Easy Dijon Citrus Salmon Recipe with Avocado Salad
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Are you looking for a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than our Citrus Salmon Recipe!
This delightful dish combines the richness of salmon with the zesty flavors of lemon and Dijon mustard to create a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.
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While you may prefer to skip to the recipe card, we suggest reading the entire blog post to avoid missing valuable tips and substitution suggestions and to ensure you have the necessary ingredients, equipment, and understanding of the steps and timings.
Citrus Salmon Recipe
This citrus salmon recipe is quick and simple to make for a weeknight dinner and looks fancy enough to serve at summer dinner parties.
Made in six steps, with simple ingredients, the easy salmon recipe can be on the dinner table in just under 30 minutes!
The first step is to make a dijon citrus vinaigrette, which is brushed on top of the salmon filets and left to marinade for a few minutes.
Meanwhile, a simple salad is made with torn mixed greens, fresh dill, avocado slices, thin slices of radish and cucumber, and topped with crumbled blue cheese and black sesame seeds.
To complement the fresh and vibrant salad, a simple creamy lemon dressing is drizzled on top, made with sour cream and fresh lemon.
The star of the dish is the fresh salmon, which is cooked in a grill pan for a few minutes on each side.
The result is a succulent and flaky salmon with a deliciously charred exterior.
To finish this delicious dinner recipe, place the cooked salmon onto the plate with the salad, and finish with the remaining mustard and citrus vinaigrette.
Dijon-Citrus Salmon
The citrus salmon’s refreshing flavors and vibrant presentation make it an ideal choice for various occasions.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back lunch with friends on a sunny patio, a cozy family dinner, or seeking a delightful pescatarian option for a backyard barbecue, this dish fits perfectly in any setting.
And if salmon is your favorite fish, try our Oven-Roasted Hot Honey Salmon made with spicy honey and lime juice, Orange-Glazed Salmon served with Asparagus, or our flavorsome Cajun Salmon with Avocado Salsa.
What Can I Serve With Citrus Salmon?
- Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes: Crisp, flavorful, and the perfect complement to salmon.
- Asparagus with Italian Gremolata: A tangy, refreshing side that pairs beautifully with the citrusy salmon.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: A healthy, hearty option to round out the meal.
- White Wine Sangria: A light, crisp beverage to match the dish’s freshness.
Ingredients & Equipment Used In This Recipe
The ingredients and tools in this recipe are conveniently linked to online retailers like Amazon or Amazon Fresh.
Ingredients Needed For Dijon-Citrus Salmon
- Fresh Produce – Lemon, Mixed Salad Greens, Avocado, Radishes, Dill, Cucumber
- Protein – Salmon Fillets (with Skin On)
- Chilled & Dairy – Blue Cheese, Sour Cream
- Pantry – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Black Pepper
- Dijon Mustard
- Black Sesame Seeds – An optional extra
The complete list of ingredients with measurements is on the recipe card at the end of this post.
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Equipment Needed For This Recipe
The Purple Pumpkin Blog uses both cups and weighted measurements in its recipes, making American cups and kitchen food scales valuable tools for trying all the recipes. We provide US customary, imperial, and metric measurements. Still, it’s important to note that while you can combine cup measurements with weighted measures, never mix US customary/imperial (pounds, ounces, pints, etc.) with metric (kilograms, grams, liters, etc.).
Reasons You’ll Love Citrus Salmon
- It’s nutritious and delicious, making it a perfect balance of health and flavor.
- The preparation is simple and quick, a great option for busy weekdays.
- It has a vibrant combination of flavors, from the tangy citrus to the earthy Dijon.
- This recipe is versatile and can easily be paired with different side dishes.
- It’s a light yet satisfying meal for summer dinners or lunches.
Dinner Party Menu Suggestions
You’ve made the main dish, but what about the rest of the courses?
Here are additional recipes to create a menu for a dinner party or special meal:
- Appetizer: Cream Cheese Canapés
- Soup: Instant Pot Creamy Asparagus Soup
- Side Dish: Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Potatoes
- Cocktail: Mint Grapefruit Mimosas
- Dessert: Creamy Banana Frozen Yogurt
How Do I Make Grilled Citrus Salmon?
The printable recipe card with the ingredients list and instructions can be found at the end of this post.
Number of Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Step 1 – Prepare Vinaigrette: Prepare the Dijon Citrus Vinaigrette by placing the olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine, and set it aside.
TIP! Alternatively, place the vinaigrette ingredients into a mason jar and shake to combine.
Step 2 – Season Salmon: Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper. Spoon one tablespoon of the vinaigrette over each piece of salmon and leave to rest for 5 minutes.
Step 3 – Prepare Salad: Meanwhile, arrange the lettuce, avocado, radishes, cucumber, and dill onto serving plates. Set them aside.
Step 4 – Prepare Salad Dressing: Whisk salad dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and add to each plate of salad.
Step 5 – Cook Salmon: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Place salmon filets into the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side to the desired degree of doneness.
TIP! Check the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 145°F (63°C)
Step 6 – Finish & Serve: Add one salmon filet to each salad plate, and sprinkle the salad with blue cheese and black sesame seeds if using. Drizzle with remaining Dijon Citrus Vinaigrette as desired. Enjoy!
TIP! If serving at a dinner party, garnish with lemon slices or a sprinkling of fresh herbs.
More Recipes Using Salmon
One of the hero ingredients in this recipe is salmon, so here are some more using the same:
Recipe Tips
- The cook time for salmon depends on the internal starting temperature and the thickness of the filets. Filets should flake easily with a fork when finished.
