3 Delicious Ways to Cook Salmon with Wild Rice and Asparagus

If you're on the hunt for a meal that's both nutritious and flavorful, then look no further. Salmon, known for its omega-3 fatty acids, pairs exceptionally well with wild rice and asparagus to create dishes that are not only healthy but downright delicious. Here, we'll dive into three distinct ways to prepare this powerhouse trio, ensuring your taste buds are in for a treat while your body benefits from the nutrition.

Grilled Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce, Wild Rice Pilaf, and Roasted Asparagus

The smoky, charred flavor of grilled salmon is a perfect match for the zesty, fresh taste of lemon-dill sauce.

Grilled Salmon

• Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Place the salmon on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Lemon-Dill Sauce

• While the salmon grills, mix ¹⁄₂ cup Greek yogurt, juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, salt, and a pinch of pepper in a bowl. This sauce not only complements the salmon but also adds a bright, citrusy note.

Wild Rice Pilaf

• Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
• Once cooked, add finely chopped onions, carrots, and a sprinkle of thyme for added flavor. Sauté until vegetables are tender, then mix with the rice.

Roasted Asparagus

• Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until tender but still crisp.

🍽️ Note: Always ensure your asparagus is fresh; look for bright green, firm spears with closed tips.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze, Wild Rice Risotto, and Sautéed Asparagus

This method adds a sweet-spicy element to the salmon, creating a balanced flavor profile.

Pan-Seared Salmon

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of olive oil.
• Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then sear skin side down first for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Honey-Mustard Glaze

• Combine 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Brush over the salmon in the last minute of cooking to create a caramelized glaze.

Wild Rice Risotto

• Make a risotto by using wild rice instead of Arborio, gradually adding chicken or vegetable stock, and stirring until the rice is creamy.
• Add Parmesan cheese at the end for a luxurious touch.

Sautéed Asparagus

• Sauté asparagus spears in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for flavor.

🌿 Note: Sautéing asparagus with garlic adds a delightful aromatic depth to the dish.

Baked Salmon en Papillote with Wild Rice Salad and Asparagus

Cooking salmon en papillote or in parchment, seals in the flavors and keeps the fish incredibly moist.

Baked Salmon en Papillote

• Place salmon fillet on a parchment paper square, add slices of lemon, fresh dill, and a drizzle of white wine. Fold the parchment to seal tightly.
• Bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

Wild Rice Salad

• Mix cooked wild rice with dried cranberries, chopped almonds, green onions, and a vinaigrette of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and honey.

Asparagus

• Steam asparagus until tender-crisp, then season with salt and a hint of balsamic reduction.

🧄 Note: Experimenting with different oils like walnut or hazelnut can add an interesting twist to your wild rice salad.

Each of these cooking methods provides a unique dining experience, showcasing the versatility of salmon with wild rice and asparagus. Whether you're looking for a summer grill night, a quick weeknight meal, or a sophisticated dinner, these recipes have got you covered. Cooking salmon is not just about technique but also about balancing flavors and textures to make the dish memorable.