RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE PAN SEARED SOUTHWEST SALMON
- 12 ounces Salmon Filets
- 2 teaspoons Canola Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 2 teaspoons Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro chopped
- 1 additional Tablespoon Canola Oil (for searing)
- 1 small Lime (optional) for garnish
FOR THE SOUTHWEST PASTA SALAD
- 1 Box Rotini cooked according to manufacturers directions
- 16 ounces Fresh Salsa (medium or hot)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 3 Tablespoons Ranch Seasoning (like Hidden Valley)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup Half and Half
- 3 stalks Celery Sliced
- 1 small Red Onion Diced
- 1 Bell (or Candy Cane) Pepper seeded and diced
- 2 ears Corn kernels cut off the cob
- 1 15 ounce can Black Beans rinsed and drained
DIRECTIONS
When your Rotini is cooked and drained, mix in the Fresh Salsa while the Rotini is still hot. That way, as the Pasta cools, it will absorb the flavor of the Salsa. To prepare the pasta Salad, make the dressing by mixing the Mayonnaise and the next 10 ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend to a creamy consistency. In a larger mixing bowl, combine the prepared Rotini and Salsa with the Onion, Celery, Peppers, Corn and Black Beans. Add the dressing and stir until the Southwest Rotini Pasta Salad is well mixed and Creamy. Refrigerate the Rotini Salad while you prepare the Salmon.
Mix together the Salt and Black Pepper with the Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Onion and Garlic Powders, and the Fresh Cilantro. Using a whisk or Fork stir until the Seasonings are well mixed. Lay out the Salmon Filets on a work surface and drizzle each Filet evenly with the 2 teaspoons of Canola Oil, then sprinkle each filet with the Seasoning Mix. Rub the Spices all over each Salmon Filet and let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. While the Salmon rests, spray a skillet with non stick cooking spray then add the 1 Tablespoon of Canola Oil and over medium high heat bring the Oil up to a hot temperature. Add the Salmon Filets to the heated skillet skin side up and sear for 4-5 minutes. Using a thin spatula, loosen the Salmon as it cooks to prevent sticking. When the Salmon is crispy and browned, reduce the heat to medium and turn the filets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until firm to the touch. If you like, insert a meat thermometer into the Salmon Filets and make sure they have reached an internal temperature of 155 degrees.
In the center of a plate, spoon about 1 cup of the Southwest Rotini Pasta Salad. Place 1 or 2 (depending on your desired serving size) of the Pan Seared Southwest Salmon Filet(s) over the Pasta and serve. If desired, squeeze some fresh Lime Juice on each Filet and garnish with a slice of lime.