Description
Warm Couscous Salad With Salmon and Mustard-Dill Dressing is a comforting yet fresh dish made with tender pan-seared salmon, fluffy pearled couscous, and a bright lemon mustard dressing. Fresh dill and spinach add color and balance, making this recipe ideal for an easy dinner, meal prep, or a nourishing lunch that feels satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients
Salmon fillets, preferably wild caught
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Shallot, thinly sliced
Pearled couscous
Low sodium vegetable broth
Dijon mustard
Fresh lemon juice
Fresh dill, roughly chopped
Spinach leaves
Instructions
Pat the salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper
Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then place salmon skin side down and lower the heat
Cook until the skin becomes crisp and releases easily from the pan, then flip briefly until just cooked through
Transfer salmon to a plate, allow it to cool slightly, then flake gently and discard the skin
Wipe the skillet clean and heat olive oil over medium heat
Add sliced shallot with a pinch of salt and cook until soft and fragrant
Stir in the couscous and toast briefly until lightly golden
Pour in the vegetable broth and simmer until the couscous is tender and most liquid is absorbed
Drain excess liquid if needed and transfer couscous to a large bowl
Whisk Dijon mustard with fresh lemon juice until smooth
Fold the warm couscous into the dressing until evenly coated
Add chopped dill and spinach and stir gently until the spinach wilts
Gently fold in the flaked salmon and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
Garnish with additional dill and serve while warm
Notes
Drying the salmon thoroughly helps achieve crisp skin and better texture
Cooking the salmon gently prevents dryness and keeps it tender
Toasting the couscous enhances its nutty flavor and improves texture
Taste the dressing before combining and adjust with olive oil or salt as needed
This dish is best served warm but remains flavorful at room temperature
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean Inspired