Salmon with Lemon and Watercress Salad

This light and refreshing dish combines tender salmon with a zesty lemon dressing and crisp watercress salad, perfect for a healthy meal any day of the week. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with vibrant flavors.

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TIME50 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Salmon: 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped shallot 2 ½ teaspoons olive oil, divided ¼ teaspoon lemon zest 3 (6 ounce) fillets salmon Lemon-Pepper Sauce: ½ cup creme fraiche 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste Salad: 1 ½ cups watercress, chopped ¼ cup chopped fresh dill ¼ cup chopped fresh tarragon 2 teaspoons olive oil 1 lemon, cut into wedges

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by mixing honey, lemon juice, shallot, olive oil, and lemon zest in a shallow dish. Add the salmon fillets and turn them gently to coat. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, up to an hour, so the flavors can meld.

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Step 2

While the salmon marinates, whisk together the crème fraîche, lemon juice and zest, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, to make a simple lemon-pepper sauce.

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Step 3

Next, toss the watercress, dill, and tarragon with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste—that will be your fresh, zesty salad.

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Step 4

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Give it a little brush of olive oil so the salmon won’t stick. Place the salmon on the sheet, including any marinade left in the dish.

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Step 5

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. To serve, pile some salad on each plate, top with the salmon, and drizzle with the lemon-pepper sauce. Don’t forget to add extra sauce on the side and some lemon wedges for squeezing over.

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the fish; it should be tender and flaky, not dry.
- Dress the watercress just before serving to keep it crisp and vibrant.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines rich, tender salmon with the bright, peppery flavor of watercress and zesty lemon. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for a healthy meal that feels special without much effort. The balance of flavors makes it satisfying and refreshing at the same time.

Serving ideas

Pair with a side of roasted new potatoes or a simple quinoa salad for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the fresh citrus notes nicely.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the watercress salad separate and dress it only before serving to maintain its freshness and crunch.