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel before seasoning to ensure it absorbs the flavors well.
- Avoid overcooking to maintain juicy, flakey salmon.
Storing Leftovers & Freezing
- Storing Leftovers:
- Cool (within 1-2 hours), transfer to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooked salmon. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing Instructions:
- Whilst you can freeze cooked salmon, the process can change the texture and flavor.
- It is best to enjoy this dish freshly cooked or enjoyed as cold leftovers the next day.
- If you do decide to freeze the leftover salmon, cool it completely and wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil (or an airtight, freezer-safe container) to help prevent freezer burn and eliminate unwanted freezer smells.
- Label with the dish’s name, thawing/reheating instructions, and the date to keep track of your food storage.
- Store in the freezer for 4-6 months.
- To defrost the salmon, unwrap it completely and place it in the fridge to thaw overnight (or at least 12 hours).
- Reheat in a microwave or at a low temperature in the oven until piping hot throughout.
- With all leftovers, ensure the food looks and smells okay before consuming.
- Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart for Cooking
- You can always consult the Food Standards Agency in your country for the most up-to-date advice on storing and freezing foods: Food Standards Agency (UK) | Food Safety (USA).
Printable Citrus Salmon Recipe Card
Below is the printable recipe card. To save ink, any demonstration photos on the recipe card are not printed out.
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Grilled Dijon Citrus Salmon & Salad
Our Citrus Salmon Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser! It is ideal for dinner parties.
Ingredients
- For the Vinaigrette:
- 6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tsp Dijon mustard
- Sea salt & black pepper
For the Salmon
- 4 (4-oz/100g) salmon filets with skin
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt & black pepper
For the Salad
- 3 cups mixed salad greens, torn into bite size pieces
- 1 medium avocado, pitted and sliced
- ½ cup sliced radishes
- ¼ cup fresh dill
- ½ cup thinly sliced cucumber
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- Black Sesame Seeds, to taste (optional)
For the Salad Dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ½ large lemon, juiced
- Sea salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dijon Citrus Vinaigrette by placing the olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl. Season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Whisk to combine, and set it aside.
- Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper. Spoon one tablespoon of the vinaigrette over each piece of salmon and leave to rest for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, arrange the lettuce, avocado, radishes, cucumber, and dill onto serving plates. Set them aside.
- Whisk salad dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and add to each plate of salad.
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a grill pan over medium heat. Add the salmon filets and cook for 3-5 minutes per side to the desired degree of doneness.
- Add one salmon filet to each salad plate, and sprinkle the salad with blue cheese and sesame seeds if using. Drizzle with remaining Dijon Citrus Vinaigrette as desired. Enjoy!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 460Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 32gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 455mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 5gSugar: 2gProtein: 11g
This site uses Nutritionix to provide estimated nutrition. Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
More Salad Recipes
Are you looking for more salads to make? Check these recipes out next:
FAQs About Salmon
Here are some questions people often ask about making salmon
Click the question to read the answer. If you have one of your own, please comment on this post!
To check the freshness of salmon fillets, look for vibrant color, firm texture, and a mild ocean-like smell. Avoid fish with strong fishy smells and a mushy or slimy texture. Purchase from reputable sources and consume soon after buying. Store properly in the refrigerator and use it within a day or two.
Salmon is healthy due to its richness in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals, and low saturated fat content. It promotes heart health and brain function and provides antioxidants for overall well-being.
Absolutely! Salmon skin is safe to eat and can add a delightfully crispy texture when cooked properly. Ensure that the skin is cleaned and cooked skin side down first to ensure that it is crispy.
The cooking time for salmon depends on various factors, including the thickness of the filets and the cooking method used.
As a general guideline, salmon typically takes about 3-5 minutes per side when grilled or pan-seared.
For oven-baked salmon, it usually takes around 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for medium doneness.
Always check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
Eating salmon with a slightly pink center is perfectly safe and delicious. In fact, many people prefer their salmon cooked to medium or medium-rare, as it retains its natural juiciness and flavor.
The white stuff on salmon is known as albumin, a protein that coagulates during cooking. It may appear as a white, slimy substance on the surface of the fish. While it is harmless, some people find it less appealing. To minimize the presence of albumin, avoid overcooking the salmon and cook it at a lower temperature.
Fully cooked salmon typically turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The color can vary from light pink to light orange, depending on the type of salmon. It’s important to avoid overcooking the fish, as it can lead to dryness.
Yes, you can enjoy cold salmon leftovers the next day. It can be a tasty addition to salads and sandwiches.
Try our Lemon and Dill Salmon with Herb Salad and Citrus Salad with Salmon and Avocado.
For grilling, salmon filets with the skin-on are an excellent choice. The skin helps keep the fish moist and prevents it from sticking to the grill. Coho, Sockeye, or Chinook salmon are popular choices for grilling due to their firm texture and rich flavor.
Salmon pairs well with various side dishes. Some delicious options include garlic butter asparagus, quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, couscous, or wild rice pilaf. You can also serve it with a side of mixed greens and a vinaigrette for a refreshing combination.
Try our Crispy Salmon with Herb Butter and Summer Vegetables or Asian Salmon made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic cloves.
The best vegetable to serve with salmon largely depends on personal preferences.
Some popular choices include grilled or roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a medley of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Try our Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes recipe.
The key is to choose vegetables that complement the flavors of the citrus salmon and create a well-balanced and satisfying meal.