Description
Salmon is unarguably one of the best healthy fish to eat; it is tasty, easy to cook, and protein parked—healthy salmon green sauce recipe cooked in the air fryer or on the stovetop will be ready in under 20 minutes. The best thing about this salmon recipe is that it requires only a few ingredients, and you can make it on the stovetop or in an air fryer. You will need spinach, cashew, lime, salt, and pepper for the green sauce. This salmon recipe is perfect for the holidays.
You can make this during weekly family dinners, or Sunday dinners. This recipe equally rocks during special occasions such as anniversary, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.
Simply enjoy with your favorite main dish.
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon cutlets or fillets
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons – 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (I used Slap Ya Mama). If you do not have Slap Ya Mama then you can substitute with a combination of 1–2 teaspoon(s) of adobo or Knorr bouillon seasoning powder, Salt and pepper. Always season according to your preference. However, you do not need salt and pepper if using Slap Ya Mama.
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup of cashew (slightly toasted; I usually do not use raw cashew for this.)
- 1 Whole lime; squeezed
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey to balance the lime (you may use less, season to your preference). You can use Monk fruit sweetener to keep this recipe keto-friendly.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- About a ¼ cup of fresh spinach or just a couple of leaves
Instructions
- Make Salmon on Stovetop: If using frozen, allow salmon to thaw. Wash and clean up as required, dry with a paper towel, and lay on the tray. Then, sprinkle the Cajun (Slap Ya Mama seasoning) and rub in to properly marinate. Or alternatively, use salt, pepper, and a dash of adobo or small Knorr seasoning powder. Place a clean pan on the stove, add olive oil, and allow to heat up, then gently drop the salmon. Cook for about 5 – 7 minutes on each side, and until cooked through, remove and place on a plate. Repeat this process for all the salmon. You may use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon isn’t overcooked.
- How to Make Salmon in the Air Fryer: If using frozen salmon fillets, please allow them to thaw and wash/clean as needed and use paper towel to pat dry. To season the salmon, first rub it with olive oil and then season as explained in step 1. Preheat the air fryer by setting it to 10 minutes and 400F. Air fry seasoned salmon for 8-10 after it’s done preheating. Do not overcook the salmon. Use a meat thermometer when in doubt.
- For the sauce: Add all the ingredients to the blender (except the spinach): cashew, olive oil, salt, pepper, honey, water, and lime juice, and roughly blend for 8 – 10 seconds. Taste, adjust flavors, add the spinach leaves, and give another quick blend. Ensure that you are fine with the consistency. Pour this on the salmon, and enjoy it with your favorite side dish.
Notes
No need to add salt and pepper if using Slap Ya Mama. However, always add salt and pepper according to your taste or health need.
When making the salmon in the air fryer, first, sprinkle it with oil and rub it all over it before seasoning it with the Cajun seasoning. You do not have to do this when cooking on the stovetop.
You can substitute honey with Monk fruit sweetener to keep this recipe keto-friendly.
You can use raw cashews without toasting them, but toasting them also intensifies their flavors.
Remember to soak the cashew in hot water for at least 1 – 3 hours before use; this way, they are soft and tender, and easily blends into a creamy paste (if you want it so). I have also sometimes soaked this in cold water overnight. Make sure to place them in the fridge if you want to soak overnight.
Add a little bit of water, or more lime juice to loosen this paste if it becomes too thick.
We usually serve this salmon recipe with anything, lol. It would be fantastic with Quinoa, rice, grilled vegetables, potatoes, or green beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Salmon
