Golden seared salmon, tender fingerling potatoes and fresh green beans, and plenty of other nicoise salad goodness comes together in this beautiful main-dish salad!
I mark this day. In the three years, six months, and seven days I’ve had a blog this is the FIRST seafood recipe you’ve seen. Not even kidding, guys.
Why the lack of fish, you may ask? Because seriously, if you had asked me like a year ago if I liked fish and seafood the answer would have been a flat NOOOOO.
It’s amazing how nearly 9 months of culinary school can completely 180 those tastebuds. Although seafood will never be my first choice for a protein, I definitely have a brand-new respect for it. But just fish, mind you. Shrimp, oysters, lobster, scallops, and generally anything that lives on the ocean floor is still a big no.
My current fishy favorites? Salmon, mahi-mahi, sea bass…OH and that dover sole we made in entree class yesterday. Yeee-ummmmm.
Oh, speaking of school…I’m in complete disbelief right now that tomorrow is my last day of spring semester. Like, that’s not even possible—exactly half of culinary school is behind me and my summer vacay officially begins after tomorrow.
EEK.
Also…I feel as though I should probably tell you about this salad before I’m like 30. Sorry for all the rambling today—I had lots of info you totally needed to know.
But this salad! This nicoise salad! Obviously salad-for-dinner week is still in session and that means you get to see things like THIS >>>
Things like…
- Perfectly caramelized seared salmon
- Tender fingerling potatoes and green beans
- Eggs and ‘maters
- Herb-packed vinaigrettes
All hanging out in one bowl of nicoise salad per-fect-ion. Seriously, there’s no beating this bowl—it’s mighty huge salad competition for yesterday’s and the still-yet-to-come salads.
But right at this moment? It’s the fav and guys, that is HUGE coming from the former fish-hater.
Maybe it’s all the glorious color. Or the fact that that seared salmon on top is so pretty it’s making me positively weak in the knees. Seriously, hold me.
When YOUR knees undoubtedly give out in the presence of such nicoise salad perfection…just make sure you’re conveniently positioned over the salad bowl for a completely “accidental” faceplant.
That’s called salad fate. **multiple winks**
Seared Salmon Nicoise Salad with Roasted Garlic Herb Dressing
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb fingerling potatoes halved
- 1/2 lb fresh green beans trimmed
- 2 4-oz skinless salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 hard-boiled eggs
- 2 large tomatoes sliced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce
- DRESSING:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves roasted garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
Instructions
- Place halved fingerling potatoes in a medium pot. Cover with water. Bring potatoes to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and let potatoes simmer until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Remove potatoes from hot water and place in a large bowl, reserving hot water in pot.
- In same pot, bring water back to a boil. Once boiling add green beans and let simmer 5-8 minutes until tender. Drain beans and immediately plunge them in ice water to cool them immediately. Drain beans and combine with potatoes.
- Sprinkle salmon fillets on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high, heat olive oil until shimmery. Place salmon fillets in hot pan and sear on first side 3-4 minutes or until golden. Carefully flip fillets and cook on opposite side 5-6 additional minutes or until salmon is a light pink. Set aside.
- Toss eggs, tomatoes, and lettuce with cooked beans and potatoes in a large bowl. Set aside for a moment while you prepare the dressing.
- Make the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, shake all dressing ingredients until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and gently toss to coat. Arrange seared salmon on top and drizzle with more dressing. Serve salad immediately once tossed in dressing. Enjoy!
Nutrition
You’ve GOT to try this healthy twist on caesar salad next!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Wow…I’m shocked that you like fish now! It’s such an acquired taste for most people. But bring on the salmon recipes because it’s my absolute favorite! Such a gorgeous dish, especially with those beans!
Sarah says
I know!! I grew up hating fish and it was only less than a year ago when I changed my mind! LOL. Salmon is totally one of my favorites now too! 🙂
Vivian | stayaliveandcooking says
So nice to hear that you changed your mind, can’t believe this is the first fish recipe! First of many? 😉
Actually my boyfriend would say NOOOO too, so I don’t eat fish too often either… But this looks delish! Salmon is the best <3
Sarah says
Oh, most definitely the first of many! I’m already planning more fishy recipes for the summer. 😉 Thanks Vivian!
Izzy @ She Likes Food says
This salad is so bright and beautiful, Sarah!! I’m loving it!! Seafood has never been a big favorite of mine either, but I have always enjoyed salmon and it’s so good for you that it’s hard not to eat it! This is definitely a whole meal kind of salad, which are my favorites 🙂
Sarah says
Yes it’s SO good for you and tastes pretty amazing too! 😉 Thanks for the sweet words, Izzy! xoxo
mira says
I didn’t realize there are no seafood recipes on your blog Sarah 🙂 So glad you posted this, it is one of my favorite salads! Looks awesome!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Mira!! 🙂
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Allergy Friendly Eats says
Oh, what a lovely and healthy meal! I love salmon, and other fish, too, but I don’t get much more adventurous than that. No crab or scallops or anything for me! 🙂
Sarah says
Haha I’m totally the same way—I’m only interested in the basic seafood!
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
You are seriously the QUEEN of amazing salads! This salad looks incredible!
Sarah says
And you are seriously the sweetest, Bethany!! Thanks for the kind words as always! <3
Lady T says
Oh my goodness Sarah, FIRST seafood recipe???? I haven’t even known about your blog for three years, six months and seven days, but now that you say it, I guess I indeed HAVEN’T seen any fishy recipes…and I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove salmon sooo, this is DELIGHTFUL!!! Did I mention I love salmon? Well yes I do! Not a huge fan of SEAFOOD per se – but salmon fillets or fish in general, oh yes. And this looks absolutely delicious. As well as pretty – oh the vibrant colors in the photo? You’re impressive, girl!
Sarah says
So glad to hear that you’re a big fan of salmon too, because there’s definitely more recipes coming soon! Thanks for the kind compliments. 🙂
Melanie @ Gather for Bread says
Oh my goodness! I need you as a chef in my house. This looks rockin’ good!
Sarah says
You are too sweet, Melanie!! 🙂
Amanda says
I like fish, but I hardly ever make it. I’m always afraid I’ll overlook it. But this looks amazing! And the dressing sounds so fresh and spring-like!
Sarah says
Thanks Amanda!! You definitely need to try this salad!
aimee @ like mother like daughter says
Salmon has recently become one of my favorite meals and this looks like such a great fresh way to have it!
Sarah says
Salmon is one of my new favs too!! Thanks Aimee!
Morgan says
Whoa, this disk looks so tasty and so fresh! Your salmon is cooked just right, and it makes an excellent topping for the salad! Your dressing sounds like it would be just as amazing as the dish itself! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Sarah says
Thank you for the sweet words, Morgan!!! 🙂
mia says
YUM this salad sounds amazing and the salmon over the top makes it perfect! Excited to try this dinner, thank you !
Sarah says
Thanks Mia! Let me know how this salad turns out for you!