Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Couscous in Foil Packets

Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Couscous in Foil Packets

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pearl couscous
1 lb boneless salmon filets (skin on or removed)
olive oil
2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
1 large zucchini, sliced
1 yellow summer squash. sliced
1 red onion, sliced
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
¾ cup sliced Kalamata olives
2 lemons, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
freshly ground pepper
Kosher salt
4 fl oz vegetable broth
½ cup chopped Italian parsley

Directions

Prepare couscous to package directions. Pre heat the grill to medium high (400-450 degrees.) If cooking over an open flame, place a grill grate over the fire.

Place a large piece of tin foil on a work surface. Drizzle some olive oil on the bottom.
For each salmon slice, layer on the following (remember to divide all ingredients into four portions): 1/2 cup cooked couscous, one slice salmon, yellow summer squash, zucchini, tomato, onion, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, lemon slices, garlic, sprinkle with salt and pepper & parsley. Drizzle some broth and a little more oil over the top. Fold the foil edges over the salmon making a packet. Leave a little room in the packet for air to circulate.

Place the wrapped salmon over the grill or open flame and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon and your desired level of doneness. You can test salmon while it’s cooking by opening up the foil, but be careful of the steam! Using a sharp knife peek into the thickest part of the baked salmon. It’s almost done when it’s beginning to flake, but still has a little translucency in the middle. Once your salmon flakes easily with a fork, it’s done. If you like it a bit more on the rare side take it off the grill at the very slightly translucent phase and let it rest off the grill for a few minutes before serving.

You can also bake this in the oven! Simply follow all of the prep work and preheat the oven to 375˚F. Place the wrapped salmon on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is done to your liking. See Step 4 for how to judge doneness.

This salmon can also be enjoyed the day after you cook it. Simply reheat in a lightly oiled skillet or in the microwave.

~ Marla Meridith

Recipe: Butternut Squash Couscous Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

We love this light couscous salad with winter squash served as a holiday side or weekday lunch.

Ingredients

2 cups couscous, cooked to package directions
1 1/2 – 2 lb butternut squash
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
handful of fresh mint, chopped
Orange Vinaigrette
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1/2 cup olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cook the couscous and toss with some olive oil.

Cook the butternut squash: pierce the squash several times with a sharp knife. Place on a plate and microwave on high for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the microwave and let cool until you can handle it. Cut in half, remove seeds, cut into bite sized pieces trimming off the skin as you go.

Prepare the dressing: Combine all the ingredients in a blender or whisk until you have a smooth dressing. Adjust any ingredients to taste. Combine the couscous with the squash, pomegranate, and mint. Toss with dressing or serve the dressing on the side.

~ Marla Meridith

Butternut Squash Couscous Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Ingredients

Directions

~ Marla Meridith