cajun salmon + creamy cucumber fennel salad

serves: 4

serving size: ¼ recipe

macros: 2V 1P 1C 1F

prep time: 25 min 

cook time: 20 min

gather:

• 4 x 4 oz salmon filets

• 1 Tbsp oil [of choice]

• 1 Tbsp cajun seasoning

• 1 lemon [thinly sliced]

• ⅔ cup quinoa

• 1 ⅓ cups water [filtered]

• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt [DF optional]

• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 garlic clove [minced]

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 Tbsp dill [freshly chopped] OR 1 tsp [dried]

• 2 English cucumbers [thinly sliced]

• 1 fennel bulb [fronds removed [reserve 1 frond] + bulb thinly sliced]

• 2 Tbsp fennel fronds [chopped]

• 1 shallot [thinly sliced]

how-to:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

2. Then, drizzle oil over the salmon and season with cajun seasoning + ground black pepper. Top with lemon slices and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

3. Meanwhile, place quinoa and water in a small pot and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until all water has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

4. Then, prepare the creamy cucumber salad dressing: in a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, apple cider vinegar, garlic, honey, salt, pepper and dill. 

5. Add cucumber, fennel, fennel fronds and shallot to the prepared dressing. Toss until evenly coated. 

6. To serve, divide cooked quinoa between 4 plates, top with salmon and serve with cucumber-fennel salad on the side.

note: if not serving immediately, keep dressing separate from vegetables until ready to serve.

vegetarian version: swap 16 oz extra-firm tofu [sliced into 4 equal filets] for salmon in step 2.

functional flavors:

• salmon: salmon is a robust source of omega-3 fatty acids [specifically DHA], which helps to promote brain + eye health. These fatty acids also keep inflammation at bay and repair damaged tissues in the body.

• quinoa: quinoa is an ancient grain that has gained its position in the spotlight because, unlike most plant-based foods, it supplies all 9 of the essential amino acids in proportional amounts, making it a complete protein.

• yogurt: yogurt is bursting at the seams with beneficial strains of bacteria that improve gut health. When purchasing dairy-free OR dairy-full yogurt, opt for one with live + active cultures for maximum benefit.

• cucumbers: cucumbers are cooling vegetables that can reduce inflammation when used topically. The skin of cucumbers also contains cucurbitacins, bitter compounds that improve liver health + function!

• fennel: not only is fennel soothing for gas + bloat, it also contains beta-carotene + vitamin C to support collagen production for glowing + youthful skin

• honey: honey is loaded with minerals + antibacterial nutrients, giving this natural sweetener a medicinal profile. While it is best known for easing seasonal allergies, it can even be used topically to help speed up wound healing.

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