Saleh’s Plate · By Saleh Alkhalifa

Seared Salmon on Cucumber and Couscous Salad

Cook Seared Salmon on Cucumber and Couscous Salad with Saleh’s Plate.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Cucumber and Couscous Salad

  • 1 cup pearl couscous, cooked and cooled
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Press sesame seeds onto the flesh side of each fillet.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear salmon skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drizzle with lemon juice and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, combine cooked couscous, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine.
  4. Plate the salad, place the seared salmon on top, and garnish with extra herbs if desired.