Infinity Loop Salmon Couscous (Printable Version)

A visually stunning dish combining salmon, pearl couscous, and vibrant vegetables in a flowing arrangement.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 2 skinless fresh salmon fillets (approximately 10.6 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
05 - 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced
07 - 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves

→ Grains & Legumes

08 - ½ cup pearl couscous
09 - 1 cup vegetable broth

→ Dressings & Garnishes

10 - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
13 - 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
14 - 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts

# How to Make It:

01 - Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
02 - Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a small saucepan, add pearl couscous, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - Briefly blanch zucchini, carrot, and fennel slices in boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes until just tender, then immediately transfer to ice water. Drain and pat dry to maintain color and texture.
04 - Brush salmon fillets with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, place on a parchment-lined baking tray, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until just cooked through. Allow to cool slightly, then break into large flakes.
05 - Combine Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and chopped fresh dill in a small bowl and mix well. Set aside.
06 - On a large serving platter, shape cooked pearl couscous into a figure-eight. Alternate layers of blanched vegetables and baby spinach leaves along the loops. Nestle salmon flakes within the curves. Dot with capers and spoon the yogurt dressing over. Finish by sprinkling toasted pine nuts on top.
07 - Present immediately to highlight the elegant progression of textures and flavors within the assembly.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's a showstopper that looks far more complicated than it actually is, perfect for impressing without spending your entire evening in the kitchen
  • The infinity loop becomes a conversation starter, and guests absolutely love the visual journey of flavors it creates
  • Fresh salmon paired with delicate vegetables and creamy yogurt dressing feels both nourishing and indulgent at the same time
02 -
  • Blanching the vegetables is not optional. It ensures they're tender, maintains their color, and removes excess moisture that would otherwise make your platter look sad
  • Don't overcook the salmon. The moment it looks cooked is the moment to pull it out. Overcooked salmon becomes dry, and that defeats the entire purpose of this elegant dish
  • Arrange everything just before serving. The components stay fresher and more visually stunning this way, rather than sitting assembled for minutes
03 -
  • Toast your pine nuts fresh or purchase them already toasted. Toasted pine nuts add an essential depth that raw ones simply cannot match
  • The secret to beautiful plating is confidence. Take your time with the infinity loop. The more intentional you are, the better it looks
Return