Last Updated on November 17, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Look, I’ll be honest – I used to be that person who’d order takeout five times a week.
But then my doctor gave me “the talk” about my cholesterol levels (yikes!), and here I am, sharing this absolutely dreamy salmon and couscous creation that’s become my go-to for both weight management and pure eating pleasure.
Fun fact: Salmon consumption has skyrocketed by 240% in the past decade, and I’m definitely contributing to those numbers!
Why This Recipe Will Rock Your World
Before you roll your eyes at another “healthy recipe,” hear me out. This isn’t your bland, sad-looking diet food. This is the kind of dish that makes your Instagram followers slide into your DMs asking for the recipe.
And guess what?
According to recent studies, people who include fish in their weight loss diet lose 20% more weight compared to those who don’t. Now that’s what I call motivation!
The Perfect Balance of Nutrients
Hold onto your hats, nutrition nerds! This dish is packed with:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (because your brain deserves the good stuff)
- Complex carbs from the pearled couscous
- Lean protein from our star player, salmon
- Antioxidants from those gorgeous roasted tomatoes
A recent nutritional analysis showed that one serving provides 42% of your daily protein needs while keeping calories at a reasonable 425 per serving. Not too shabby, right?
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy peasy lemon squeezy
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 (6-oz) wild-caught salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (because who measures garlic with their heart?)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Couscous Salad:
- 2 cups pearled couscous
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 large handful fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons capers (trust me on this one)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Magic Happens Here (Instructions)
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). And yes, actually wait for it to preheat fully!
- For the Salmon:
- Pat those salmon fillets dry (seriously, don’t skip this step)
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Slather this mixture all over your salmon like you’re applying sunscreen
- Let it hang out for 10 minutes to soak up all that flavor
- For the Tomatoes:
- Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Spread them on a baking sheet
- Roast for 15-20 minutes until they’re all wrinkly and cute
- For the Couscous:
- Bring vegetable broth to a boil
- Add couscous, stir once (don’t be that person who keeps stirring!)
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes
- Fluff with a fork and let it cool slightly
- The Grand Finale:
- Cook salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes (or until it flakes easily)
- Mix couscous with roasted tomatoes, red onion, capers, and basil
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Gently flake the salmon over the top
- Give it a final toss, but be gentle – we’re not making salmon mush here!
Pro Tips (Because We’re Friends Now)
- Make sure your salmon is room temperature before cooking
- Don’t overcook the couscous – no one likes mushy pearls
- This dish actually tastes better the next day (meal prep win!)
- Fresh basil is non-negotiable – don’t even think about using dried
Storage Tips
Keep this beauty in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Though let’s be real – it never lasts that long in my house!
Why This Recipe Works for Weight Loss
The combination of lean protein and complex carbs keeps you fuller longer, while the healthy fats from salmon and olive oil satisfy those cravings that usually send you diving into the snack drawer at midnight.
Plus, it’s so dang tasty that you won’t feel like you’re on a diet!
Final Thoughts
Look, we all want to eat healthier, but nobody wants to feel like they’re chewing on cardboard. This recipe is my love letter to anyone who thinks healthy eating has to be boring.
It’s helped me drop those stubborn pounds while actually enjoying my meals. And isn’t that the whole point?