Sesame Honey Garlic Salmon with Creamy & Crunchy Couscous Salad
Prep time : 20 minutes | Cook time : 20 minutes | Makes 3 servings
This is one of those meals that feels elevated but comes together effortlessly. Tender salmon glazed in a sticky honey garlic soy marinade and finished with sesame seeds, served alongside a creamy pearl couscous salad packed with crunch, herbs, and bright citrus. It’s cozy, fresh, and perfect for an easy dinner that still feels special.
INGREDIENTS
For the salmon
3 salmon fillets
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
3 tbsp honey
2 tbsp sesame oil
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
2 tbsp sesame seeds
For the creamy couscous
1 cup pearl couscous, cooked as per package instructions
2 mini cucumbers, diced into small cubes
2 celery stems, diced into small cubes
3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus extra for garnish
1/2 cup fresh herbs, finely chopped (I used only parsley for this one, but you can also use mint and cilantro)
Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
About 1/2 cup tzatziki
Juice of 1 lime
Alternative dressing (if you don’t have tzatziki):
⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
4 large garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Place the salmon on a lined baking sheet or shallow dish and spoon the marinade over top. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the salmon as soon as they come out of the oven.
While the salmon cooks, combine the cooked couscous, cucumbers, celery, green onions, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together your dressing of choice until smooth, then pour over the couscous and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra citrus if needed. If it’s not creamy enough, add more tzatziki.
Serve the sesame salmon warm alongside the creamy couscous. Top with green onion. This dish is just as good the next day, making it perfect for leftovers and lunches.
