Salmon and Couscous Salad With Cucumber-Feta Dressing

Courtesy of NYTCooking

Salmon is always in rotation for our weekly dinner and this Mediterranean dish was super flavorful, filled with fresh herbs and a refreshing feta cucumber dressing. For the salmon, I decided to slow roast it at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. It cooks the salmon beautifully without drying it out and losing all of its flavor. For the couscous, I opted to use a combination of beef broth and chicken stock instead of water as it just brings more flavor to the couscous and the dish overall. Instead of mixing the dressing into the couscous salad, I left it on the side but would be delicious tossed together as well.

Ingredients:

Yield:

4 servings

3 (6-ounce) skin-on (or skinless) salmon fillets

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Kosher salt and black pepper

1teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

2 limes, 1 halved and 1 zested and juiced

1½cups pearl couscous

1½cups baby arugula

1cup thick, full-fat yogurt, such as Greek, Skyr or labneh

½ cup crumbled feta

¼ packed cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, cilantro or dill leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped

¼ packed cup fresh mint leaves and tender stems, roughly chopped

1Persian cucumber, diced into ½-inch pieces (about ¾ cup)

2 scallions, light green and white parts sliced

Directions:

Step 1: Heat the oven to 400 degrees. In the center of a sheet pan, place salmon skin-side down. Pat the salmon dry, then coat with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon cumin and ½ teaspoon turmeric. Coat 1 of the lime halves in some of the olive oil in the pan, then place cut-side up in the corner.

Step 2: Roast the salmon on the center rack until opaque on the outside and light pink in the center, about 18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 3: While the salmon roasts, make the couscous: In a lidded pot over medium-high heat, toast the couscous, uncovered, stirring until fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 cups water, season with salt, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to maintain an active simmer, then cook until the couscous is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the couscous in a colander, then drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat. Stir in the arugula, letting it wilt. Leave in the sink to cool slightly while you make the dressing.

Step 4: Prepare the dressing: In a serving bowl, combine the yogurt with ¼ cup room temperature water and the zest and juice of 1 lime, then whisk until smooth. Add the remaining ½ teaspoon cumin, plus ¼ cup feta, most of the herbs (reserving some for garnish) and the cucumber. Stir to combine, then season to taste with salt. Set aside.

Step 5: Add the cooked couscous and arugula to the yogurt mixture, tossing to combine. Remove the salmon from the skin, then flake with a fork. Add half the salmon to the couscous, mixing it together. Place the remaining salmon on top, squeeze the roasted lime half over the dish, then garnish with the scallions, remaining feta, parsley and mint. Quarter the remaining lime half and serve it on the side.