A big tasty of summer even in the winter! Quickly pan seared salmon served on a bed of quinoa flavored with fresh Florida strawberries, topped with strawberry slices.
24 Florida strawberries, divided in half, stems removed
1 clove garlic
1/3 cup fresh basil
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp honey
pinch of salt
pinch of lavender or mint (I used dried but go with fresh if available!)
1/3 cup feta cheese
1 1/4 cup quinoa
2 1/2 cups water
12 ozs wild salmon
1 tbsp canola oil
Instructions
Start cooking the quinoa. Heat the water to boiling, stir in the quinoa. Reduce heat to medium low, and simmer covered for 16 to 20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
Cut 12 of the strawberries into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Set aside to finish the dish.
Meanwhile, make the strawberry puree. Place 12 of the strawberries and the garlic in a food processor, whir to puree the strawberries. Add the basil, olive oil, honey, pinch of salt and mint or lavender. Puree again to liquify and combine all the puree ingredients. Set aside.
When the water in the quinoa has been absorbed after the 16 to 20 minute simmer time, remove covered and stir the quinoa with a fork.
Stir the strawberry puree in with the quinoa. Add the feta, stir to combine. Cover the quinoa to keep warm while you pan sear the salmon.
Spray a skillet with cooking oil and add the tablespoon of canola oil. Heat the pan on medium high.
Rinse and pat the salmon dry. When the pan is good and hot, place the fish skin side down, and cook for 4 minutes without moving the fish.
After 4 minutes, use a spatula to turn the fish over.
Cook the salmon 2 minutes after turning it flesh side down.
Turn the fish back to the skin side one more time and let it cook in for 1 to 2 more minutes. At this point, gently cut open the fish at a thick spot to check for doneness. The actual time will depend on the thickness of your fillet, but it likely be done after the 8 minutes total cook time.
Remove the salmon to a platter, and cut into serving portions.
Plate a portion of the quinoa and strawberry puree. Place a portion of salmon on the quinoa, then finish by sprinkling the salmon slices over the salmon and quinoa. Enjoy this healthy and tasty meal featuring Florida strawberries!