Easy Summer Recipes: 3 Delicious Salmon Dishes to Try

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with light and refreshing meals that showcase the season’s bountiful produce. Among the many options, salmon dishes stand out as a popular choice due to their delightful taste and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a family picnic, or simply looking for a quick and healthy dinner, these three easy-to-make salmon recipes are sure to impress your taste buds and your guests.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Salmon Skewers

Grilled salmon skewers are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors that capture the essence of summer. The combination of succulent salmon, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs creates a dish that is both light and satisfying. Here’s how to make this delightful recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the salmon cubes to the bowl and toss gently until they are coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Thread the marinated salmon cubes and lemon slices alternately onto the skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side or until the salmon is cooked through and has a slightly charred appearance.
6. Serve the grilled lemon herb salmon skewers with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful summer meal.

2. Baked Maple Glazed Salmon

If you prefer a sweeter and slightly caramelized flavor, then this baked maple glazed salmon recipe is the perfect choice. The combination of maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic infuses the salmon with a delectable sweetness that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds of salmon fillet
• 1/4 cup of maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet and brush the maple glaze generously over the top.
4. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it is cooked through and the glaze has caramelized.
5. Garnish the baked maple glazed salmon with fresh thyme leaves for an added touch of elegance.

3. Chilled Salmon and Cucumber Salad

On hot summer days, there’s nothing more refreshing than a chilled salmon and cucumber salad. This no-cook recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of cooked and chilled salmon, flaked
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup of fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons of capers
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, cucumber slices, red onion, chopped dill, and capers.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salmon and cucumber mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve the chilled salmon and cucumber salad as a light and refreshing appetizer or main course during your summer gatherings.

Conclusion

As the summer heat rolls in, these three delicious salmon dishes will elevate your culinary repertoire and add a touch of sophistication to your summer gatherings. From the zesty grilled lemon herb salmon skewers to the sweet and savory baked maple glazed salmon and the refreshing chilled salmon and cucumber salad, these recipes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, get ready to savor the flavors of summer with these easy-to-make, mouthwatering salmon dishes!