
Express Pearl Couscous with Honey Mustard Salmon, Sautéed Zucchini and Lemon Dill
A quick and original pearl couscous recipe featuring juicy salmon glazed with honey and mustard, golden sautéed zucchini, fresh spinach, and a bright touch of dill and lemon. Ready in under 30 minutes, balanced and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 180 g pearl couscous (dry)
- 500 g salmon fillets (skinless if preferred)
- 300 g zucchini (en medias lunas finas)
- 60 g fresh spinach (lightly packed)
- 60 g shallot (chopped fina)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 480 ml vegetable broth or water (for cocer the cuscús)
- 30 g Dijon mustard
- 21 g honey
- 1 unit lemon (zest and 2 tbsp/2 tbsp of zumo)
- 8 g fresh dill (chopped)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 14 g butter
- 5 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (or to taste)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, honey, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice, zest of half the lemon, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, half of the chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture over the salmon fillets.
- 2
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side and 2 to 3 minutes on the second side, until golden and cooked to your liking. If you prefer using the oven, bake it at 425°F (220°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- 3
3. In a medium saucepan, add the pearl couscous and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring once, until tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If there is excess liquid, drain gently.
- 4
4. While the couscous cooks, add the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil to the same skillet used for the salmon. Add the shallot and cook for 1 minute. Add the zucchini and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender and lightly golden.
- 5
5. Add the remaining garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Add the fresh spinach and stir for 1 minute until wilted. Add the butter, the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice, and the fresh dill. Mix well.
- 6
6. Add the cooked pearl couscous to the skillet with the zucchini and spinach. Season with the remaining salt if needed and toss for 1 minute to combine the flavors.
- 7
7. Serve the pearl couscous on plates or bowls, top with the glazed salmon, and finish with the zest from the remaining half lemon and a little extra dill if desired.
Chef tips
For the best texture, do not overcook the pearl couscous; it should be tender but still slightly firm. You can also gently flake the salmon over the couscous just before serving.
Substitutions
You can substitute the salmon with trout or sliced chicken. Shallot can be replaced with mild red onion, and dill with fresh parsley or chives. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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