Salmon with Creamy Cucumber-Dill Salad

By Jennifer Segal

Grilled salmon with a tangy and refreshing cucumber salad over top makes a light and easy weeknight dinner.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin on
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
  

For the Cucumber-Dill Salad

• 1 English cucumber (also called hothouse cucumber)
• 1/3 cup finely sliced red onion, from one small red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, best quality such as Hellmann's or Duke's
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  

Instructions

1. Cut the cucumber in half and then slice each half down the middle lengthwise. Use the tip of a teaspoon to scoop out the center seeds. Cut each half into thin slices and place in a colander along with the red onion slices. Toss with salt and let sit in the sink for at least 30 minutes, until the water drains out.
   
   
2. In the meantime, make the dressing: combine the sour cream, mayonnaise,
   white wine vinegar, dill, garlic, sugar and black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well.
   
   
3. When the cucumbers and onions are ready, release any excess water by tapping the colander on the base of the sink, then use a large wad of paper towels to pat the vegetables dry. Add to the dressing and toss well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
   
   
   
   
4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grill rack, then brush lightly with oil. Close the lid and let return to temperature. Rub the salmon with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt (about 3/4 teaspoon) and pepper. Place the fillets skin side down and grill until golden brown and slightly charred, 4-5 minutes (resist the urge to peek or flip early; when fillets are nicely seared on the first side, they should release easily). Flip the fillets over and continue grilling until done, 2-3
   minutes. Let cool slightly, remove the skin if desired, and serve with the cold cucumber-dill salad piled over top or alongside.

Pair with

• Grilled Baby Potatoes with Dijon Mustard & Herbs

Pulled Pork in the Crock Pot

(1) 6-7 pound pork shoulder roast or Boston Butt from Harter House
Dry Rub
3-4 drops Liquid Smoke (optional)


My favorite Dry Rub

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir until combined.

Rinse roast with cold water then pat dry with paper towels.  Using your hands, rub roast with Dry Rub until evenly coated.

Cover rubbed roast with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight if possible.  It’s not a deal-breaker if you can’t but it’s SO much better if it can soak up the flavors of the rub overnight.

Remove the plastic and place the roast, fat-side down, in a large crock pot.  Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.  Do not add water.

Add Liquid Smoke to the broth that has been created from cooking the roast (not directly onto the roast).  Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 4 more hours.

Remove broth from crock pot to use for gravy or freeze for later use.  Turn crock pot off and let roast rest, covered, for 30-45 minutes.

Remove roast from crock pot.  The meat will “pull” away easily.  Toss or serve with BBQ sauce if desired.

Enjoy!