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Asian Gluten Free Pasta, Rice and Grains Recipe Index Seafood Soups and Salads

Salmon Noodle Salad

Salmon Noodle Salad

The past few weeks have been quite tough on the weather front. We were slammed with three consecutive storms that dumped a minimum of 2 feet (60 cm) of snow on us. Temperatures hovering near the 0F mark and 100% humidity just about brought me to a standstill. I can handle snow and cold, and though my bones hurt a little, I’m ok with the dry, cold weather. This snow was wet, heavy and wet. It weighed down the trees and bushes, the branches creaking under the weight of almost 6 inches of slushy snow. The power lines were having a hard time too, and the wind, oh my goodness, the wind chill was quite bone numbing. I pretty much stopped functioning. 

Rocky Mountain National Park

This weekend, however, pushed those snowstorms into the distant memory and we had a beautiful Saturday and Sunday. If it wasn’t for the massive pile of snow in my front yard, you’d never know we even had such cold weather. It’s going to be gorgeous all week long, beautiful spring weather.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Life finds a way.

 We took the opportunity of a sunshiny Sunday and headed up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a few hours. A busy and hectic summer and autumn last year didn’t allow us much mountain time. We love driving up there to escape the summer heat in the city but we just didn’t get much of a chance. Tiring Saturdays and poor weather has stopped us visiting our favourite park in the winter as well. We rectified that this Sunday. 

Close up of the snow crystals.

Close up of the snow crystals.

We bundled the younger two into the 4Runner and took the new car on its first mountain drive. The temperature up in the mountain is usually about 20 degrees lower than the city, but we were pleasantly surprised that we could do the hike with just a wind breaker. It was chilly, but the sun was shining so it was quite perfect.

Rocky Mountain National Park

One of our favourite spots in the park is a waterfall, actually more of a water rushing down boulders, but it’s a beautiful spot and in the summer, all the snow melts and the water is fast and furious. Winter time, its covered in snow with water gently trickling by under it. The landscape is so strikingly different come summer and it changes every year. This time around, we couldn’t even recognise it.  

Rocky Mountain National Park

It was just so wonderful being out there, in the fresh air, wading through mounds of snow and trying to keep it from sneaking into your boots, and hearing the shrieks echo when it did. There was quite a bit of snow in areas, I would step down and my foot would sink in through at least a foot of snow. I then decided to let the others lead me lest I did myself an injury! I made it through with just a couple of sore knees, ruddy cheeks but an invigorated mind and soul.

Salmon Noodle Salad

This salmon noodle salad will also invigorate you with its fresh flavours, crisp textures and heart, healthy salmon. The flavours are Asian; light and refreshing. Once again, there are no hard and fast rules to this salad. Choose the vegetables you like or prefer and the protein you desire. It can be made vegetarian by replacing the salmon with marinated and grilled tofu, which is what I do for my daughter. It can easily be gluten free if you use a gluten free soy sauce (tamari) for the marinade and dressing.

Salmon Noodle Salad

I used all raw vegetables so throwing the salad together was easy. I used red cabbage, bean sprouts, red peppers, cucumbers, shredded carrots and some pomelo segments, to add a sweet tart citrus burst. This was another dinner to increase our seafood intake. My children like salads so adding a piece of salmon on top was not met with much resistance. Besides the salmon is marinated in some soy sauce and brown sugar and pan grilled. All the sugar gets caramelised and adds a lovely sweet, smoky flavour. Once again, use the vegetables you like but use some with varying textures for some interest. The rice noodles add the soft chewy bite and bulk to the salad.

Salmon Noodle Salad

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Salmon Noodle Salad

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Serves: 6

A fresh and vibrant Asian noodle salad with salmon.
Ingredients
  • Salmon and Marinade
  • 6 5oz (145g) wild salmon portions, sustainably caught
  • ½ cup/118ml soy sauce or gluten free soy sauce
  • ¼ cup/60ml water
  • 4-6 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese Five Spice
  • Noodle Salad
  • 8 oz/225g thin vermicelli rice noodles
  • cucumbers, julienned
  • carrots, shredded
  • red cabbage, shredded
  • red bell peppers, julienned
  • bean sprouts
  • pomelo supremes
  • cilantro leaves
  • mint leaves
  • lime wedges
  • sweet chilli sauce
  • Soy Lime Dressing
  • ½ cup/118ml soy sauce or gluten free soy sauce
  • 2-3 limes, juiced
  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ cup/60ml water
  • sriracha, optional
Instructions
  1. Salmon and Marinade
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk all the marinade ingredients together.
  3. Start with 4 tablespoons sugar, add more if needed.
  4. Check to see if the seasoning is right for you.
  5. Adjust with more sugar.
  6. You can dilute the saltiness by adding more or less water.
  7. You want a balanced sweet and salty flavour.
  8. Add the salmon and marinate for no longer than 15-20 minutes.
  9. Heat a cast iron large pan preferably, but any non stick will do or even on an outside grill.
  10. You want the pan fairly hot, add a drop of neutral oil and swirl around.
  11. Add 3 salmon steaks at a time.
  12. If you are using the grill outside, you can do all 6 together probably.
  13. Once the salmon is ready to flip, it will release easily.
  14. It should be nice and charred brown on top and still a bit soft.
  15. Cook the salmon to your desired taste.
  16. I cook it about 5 minutes on one side, and about 3 on the other side.
  17. It does depend on how thick your salmon is too and whether you like a soft pink centre.
  18. Once the fish is cooked, repeat with the remaining steaks and keep warm under a tented foil cover.
  19. Noodle Salad
  20. While the salmon is marinating, soak your noodles according to package instructions.
  21. Usually the thin noodles just need to be soaked in room temperature water for about 15 minutes.
  22. Drain them and toss them in a bit of sesame oil.
  23. If your vegetables are not prepped, cut them up now and place on a plate.
  24. Make the dressing by mixing the soy, lime juice, water, and sugar.
  25. Taste and adjust as needed.
  26. The dressing should have a nice fresh, lime flavour with saltiness from soy and sweetness from the brown sugar.
  27. Add sriracha for some heat.
  28. Once the salmon is cooked, assemble the salad.
  29. Everyone can assemble their own plates with what vegetables they want and add the salmon on top or you can toss all the vegetables with the rice noodles and scoop out onto plates with the salmon on top.
  30. Drizzle with the soy lime dressing and sweet chilli sauce.
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Salmon Noodle Salad

