Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad

Recipe Title: Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad

Tags: Salmon, Kale, Apple, Salad, Seafood, Gourmet, Healthy

Estimated Calories: 650 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

For the Kale and Apple Salad:

• 4 cups kale, washed and chopped
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
   • Add the chopped kale to the dressing. Massage the kale with your hands for about 5 minutes until it softens.
   • Toss the sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese with the kale. Set aside.

2. Cook the Salmon:

   • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the salmon fillets skin-side down.
   • Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, until the skin is crispy and the salmon is mostly cooked through.
   • Carefully flip the fillets and add the butter, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pan.
   • Baste the salmon with the melted butter and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until cooked to your preferred doneness.
   • Remove from the heat and sprinkle with fresh dill.

3. Assemble and Serve:

   • Divide the kale and apple salad between two plates.
   • Place a salmon fillet on top of each salad serving.
   • Drizzle any remaining pan sauce over the salmon.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet meal!

Notes:

• For a richer flavor, marinate the salmon in lemon juice and dill for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
• Adjust the seasoning of the salad dressing to taste after tossing with kale.