Looking for the ultimate salmon melt recipe? Look no further! Our recipe features flaky and tender salmon, sautéed veggies, melty cheese, and a zesty dressing, all sandwiched between your favorite bread slices. It's easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together with friends.
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What is a Salmon Melt?
A salmon melt is a type of sandwich that is made using flaked or shredded salmon, sautéed vegetables, and melted cheese, sandwiched between two slices of bread. It is a variation of the classic tuna melt, which uses canned tuna, melted cheese, and other toppings and condiments.
One popular way to prepare the salmon for a salmon melt is by making salmon salad, which is similar to tuna salad. To make the salmon salad, cooked salmon is flaked and mixed with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and other seasonings and ingredients to create a flavorful and creamy mixture.
The salmon salad is then layered onto bread slices along with sautéed veggies, such as red bell peppers and onions, and cheese slices. The sandwich is typically toasted or grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden brown.
This Recipe can be customized with different types of bread, cheese, and vegetables, and they are often served as a lunch or dinner option. They can be paired with a side salad, chips, or soup for a more complete meal.
Overall, a salmon melt is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that provides a tasty twist on the classic tuna melt. Whether you're a fan of salmon or just looking for a new way to enjoy a melt, this recipe is definitely worth a try!
Ingredients:
For the baked salmon:
- 2 lbs salmon filet
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the sautéed veggies:
- 1 red bell pepper
- ½ yellow onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tbs canola oil
For the dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
Other ingredients:
- Bread slices (of your choice, I use brioche)
- Cheese slices (of your choice, I use provolone)
How to Make
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Season the salmon filet with salt, dried dill, and smoked paprika on both sides.
- Bake the salmon filet for 20 minutes or until it's cooked through and flaky. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, using a fork, gently flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the sautéed veggies. Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red bell pepper and onion and season with salt and ground black pepper. Cook until the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- To make the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, salt, dried dill, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and celery seed in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- To assemble the sandwich, spread a generous amount of the dressing on one side of each bread slice. Then, layer the flaked salmon, sautéed veggies, and cheese slices on top of one of the bread slices. Cover with the other bread slice, dressing side down.
- Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Add the sandwich and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it cool for a minute or two. Then, slice it in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Suggestions to serve with your Salmon Melt:
- Pair with a side salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would be a great accompaniment to a salmon melt. This would add some freshness and nutrition to the meal.
- Serve with homemade chips: Homemade chips, whether made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, or other root vegetables, would be a perfect complement to the crispy bread and creamy salmon in the sandwich.
- Add a side of soup: A hot bowl of soup, such as tomato soup or seafood chowder, would be a comforting addition to a salmon melt, especially on a cold day.
- Make it a brunch item: Serve a salmon melt alongside scrambled eggs or an omelette for a hearty and delicious brunch option.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces for a party platter: If you're hosting a party or gathering, consider making a platter of salmon melt bites by cutting the sandwich into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This would make it easier for guests to enjoy and would also create a fun and interactive presentation.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw: Pickles or coleslaw would add a nice crunch and tanginess to a salmon melt, balancing out the rich and creamy flavors of the salmon and cheese.
Variations:
- Spicy salmon melt: Add some heat to your salmon melt by mixing some hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the salmon salad or sautéed veggies.
- Avocado salmon melt: Top your salmon melt with sliced avocado for some added creaminess and nutrition.
- Mediterranean salmon melt: Replace the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing with a Greek yogurt and lemon juice dressing and add some feta cheese and olives to the sandwich for a Mediterranean twist.
- Smoked salmon melt: Use smoked salmon instead of baked or grilled salmon to add a smoky flavor to the sandwich.
- Bagel salmon melt: Replace the bread slices with a toasted bagel for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
- Caprese-style salmon melt: Add some sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze to the sandwich to create a Caprese-inspired twist on the classic salmon melt.
- Curry salmon melt: Add some curry powder and coconut milk to the salmon salad or sautéed veggies for a spicy and exotic twist on the sandwich.
Tips:
- Use fresh salmon: Fresh salmon is always the best choice when making a salmon melt. It will give the sandwich a fresher taste and more tender texture. If fresh salmon isn't available, you can use canned salmon or leftover cooked salmon.
- Season the salmon: Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs of your choice, such as dill, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper. This will add flavor to the salmon and make it more delicious.
- Prepare the sautéed veggies: Sauté the veggies until they are tender and slightly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor.
- Choose the right cheese: The type of cheese you choose will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your salmon melt. Provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese are good choices, but you can use any type of cheese you prefer.
- Toast the bread: Toast the bread slices before assembling the sandwich to make it crispy and golden brown. This will also prevent the bread from getting soggy.
- Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is an important component of the salmon melt, so use a flavorful dressing that complements the flavors of the salmon and veggies. Consider making a homemade dressing with mayo, dill, garlic powder, and other seasonings.
- Add some crunch: Add some crunch to the sandwich with sliced cucumbers, pickles, or lettuce. This will give the sandwich some extra texture and freshness.
FAQ's:
Q: Can I use canned salmon for a salmon melt?
A: Yes, canned salmon can be used to make a salmon melt. Just make sure to drain the liquid from the can before using it in the recipe.
Q: Can I make a salmon melt ahead of time?
A: It's best to make a salmon melt fresh and serve it immediately, as the bread can get soggy if it sits for too long. However, you can prepare the salmon salad and sautéed veggies in advance and assemble the sandwich right before serving.
Q: Can I make a salmon melt without cheese?
A: Yes, you can make a salmon melt without cheese if you prefer. However, the cheese adds flavor and texture to the sandwich, so it's recommended.
Q: Can I use different types of bread for a salmon melt?
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer for a salmon melt. Some good options include sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or even a bagel.
Q: Can I use different types of veggies in my salmon melt?
A: Yes, you can use any type of veggies you prefer in your salmon melt. Some good options include mushrooms, spinach, kale, or zucchini.
Q: Can I make a salmon melt without mayonnaise?
A: Yes, you can make a salmon melt without mayonnaise if you prefer. Instead, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or avocado as a healthier alternative.
Q: How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
A: Cook the salmon until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) when measured with a food thermometer.
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PrintThe Best Salmon Melt Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For baked salmon:
2 lbs salmon filet
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp smoked paprika
For sauteed veggies:
1 red bell pepper
½ yellow onion
½ tsp salt
½ tsp ground black pepper
2 tbs canola oil
For the dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
½ tsp salt
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp celery seed
Bread slices (of your choice. I prefer Brioche)
Cheese slices (of your choice. I prefer provolone)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Season salmon with salt, dried dill, and smoked paprika.
- Place in oven for 20-30 minutes or until done.
- Remove from oven and let cool for about 15 minutes.
- Remove salmon from skin and place in a bowl.
- Slice red bell pepper and onion.
- Place bell pepper and onion in skillet with canola oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Saute until softened.
- Add sauteed bell pepper and onion to bowl with salmon.
- To bowl, add mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, dried dill, celery seed, garlic powder. Mix to combine.
- Allow to rest for 15 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Place a slice of cheese on a slice of bread, then add salmon salad, then add another slice of cheese.
- Add 1 tbs butter and 1 tbs oil to skillet over medium heat.
- Place sandwich in skillet and cook both sides until golden brown and cheese melts.
Keywords: salmon melt, salmon melt recipe
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