People can be picky about fish, kids especially! But I’ve found that mine will always eat salmon. Perhaps it’s the texture, or the mild flavour, or maybe because it’s pink?! Anyway, whenever I serve this salmon Florentine with spinach and asparagus it’s always eaten up – even the bonus greens.
Lemon dill sauce
Typically, a lemon dill sauce is made with a ton of butter and served on the side. It is unctuous, golden, and heart-stoppingly rich. I’ve given the classic recipe a less calorific overhaul and made it more family-meal friendly. My salmon sauce recipe uses half butter, half olive oil, stock and crème fraiche and the fish is bathed gently in it. The trademark flavours, sharp lemon and fresh dill are still there, but without the clogged arteries. A sadly underused herb outside of Eastern Europe, you might not have used dill before. Or only encountered it floating listlessly in the bottom of a pickle jar. But this vibrantly coloured, flavoursome plant packs a surprisingly fresh punch. It’s both sweet and citrusy with a light anise tone, making it the perfect partner for delicate salmon.
Serving suggestions
In my house, dinner is a fairly consistent formula of protein, starchy carbs and vegetables or salad. So, for the carb component, I would serve this saucy salmon dish with hasselback potatoes with gremolata, as the little ridges act as sauce-catching tunnels. Or if I’m pushed for time Instant Pot mashed potatoes. Pasta works so well with any cream sauce for salmon, especially long pasta like spaghetti or linguine. Even better if you have some homemade fresh pasta. And for the greens, I’d put that leftover zested lemon to good use with lemon and garlic green beans or grill some asparagus.
Storage and leftovers
Leftover salmon and sauce can be covered in an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, cover the portion with foil and cook for 15 minutes at 135C/275F. Make sure the salmon is cooked through before serving. The leftover cream-soaked and dill infused fish also makes for a delicious open sandwich or salad. Layer on toasted rye bread or make a hot cheesy salmon sandwich.
Other salmon recipes to try:
Pasta with Smoked Salmon Salmon Fishcakes with Creamy White Wine Sauce Salmon Burgers with Spice Carrot Cucumber Slaw Salmon with Basil Pesto
