Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice
Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor, this Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice is the perfect dish. Combining the richness of salmon with fresh, zesty ingredients makes it a delightful choice for any occasion, from family dinners to casual gatherings with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out not only for its vibrant flavors but also for its health benefits. Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Paired with the creamy avocados and fresh vegetables in the salad, you get a meal that’s not just delicious but also nutritious. Plus, the grilling technique brings out the natural flavors of the salmon, making it one that you’ll want to repeat time and time again.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
Directions:
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Prepare the Rice: In a medium pot, combine the rice and water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
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Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and dill. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Brush the salmon fillets generously with the garlic herb mixture. Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork. If you’re using skin-on salmon, grill skin-side down first for better crisping.
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Make the Avocado Tomato Salad: In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine. Sprinkle the fresh cilantro over the top for added flavor.
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Assemble the Dish: To serve, plate a portion of rice on each plate. Top with a grilled salmon fillet. Add a generous scoop of the avocado tomato salad next to the salmon.
How to Serve Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice
This dish is best served immediately while the salmon is still warm. You can add some lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick. Accompanying it with a glass of white wine enhances the dining experience, making for a perfect summertime meal.
How to Store Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon and salad can last for up to 2 days, but it’s best to enjoy them fresh. Reheat the salmon gently in the oven or on the grill. Avoid reheating the avocado salad, as avocados can brown and lose their texture.
Tips to Make Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice
- For the best flavor, marinate the salmon in the garlic herb mixture for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Use a fish spatula to flip the salmon easily without damaging it.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad.
Variation
Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables to the salad, such as bell peppers or cucumbers. You can also switch up the herbs based on your preference—basil or thyme works wonderfully as a substitute.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon as long as it’s thawed properly. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. -
What can I substitute for rice?
Quinoa or cauliflower rice are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lower-carb option. -
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the salad separate until you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
Grilled Garlic Herb Salmon with Avocado Tomato Salad & Rice
Ingredients
For the Grilled Salmon
- 4 fillets salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil for marinade
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Avocado Tomato Salad
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil for dressing
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
For the Rice
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- In a medium pot, combine the rice and water (or chicken broth) and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
Prepare the Salmon
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and dill.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Brush the salmon fillets generously with the garlic herb mixture.
- Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillets, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork.
- If you are using skin-on salmon, grill skin-side down first for better crisping.
Make the Avocado Tomato Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the fresh cilantro over the top for added flavor.
Assemble the Dish
- To serve, plate a portion of rice on each plate.
- Top with a grilled salmon fillet.
- Add a generous scoop of the avocado tomato salad next to the salmon.
