Cedar Seasoned Salmon with Mint Tzatziki

Cedar Seasoned Salmon with Mint Tzatziki. Salmon is one of the most versitle proteins, and in my opinon, second only to chicken. It’s healthy, it’s filling, and it’s relatively affordable for seafood. There are countless ways to prepare it, and sometimes simple is best. The right sauce will complement salmon perfectly, so choose wisely to impress your guests. Mint tzatziki is one of those sauces.

Recipe: (Fresh Mint Tzatziki)

• 1 8oz Greek yogurt cup, or about 7/8 cup
• 1 1/2 cups cucumber, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

1. Wash and cut cucumber, then run back and forth across a box grater or through a spiralizer to shred. If using a spiralizer, chop the cucumber strands smaller.
2. Using a paper towel or your hands, squeeze most of the water out of the cucumber, otherwise your tzatziki will be too thin once mixed.
3. Finely chop or press garlic cloves, finely chop mint leaves, and add to your mixing bowl with all other ingredients.
4. Mix well and serve immediately or refrigerate up to two days.

Recipe: (Cedar Seasoned Salmon)

• 2 6-8oz salmon filets
• 1 tbsp McCormicks Gourmet Cedar Plank Salmon Seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

1. Remove salmon from refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature. This will ensure more even cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
3. Pat salmon dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle both sides with the Cedar Plank seasoning.
4. Heat an oven-safe grill pan or cast iron grill pan to medium heat. A pan with raised grill ridged is essential so the seasoning doesn’t burn. Rub olive oil on the ridges with a brush or paper towel.
5. Once the pan is hot, place salmon on the pan and cook for 5 minutes. If the salmon has skin, place it skin side down.
6. Flip the salmon and place the pan in the oven for about 10 minutes for medium, or 12 minutes for medium-well. I find the salmon to be perfect when pulled out of the oven at 135 degrees F*.
   *FDA recommends cooking salmon until it reaches 145 degrees F.