I always get asked for easy dinner ideas on Instagram, so I whipped up this crispy pan seared salmon with a fresh cucumber yogurt dip and pearled couscous, and its a winner! A 30-minute dinner thats so flavorful and fresh, its perfect for summer.
Summer heat usually means hassle-free dinners that don’t require much kitchen time. A grilled piece of protein with a fresh salad is always my go-to. This lightly seasoned salmon pairs so perfectly with the yogurt dip, and is so quick to whip up.
The only way I eat salmon these days is when it’s pan-seared. There’s really no other way. The trick to getting your salmon crispy is to heat your pan up really well. Add in a good quality oil, like olive oil, and cook for a few minutes on each side for that crisp. All you need a little salt, pepper and garlic powder and you’ve got salmon perfection.
The cucumber yogurt dip really elevates this dish. It’s super simple and fresh, and can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. It’s made of Greek yogurt, cucumbers, fresh lemon juice, dill, olive oil and spices. You can use is as a dip for veggies, in a wrap, or with your favorite toasted bread!
I love serving this with pearled couscous and a chopped salad, but feel free to play around with your sides because really, anything goes!
You guys are going to love this easy dinner idea, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Pan Seared Salmon with Pearled Couscous and Cucumber Yogurt Dip
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
PEARLED COUSCOUS
- 1 1/2 cups pearled couscous
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1 small Persian cucumber, chopped
- 2 tbsp chopped dill
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Serve with:
- Chopped cucumber and tomato salad
Directions
- Season the salmon with garlic powder, salt and pepper and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion on medium heat until browned, for 5-7 minutes. Stir every few minutes. Remove the onions from the pot, place into a small bowl and set aside.
- Pour your couscous into the same pot and stir over medium heat to toast slightly for a few minutes. Add in the water, cover the pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Add in the onions and season with salt a pepper.
- While the couscous cooks, heat a pan on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Add in the olive oil and cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes skin side up, then flip for additional 2-3 minutes. Cook time will vary on thickness of the salmon, mine took about 7 minutes.
- For the yogurt dip, mix everything together in a small bowl and serve over salmon with your couscous and a side salad.
You add them back in in step 4!
This was amazing!
Thank you! I’m so glad you tried it
I only made the salmon but it was so easy and so good! Would highly recommend for a quick and healthy meal!
Thank you, Katie!