Grilled Salmon with Steamed Veggies, Avocado, and Cucumber
Description
This is a light, nutritious, and visually appealing meal perfect for lunch or dinner. The salmon is perfectly grilled, tender, and flavorful, while the steamed vegetables remain crisp and vibrant. Fresh avocado adds creaminess, and cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, making it a well-balanced plate rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ lemon, sliced (for garnish and flavor)
For the Steamed Vegetables:
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup carrot slices
½ cup green beans
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1 teaspoon olive oil for drizzling
For the Salad:
½ avocado, sliced
½ cucumber, thinly sliced
Optional: sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of lemon juice
Time Required
Preparation time: 10–15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Brush both sides with olive oil.
Season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Grill the Salmon
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Place the salmon skin-side down.
Grill for 4–5 minutes on one side until grill marks appear.
Flip carefully and grill for another 3–4 minutes until cooked through (internal temp ~145°F or 63°C).
Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes.
3. Steam the Vegetables
Fill a pot with 1–2 inches of water and bring to a boil.
Place the vegetables in a steamer basket over boiling water.
Cover and steam for 5–7 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Remove and season lightly with salt and a drizzle of olive oil if desired
4. Prepare Avocado and Cucumber
Slice the avocado and cucumber thinly.
Optionally, sprinkle with lemon juice or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
5. Plate and Serve
Place the grilled salmon on a plate.
Arrange the steamed vegetables beside it.
Add avocado and cucumber slices on the side.
Garnish with lemon slices and enjoy immediately.
Nutritional Benefits
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
Steamed Vegetables: High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Avocado: Healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamin E.
Cucumber: Low-calorie, hydrating, and adds freshness.
Common Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I bake the salmon instead of grilling?
A1: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until flaky and cooked through.
Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A2: Absolutely. Just steam slightly longer (1–2 extra minutes) to reach tenderness.
Q3: How do I know when salmon is cooked perfectly?
A3: It should be opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork. Internal temp should be ~145°F (63°C).
Q4: Can I add a sauce?
A4: Lemon butter or a light herb yogurt sauce pairs well without overpowering the freshness.
Q5: Can this be made ahead?
A5: You can prep the vegetables and salad ahead, but salmon is best cooked fresh for optimal taste and texture.
If you want, I can also create a simple 1-pan meal version where salmon and veggies cook together for an even faster, easy cleanup option