliced crosswise
• 1/4 cup (1 oz./30 g) thinly sliced red onion
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp. canola oil
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 salmon fillets, each about 5 oz. (155 g) and 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• Lime wedges for garnish

Directions

 

1. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, red onion and chopped cilantro and toss gently to mix. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, 1 tsp. of the canola oil, the honey, red pepper flakes and 1/2 tsp. of the salt. Pour the lime juice mixture over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to mix and coat evenly. Set aside.

 

2. Sprinkle the salmon fillets on both sides with the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and the black pepper. In a large nonstick fry pan over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 1/2 tsp. canola oil. Add the fish and cook, turning once, until opaque throughout when tested with the tip of a knife, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

 

3. Transfer the salmon fillets to warmed individual plates and top each with one-fourth of the salsa. Garnish the plates with the cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

 

Adapted from The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook, by Cheryl Forberg, R.D., and Maureen Callahan, R.D. (Oxmoor House, 2004)