You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Mon, Sep 19, 2011 : 7:46 a.m.

Grilled Salmon in Walnut-Dijon Sauce with Tarragon and Chives makes good use of garden herbs and flowers

By Peggy Lampman

IMG_5820.JPG

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Herbs and Mustard-Walnut Oil Sauce

Peggy Lampman | Contributor

dinnerfeed-logo.jpg
My heart skips a beat when wild salmon is on sale; I have to buy a hunk.

This recipe makes good use of garden herbs and a profusion of nasturtium blossoms, which is an edible flower with a lovely, peppery flavor. One of the best tips I've ever received was many years ago from a clerk at the Produce Station. I was buying a nasturtium starter plant, and she said they are the easiest thing in the world to grow from seeds. She said she always grew a pot of them next to her grill, for impromptu easy garnishing.

IMG_2432.jpg

Nasturtiums are a cinch to grow from seed!

Being of a somewhat excessive-compulsive disposition, I've taken her tip to extreme. Each year I buy 15 or so packages of various nasturtium seeds, and the kids and I plant them around my yard. I have blossoms throughout the summer; now they are everywhere, including this salmon dish, which I served with assorted baby potatoes.

Yield: 3-4 servings
Active Time: 15 minutes
Grill Time: 10-25 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/4- 1 1/2 pounds center cut piece salmon
2 teaspoons good Dijon mustard, I prefer Maille
2 tablespoons walnut oil
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives.

Directions

1. Spread flesh side of salmon with mustard; drizzle with walnut oil. Evenly sprinkle tarragon and chives over salmon.
2. On a clean and oiled grill grate, prepare gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Grill salmon, skin side down, with grill covered, 10-25 minutes depending on heat of flame, thickness of salmon and desired level of doneness.
3. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Looking for a specific recipe? Click here for dinnerFeed's recipe search engine; type the recipe or ingredient into the search box. I am a real-time food writer and photographer posting daily feeds on my website and in the Food & Drink section of Annarbor.com. You may also e-mail me at peggy@dinnerfeed.com.