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This elegant dish brings together perfectly baked salmon with a sweet maple glaze and a refreshing citrus salad full of crunch and brightness. The lime-infused marinade gives the fish a subtle zing while caramelizing beautifully in the oven. Paired with spinach, cucumber, and juicy pomelo segments, it is a colorful plate that is as nourishing as it is satisfying.
I love making this on a weeknight when I want something light but full of flavor. It always looks like I spent more time than I did which makes it a favorite for hosting.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet: provides healthy omega 3s and rich flavor
- Lime juice: enhances brightness and tenderizes the fish
- Maple syrup: adds natural sweetness and caramelizes while baking
- Herbal pepper: gives a balanced aromatic kick
- Sesame rapeseed oil: helps develop a silky glaze and rich mouthfeel
- Baby spinach: brings softness and is loaded with iron and vitamins
- Cucumber: adds refreshing crunch and pairs well with citrus
- Pomelo: offers juicy brightness and balances the richness of salmon
- Cranberries: provide bursts of tart sweetness for contrast
- Black sesame seeds: create nutty crunch and visual contrast
- Salt and pepper: season the dressing to taste
- Extra lime juice: in the dressing boosts citrus tone
- Sesame rapeseed oil: in dressing brings consistency and smoothness
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl combine lime juice and herbal pepper. Slowly whisk in sesame rapeseed oil and maple syrup until fully emulsified
- Marinate the Salmon:
- Place the salmon in a shallow container and pour marinade over. Seal and refrigerate for one hour to absorb flavors fully
- Bake the Salmon:
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Transfer salmon to a baking dish with leftover marinade and bake for 20 minutes until golden and flaky
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash and dry spinach thoroughly. Slice cucumber into even thin rounds. Peel pomelo and split into small bite sized segments
- Make the Dressing:
- In a jar combine lime juice salt and pepper. Add oil then seal and shake until the dressing becomes cloudy and well mixed
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large serving bowl layer spinach first then top with cucumber slices and pomelo segments distributed evenly
- Plate and Finish:
- Let baked salmon rest for 2 minutes then slice. Place over the salad and garnish with cranberries and sesame seeds. Drizzle dressing right before serving
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days but keep dressing separate to avoid soggy spinach. Salmon can be reheated gently in a low oven or flaked cold onto greens
Ingredient Substitutions
Use grapefruit if pomelo is unavailable for similar acidity and sweetness. For sesame rapeseed oil you can substitute with light sesame or grapeseed oil. Try arugula instead of spinach for a peppery kick
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Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or warm quinoa on the side. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the citrus notes and cuts through the richness of salmon
Cultural Context
This dish draws from East Asian and modern fusion influences with sesame lime and maple as key accents. Pomelo is a traditional fruit used widely in Southeast Asian cooking for its fragrant tartness
I especially love how pomelo balances everything here. The first time I served this to guests they thought it came from a restaurant kitchen. The textures always impress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the salmon before marinating to ensure the glaze adheres and the texture remains tender.
- → What can I substitute for pomelo?
Grapefruit is a great alternative to pomelo, offering a similar citrusy brightness and texture to the salad.
- → How long should I marinate the salmon?
Let the salmon marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the fish.
- → Can I prepare the salad in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- → What makes the glaze caramelize?
The maple syrup in the marinade caramelizes during baking, creating a glossy finish and enhancing the salmon’s flavor.
- → Should I toast the sesame seeds?
Lightly toasting the sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delicious crunch to the final dish.