I hope everyone was able to have a productive weekend. I hope the weather is cooperating in your part of the world. It’s nice here now but that can change in a matter of hours. In the meantime, I will enjoy the sunshine warming my bones.

Before I sign off, I’d just like to take a minute and mention that today, March 10th is the anniversary of my mother’s passing. She has been gone 17 years and to me it still feels like yesterday. She died too soon, she was 52, but I am happy that the cancer didn’t make her suffer. She passed away 3 weeks after being diagnosed. I don’t want to end this on a sad note because that’s not what she was. An incredibly generous, beautiful and much loved lady. I wish I had a photo to share but once again, they are all in Houston. She was a great cook, a great entertainer, a great mother and wife, after all she put up with all of my dad’s crazy food whims. I miss her dearly but know that she would be so proud of this blog. I wish my children had known their grandmother (my mother in-law is not around either) because there is nothing like the love of a grandmother.

Since I mention my mother, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my late brother who passed away on March 14, 1982. He was 7 and died from complications from leukaemia. It’s been so long for him but I remember him clearly and in my memories he’s still the little firecracker he was back then. He was the second youngest of the children and I was 13 when I lost him. 

Yes, it’s a bit of a sad end to this post but my faith teaches me to cope with loss and I don’t get sad. I miss them but know they are in a better place. Thank you for thinking of them today. xx


Comments

  1. Gorgeous photos Nazneen! I see with you going down to Texas, a little warmth has finally headed our way 🙂
    Love the salad as well! It’s the perfect meal to usher in the warmer weather 🙂
    Henna recently posted..Buttermilk PancakesMy Profile

  2. Wow. Looking at that gorgeous, bright salmon dish, you’d never know that there was an arctic tundra outside!! That looks COLD. Cold in a sense that I’ve only experienced on holiday in New Zealand. I’m glad that you can eat delicious, light food indoors and stay warm though. Let’s hope that spring will be on its way soon xxx
    laurasmess recently posted..Spring Pea, Asparagus and Strawberry SaladMy Profile

    • P.S I just read the very end of your post about your mother and brother. I am so sorry that you’ve suffered such great loss. I’ve only lost my grandparents so far, all of whom were overseas at the time. I spent only fragmented moments with them when I was growing up. I imagine that losing someone close would be an irreparable hole in your life, and I am so glad that the love of your family and your faith sustain you in times like these. Sending you hugs xxx
      laurasmess recently posted..Spring Pea, Asparagus and Strawberry SaladMy Profile

      • Hi Laura, I think the loss of my brother at such a young age really matured me. Even whilst he was in hospital, I would go and sit with him in his plastic bubble and keep him company drawing and arts and crafts. It was tough to see him like that and even tougher to see what his death did to my parents. But we got through it and we remember him fondly. He was such a soft hearted soul, I don’t know if he could’ve survived this world with all its ups and downs.

  3. I’m so far behind with my reading Nazneen. I happy your faith sustains you at this time of year when you remember your Mum and brother.
    Spring is trying to make it’s mind up here – one day it’s 19C the next it’s 9C. But at least it’s not snowing and humid at the same time I can’t imagine what that is like! I love your salad – perfect for this time of year. I’m bringing more crunch into our lives slowly but surely.
    Nancy | Plus Ate Six recently posted..Braised & roasted chicken with preserved lemonsMy Profile

    • That’s ok, Nancy! I think I don’t ver catch up! I think I have then 10 more flood my inbox 🙂 Thank you for your kind words. We are having great spring weather right now, but I’m sure enough it’ll be snowing again soon! March through May is still pretty snowy for us. This salmon salad was quite perfect for our up and down temperature.

