This bright and flavorful dish brings together tender pan-seared salmon, seasoned with Italian herbs and a bed of buttery Israeli couscous loaded with green beans, broccoli and juicy grape tomatoes. A double dose of lemon-zest and juice-adds a refreshing citrus kick that ties everything together.
Finished with a drizzle of zesty crema, this meal is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a satisfying, high-protein dinner that comes together quickly, perfect for weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
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Recipe details
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry produce. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Trim green beans if necessary.
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add couscous, scallion whites and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted, 2-3 minutes. Add 1 cup water, chicken stock concentrate and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until couscous is al dente, 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess liquid if necessary. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
- While couscous cooks, heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add green beans and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring constantly, until evenly coated, 30 seconds. Carefully add ¼ cup water and cover with a lid. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally, until green beans begin to soften and turn bright green, 1-3 minutes. Once liquid has absorbed, turn off heat. Taste and season with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season all over with remaining Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Heat a large drizzle of oil in the same pan used for green beans over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin side down and cook until skin is crispy, 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook until fish is opaque and cooked through, 1-2 minutes more. Remove from pan and set aside.
- While salmon cooks, zest and quarter the lemon. Quarter the tomatoes. In a small bowl, combine crema, ¼ teaspoon lemon zest, salt and pepper.
- Fluff couscous with a fork; stir in scallion greens, green beans, tomatoes, remaining lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Divide couscous between bowls or plates; top with salmon. Drizzle everything with zesty crema. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Tips
For extra crispy salmon skin, make sure the pan is hot before adding the fish and pat the salmon very dry.
If you prefer a thicker crema sauce, add a little more crema or a splash of water to adjust consistency.
Feel free to swap green beans for asparagus or snap peas when in season.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of couscous?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Israeli couscous is larger and chewier; if using regular couscous, follow package instructions and reduce liquid accordingly.
What can I substitute for crema?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice works well as a substitute for crema.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F.



























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