Oven-baked salmon with Florin-style salad

Oven-baked salmon with Florin-style salad

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for oven-baked salmon, accompanied by a fresh salad, perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with essential nutrients, offering a balanced meal that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

- 2 pieces (escalop) of salmon (approximately 200g each)
- 300g potatoes
- 300g cherry tomatoes
- 4 mushrooms (optional, but recommended)
- 1 clove of garlic
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 1 tablespoon dried basil or 25g fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste

A touch of history

Salmon, a fish appreciated for centuries, is often associated with festive meals due to its rich flavor and fine texture. Prepared in various ways, from fried to smoked, salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart and brain health. Combined with a fresh salad, this dish not only provides nutritional benefits but also an explosion of flavors.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the salmon:
Start by seasoning the two pieces of salmon well with salt, pepper, and if desired, you can add other preferred spices (thyme, paprika, or even a dash of chili for a spicy taste). Cover the salmon with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to prepare. This will help the flavors infuse into the fish.

2. Boiling the potatoes:
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes to cook uniformly. Boil them in a pot of water with a little salt over medium heat. The potatoes should be cooked al dente, so check them after about 10 minutes and test if they are done.

3. Preparing the salad:
While the potatoes are boiling, wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. In a large bowl, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and crushed garlic clove. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous dressing. Add the tomatoes to the bowl and sprinkle with dried or fresh basil, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set the salad aside to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Adding the potatoes:
Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them well and add them to the bowl with the tomato dressing. Gently mix to avoid crushing the potatoes. Now it’s time to sauté the mushrooms. If you choose to use them, slice them thinly and sauté them in a pan with a little sunflower oil until golden and tender. Add the mushrooms to the salad and mix again.

5. Preparing the salmon:
In a pan, heat one tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the salmon with the skin side down. Cook the salmon for 2 minutes without moving it, to allow the skin to become crispy. Carefully flip the salmon to the other side and let it cook for another 2 minutes. After that, transfer the salmon to a baking dish and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees for about 5 minutes. This step will ensure even cooking and keep the fish juicy.

6. Finalizing the dish:
Once the salmon is ready, remove it from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice for an extra touch of acidity that will highlight the flavors. Serve the salmon on a platter, alongside the fresh salad and boiled potatoes.

Serving suggestions

For an even more sophisticated meal, you can add a few slices of lemon or lime on the plate as a garnish. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will pair perfectly with this dish.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace the salmon with another fatty fish, such as mackerel or trout. Also, the salad can be enriched with ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This oven-baked salmon recipe with salad is rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins. The portion of salmon contains approximately 250 calories, while the salad offers a healthy mix of fiber and antioxidants. Salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3, which helps maintain cardiovascular health and cognitive function.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, it is recommended to thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before cooking for the best results.

2. How can I tell if the salmon is cooked correctly?
The salmon is cooked when the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

3. What other vegetables can I add to the salad?
You can add vegetables such as cucumbers, carrots, or radishes for a varied texture and taste.

4. How can I store leftovers?
Cooked salmon can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. The salad is best consumed fresh, but you can store the potatoes separately.

In conclusion, this oven-baked salmon recipe with Florin-style salad is an excellent choice for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it is also versatile and can be adapted to your preferences. Try it and enjoy a delicious moment with your loved ones!