Grilled Salmon and Brie Panini
Going away for a long weekend also means getting away from my kitchen. I spent this past weekend biking, walking, shopping and dining! Dining at interesting new places, finding the favorite spot the locals go to, feeling pampered with fabulous food presented to me and no dishes to wash!
I prefer to order small plates of foods; a few appetizers, salad and of course a dessert! And not necessarily at the same place. I order an appetizer at one restaurant; move to another for their specialty appetizer and end with a dessert or gelato somewhere else! So in one short weekend, I could basically hit a lot of restaurants!! The way I see it, I never get stuffed, and I’m excited and inspired by every dish I taste. Atmosphere is a big draw for me although a hole in the wall known for good food will bring me in too.
My dad would make us laugh as he would avoid restaurants with white tablecloths. In his view, white tablecloths meant the overly priced restaurant, the overstated menu, over the top wait staff and high priced wine lists! When I now see a white tablecloth, I am always reminded of him. I guess his view has influenced my choice in places to dine as I seek out well prepared, authentic food. Not trendy nor bland, but food with ‘personality’ and a place that allows me to leisurely enjoy good food, wine and conversation.
For lunch one day we stopped at a place I had seen before but never dined at. Located off the main strip, down the “basement” stairs to a Pub like atmosphere. We ordered a Salmon Panini. They prepare it with smoked lox, but we both agreed making this with grilled or roasted salmon was the way to go. And so of course, upon returning home, I’m ready to head back in my kitchen and re-create the favorites we ate. Leftover roasted or grilled salmon would make this an easy dish for using up the leftovers; however, starting from scratch I made a simple roasted salmon filet and whisked together a light dressing. One pound of salmon would make four generous Paninis.
Grilled Salmon and Brie Panini
For the salmon:
1 pound wild caught salmon, skin removed
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Olive oil
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons mayo
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Juice from one lemon
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
To assemble the sandwich:
Grilled or Roasted Salmon
Brie
Thinly sliced red onion
Mixed lettuce greens
Thinly sliced tomato
Whole wheat bread or ciabatta
Olive oil
For the salmon: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place salmon on a lightly oiled roasting pan. Generously sprinkle the salmon with the lemon juice, salt and freshly ground pepper. Roast until just opaque in the center, about 10 to 15 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish.
For the dressing: Whisk together the mayo, Dijon, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper and set aside.
To assemble the sandwidh: spread dressing on the bread, layer on mixed greens, salmon, thinly sliced onions, tomato and brie. Lightly brush outside of bread with olive oil and place on grill pan or Panini press. Grill until lightly browned and cheese has begun to melt. Slice in half and serve immediately.
spicegirlfla
I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.
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14 Comments
ChefMom
Darn! We just ate our leftover grilled salmon tonight. This would have been wonderful! Hubby and I aren’t huge brie fans though – is there another cheese that you think would work well too? Possibly havarti?
Linda
I definitely think havarti would work well, it’s creamy and melts well. You know, I posted this recipe as we had it, but I will re-make it in so many different versions depending on what I have on hand!
yummychunklet
I think I found myself a new favorite panini recipe! This looks so good, especially with the salmon!
Lisa (Smart Food and Fit)
That sounds like a good idea, sampling a small meals at different restaurants, I’ll have to try that. We haven’t gone out to eat much since it’s a pain with our one year old.
This sandwich looks wonderful, I love salmon and will have to try making it soon.
Jessica
You are killing me. This is so tempting and delicious. I love my grilled sandwiches and the salmon addition- genius!
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide
What a great pairing. And brie was on sale this weekend so guess who stocked up?
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
Oh my gosh Linda…I don’t think there’s a better looking and sounding sandwich in the world. Really. I would choose that on a menu any day…or at your kitchen table. I wish we lived closer so we could sit down for a meal together. Have a great rest of the week!
runningtothekitchen
Thanks for stopping by! This looks so good. I just got a panini maker last month and still haven’t broken it out of the box. Anything with brie has my eye so maybe this is the first panini I’ll try!
Caroline
Sounds like you had a lovely weekend! I prefer small plates as well, especially ordering them at restaurants so I can try multiple dishes. This panini looks delicious–I’m a sucker for brie cheese!
Kay aka Babygirl
Oh I love a great panini.. and this salmon with brie is calling my name right now. I really need to take lunch and get me a panini now lol. Wonderful recipe and great post.
Miss Anthropist
This looks SO good! 🙂
Ginger
This panini sounds delicious! I live your photograph also!
chutneyandspice
what a lovely combination – light salmon and creamy brie. Made me think about lunch. I know what you mean about getting away. My kitchen is my favourite place to be in the world but I get so sick of it sometimes I can’t wait to get away and not do dishes, then I am so excited to be back from our adventure and refreshed with new ideas.
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