Easy & Healthy Salmon in a Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This high protein paprika seasoned salmon is so tasty, flavorful, and an easy meal that is perfect for mid week. 

Including healthy proteins in your diet is so good for muscle health and development. If you haven’t transitioned to a high protein diet I highly recommend it.  I typically eat more than 30 grams of protein per meal. This delicious paprika salmon is one of my favorite ways to hit my nightly protein goals. It is  packed with 30 grams of protein per serving and is super easy to make when you are short on time. I love pairing it with a roasted red pepper sauce and cauliflower rice and it’s quickly become my favorite way to eat salmon. You could easily swap out the cauliflower for your starch or carb. 

The best part about making homemade salmon is that it’s easy to whip up in just 10 minutes of prep time. This recipe is a budget friendly version compared to buying salmon at a sit down restaurant, plus you don’t have to wait for a table. You could also meal prep this recipe but make sure to keep it refrigerated. If you’re looking for a fast and simple salmon recipe this is the recipe for you. Plus by cooking the salmon in the air fryer gives it a delicious crispy crust. 

So let’s make roasted pepper salmon!

Here’s a few notes about the ingredients you will need to make high protein garam masala salmon:

• Salmon:  Salmon is the main ingredient in this recipe. It is coated in a paprika flavored dry rub and air fried to perfection. It is also one of the reasons this recipe is so high in protein. 

• Roasted Red Pepper: Roasted red peppers are a great way to add fiber and vitamin c to your meal which can help with inflammation. It’s pureed with coconut milk making a super creamy sauce that’s so delicious you won’t even notice it’s vegetable based. 

• Cauliflower:  I love adding cauliflower processed into rice to this recipe. It gives the sauce something to absorb into and makes the recipe heartier. That said, if you don’t like cauliflower or you don’t have any on hand, you could substitute it for broccoli, spiralized zucchini or white rice (If you aren’t on a special diet). 

• Paprika Powder: Paprika powder pairs so well with the roasted red pepper and adds a delicious, earthy flavor to the salmon. I also added the sweet potato waffle fries making them even better than I imagined. 

• Garlic:  Finally, I love topping the salmon with garlic powder. This adds an additional garlicky flavor to the paprika salmon and enhances the flavor. 

Recipe Tips:

• Making the cauliflower rice. To make the cauliflower rice cut it into small pieces then pulse a few times in a food processor. Once a small rice forms, transfer it to a medium saute pan. Cook the cauliflower rice over medium to low covered. Keeping the cauliflower rice covered while cooking will help prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. 

• Make the roasted red pepper sauce: To make the roasted red pepper sauce make sure to drain the red peppers before putting them in the food processor. I used lite coconut milk for the sauce but feel free to use full fat coconut milk if you prefer a richer and creamier sauce. 

• Massage the rub into the salmon: Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl and mix well before rubbing them into the salmon. I recommend rinsing the salmon under some cool water then patting it dry before massaging on the dry rub. 

Recipe variation:

• Use a different meat: Use chicken breast, lean beef, pork or a white fish instead of salmon. 

• Add different veggies: Add different veggies if you don’t like spinach or tomato such as zucchini, kale, or broccoli. 

• Add different fresh herbs: Create a different flavor profile by adding a few of your favorite fresh herbs like: basil, oregano, or thyme. 

• Incorporate your favorite ingredients: Add any other ingredients that sound good to you, such as: sauteed onions, artichoke, or eggplant. 

More salmon recipes: Mediterranean Salmon, Ginger Soy Salmon, and Lemon Thyme Salmon. 

• Author: Summer Montgomery
• Cook Time: 20 minutes 
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2 

Ingredients

Paprika Salmon

• 1 pound salmon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

• 1 (16 oz) jar of roasted red peppers
• 4 cloves garlic
• ⅔ cup lite coconut milk
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 container cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1-2 cups spinach

Cauliflower rices

• 1/2 head cauliflower, riced
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Salmon. Mix all the spices and lime for the salmon in a small bowl. Wash and pat salmon with a paper towel. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the salmon and massage into the salmon. Place salmon in the air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon. 
2. Make the sauce. Combine the roasted red peppers, coconut milk, and garlic in a food processor. Process for a few minutes until a sauce forms. Set aside. 
3. Cook the cauliflower. Transfer riced cauliflower to a stock pot and cook over medium or low heat for 5-10 minutes or until cauliflower rice is tender. Divide between two plates. 
4. Cook the red pepper sauce.  Transfer the sauce to a medium stock pot and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Add in the cherry tomatoes and spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. 

Serve. Divide the cauliflower rice, red pepper sauce and salmon between two plates. Serve and enjoy!