  7. Sorry I am so behind, dear Nazneen! It has been crazy and I am doing all my catch up from two weeks today! This salmon salad looks so beautiful and is so easy to prepare.

    I love the photos from your hike, but it still looks awfully cold to this desert rat! 🙂

    Hope you are having a lovely Sunday! xox
    David recently posted..Strawberry Fields ForeverMy Profile

    • No problem, David! I know a little bit about being behind! I’m terrible. I get so busy and the inbox just gets out of control.This salad is quite say..and really delicious!

  9. Rocky Mountain Natl. Park is my favorite Colorado destination. Were the “waterfall” photos taken at Alluvial Fan? I don’t know why we don’t think to go up there anytime but the Summer Months. Our new 4-runner needs to make it’s first Mountain trip also. 🙂
    Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) recently posted..Apple Potato Hash BrownsMy Profile

    • Yes! It is the Alluvial fan are but it has changed so much. That bridge that used to go across the water is gone…seems like the snow and ice took it out. I love going up there, we have a season pass so we go to get the most out of it!

  11. Very sad to hear about your brother. Your mom sounds like a fantastic person, God bless her wherever she is. She is looking over all of you.
    The pictures look lovely Nazneen, glad you’ll saw some good weather there. That salad is a spring on a plate, delicious looking.
    Ash-foodfashionparty recently posted..Burmese Tea Leaf saladMy Profile

  12. I’m sorry to hear of the ongoing wintery conditions but glad to hear it will be Spring-like this week. At least you can see a glimmer of Spring! The salad is very pretty and colourful. I’m very sorry to hear your mother passed away. How tragic that she didn’t live to be a grandmother to your children. And your brother! Such an enormous loss. It’s lovely that in your blog you can remember them xx
    Hotly Spiced recently posted..Deco Stop, Espiritu Santo, VanuatuMy Profile

    • Thank you, Charlie. I like snowy weather but I have to say, it’s been to have some warmth! Thank you so much for your lovely words. They’ll always be remembered here for sure.

  15. Your mother and brother are looking at you with pride today. They sound like wonderful people. Really sorry to know that you lost them at such a young age. Great to see that you are enjoying the weather. The photos are beautiful. Salmon and noodles are just such a great combination. I even like my noodle soups with salmon or prawns in them. Love that this is healthy, crunchy and colorful too.
    Sugar et al. recently posted..Pineapple And White Chocolate Mud CakeMy Profile

    • Thank you so much Sonali. I think that’s the hardest part, living without them for so long. Now, I kinda keep seafood out of my soups!! You know how I am about fishy tastes 🙂

  17. Lovely and cheerful pictures, delish recipe, and sad ending for sure. May they rest is peace and may wee see each other in Ferdaws Al AalaaIn Shaa Allah. Until now I cannot believe that my loving dad is gone 🙁 , he is always there in my heart, mind and prayers.
    Amira recently posted..Iraqi Reggi JamMy Profile

  19. Ugh — wet snow is the worst. So hard to shovel! Glad you’re getting a bit of a break in the weather. I’ve been to Rocky Mountain Park once, and loved it. We were there in June, and of course it snowed. 😉 Fun dish — thanks.
    John@Kitchen Riffs recently posted..The Brainstorm CocktailMy Profile

  21. Your mom sounds like she was a wonderful lady – I am sorry she was taken from you so young, but I understand well your desire for her not to suffer. And I was so saddened to hear about your brother…oh Nazneen – sending you a virtual hug my friend.

    You are a strong lady to brave all that ghaslty snow to go hiking! My daughter and I went for our first run of 2015 this past weekend – but temps here in Atlanta were in the 70s!
    As for this salad – I love the sound of that dressing – and all those veggies and vermicili are the perfect accompaniment!
    Shashi at RunninSrilankan recently posted..Lentil & Cheese BurgersMy Profile

  22. Looks gorgeous and delicious! We almost had a heat wave here yesterday, with nearly 50 degree weather. I’d practically forgotten what it felt like to be too warm! We cook salmon all the time because everyone loves it. I love your noodle salad, with the different textures and temperatures going on.
    Monica recently posted..Red velvet-chocolate chip cupcakesMy Profile

  23. So sorry about your mother. Mine is 87 and is mean as all get out. And so when I hear about people who’ve really been close to their parents who have passed, it makes me even sadder. But as far as this beautiful salad goes, warm salmon is personally one of my favorite proteins on salads. And your photos are so pretty!
    Mimi recently posted..Growing Up FoodieMy Profile

    • Thank you so much, Mimi. I do feel sad that I didn’t get to have time with her, proper grown up time but I guess that’s life. Enjoy your time with your mother xx

  26. Thinking of you and your loves today. XO So glad you had them in your life, and that they brought you such joy. XO Your day out with your family sounds wonderful after the biting cold. I’m thankful on the other end of the scale, thankful for cooler weather after blistering heat for weeks on end. 🙂
    Krista recently posted..Pears, Apples, and Making Hard CiderMy Profile

    • Thank you so much, Krista. Some people only come into our lives for a short time and we have to cherish that time. I remember them fondly and am better for having known them. Thank you xx

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