Zesty Lemon Salmon with Blueberry-Corn Medley
Indulge in this vibrant and healthful dish that’s perfect for summer grilling! Inspired by Priscilla Yee's winning recipe from the March 2009 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, this gorgeous salmon is infused with zesty lemon and a hint of cumin, complemented by a refreshing corn salad studded with juicy blueberries. The inspiration for this recipe came from a desire to create flavorful meals while prioritizing health after her father's heart attack. Enjoy this delectable dish that not only promotes better eating but also resonates with heartwarming family stories. Serve it with brown rice or noodles for a complete meal, and don’t hesitate to prepare the corn salad a day in advance for enhanced flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
corn kernels
1 1/2 cups (cooked and cooled)
sweet red pepper
1/3 cup (chopped)
chives
1/4 cup (snipped)
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (thinly sliced)
pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons
lemon juice
2 tablespoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon
lemon peel
2 teaspoons (finely shredded)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
fresh skinless salmon fillets
16-20 ounces (4 fillets (4-5 ounces each))
fresh blueberries
1 1/2 cups
nonstick cooking spray
(for grilling)
lemon slice
(optional for garnish)
basil sprig
(optional for garnish)
paprika
(for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Corn Salad: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked and cooled corn kernels, chopped sweet red pepper, snipped chives, and thinly sliced fresh basil. Stir in maple syrup, lemon juice, and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2
Create the Salmon Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together fine lemon peel, ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. This will add a flavorful kick to your salmon.
3
Prepare the Salmon: Lightly coat both sides of the salmon fillets with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over each fillet, ensuring a good coverage.
4
Grill the Salmon: If using a charcoal grill, preheat and prepare the coals until medium in heat. Grill the salmon fillets uncovered over the coals for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they easily flake with a fork. If using a gas grill, preheat and reduce the heat to medium, then place the salmon fillets on the grill rack and cover. Grill as directed.
5
Add Extra Flavor: Once the salmon is nearly done, sprinkle a touch of paprika on each fillet for added color and warmth.
6
Final Touches: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries into the corn salad just before serving. Plate the grilled salmon alongside the blueberry-corn medley. Garnish with optional lemon slices and fresh basil sprigs for a touch of elegance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Zesty Lemon Salmon with Blueberry-Corn Medley.
Who inspired the original version of this dish?
The dish was inspired by Priscilla Yee's winning recipe from the March 2009 issue of Better Homes & Gardens.
What type of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16-20 ounces of fresh skinless salmon fillets.
How is the salmon cooked?
The salmon is grilled over medium heat for 8 to 12 minutes.
What ingredients make up the corn salad?
The salad consists of cooked corn kernels, sweet red pepper, chives, fresh basil, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and blueberries.
Are the blueberries cooked with the salmon?
No, the blueberries are folded into the corn salad fresh just before serving.
How many salmon fillets does this recipe serve?
The recipe yields 4 fillets, each weighing approximately 4-5 ounces.
Can I prepare the corn salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the corn salad a day in advance to allow the flavors to enhance.
What seasonings are used for the salmon rub?
The salmon is seasoned with finely shredded lemon peel, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
What should I serve with this salmon dish?
It is recommended to serve this dish with brown rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant and healthful dish suitable for clean eating and low cholesterol diets.
Can I use a gas grill for this recipe?
Yes, if using a gas grill, preheat it and then reduce the heat to medium before cooking.
What is the recommended cooking time for the salmon?
The recommended grilling time is between 8 and 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What garnish is suggested for the final plate?
Optional garnishes include lemon slices and fresh basil sprigs for a touch of elegance.
How do you know when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork.
Why is paprika added to the salmon?
A touch of paprika is sprinkled on near the end of cooking for added color and warmth.
What kind of maple syrup is used in the corn medley?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup.
Should the corn kernels be raw when starting the salad?
No, the corn kernels should be cooked and cooled before mixing into the salad.
What type of pepper is used in the corn medley?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of chopped sweet red pepper.
How much lemon peel is required for the seasoning?
The seasoning requires 2 teaspoons of finely shredded lemon peel.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses snipped chives and thinly sliced fresh basil.
Is nonstick cooking spray necessary?
Yes, it is used to lightly coat both sides of the salmon fillets before grilling to prevent sticking.
What is the purpose of the cumin in this dish?
The ground cumin adds a flavorful kick to the salmon seasoning.
Should the salmon be grilled covered or uncovered?
On a charcoal grill, cook it uncovered. On a gas grill, you should cover it while grilling.
How much salt is used in total for the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3/4 teaspoon of salt (1/4 tsp in the salad and 1/2 tsp in the seasoning).
What season is this dish particularly recommended for?
This dish is described as being perfect for summer grilling.
How much fresh basil goes into the corn salad?
The corn salad requires 3 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh basil.
Are the salmon fillets skin-on or skinless?
The recipe specifies fresh skinless salmon fillets.
How much lemon juice is used in the medley?
The medley uses 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
What is the primary motivation mentioned for creating this healthy recipe?
The recipe was motivated by a desire to prioritize health following the creator's father's heart attack.