Wild sockeye gets a quick smoky grill treatment and a bright July-in-Washington salsa of sweet corn, cherries, Walla Walla onion, lemon, and herbs.
Total time: 35 minutes
Estimated cost: About $19–$22 using listed sale ingredients, plus pantry oil and seasonings
Health notes: Serves 2; about 520 calories per serving with high protein, omega-3 fats, and fiber from corn and fruit.
Drink pairing: A chilled Pinot Gris or dry Rosé works well with the rich salmon, smoky corn, and sweet-tart cherry salsa.
Details
Ingredients
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Fresh Sockeye Salmon Fillet Wild Caught (sustainably sourced)12 oz, skin-on if available $15.99
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Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob-Each2 ears $0.50
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Fresh Rainier Cherries in Bag1/2 lb, pitted and chopped $6.99
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Private Selection® Walla Walla Sweet Onions1/3 cup finely diced $3.99
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Fresh Organic Lemon - Each1 lemon, zested and juiced $1.29
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Parsley1/4 cup chopped $1.29
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Fresh Jalapeno Peppers1 small, seeded and minced, optional $1.99
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Olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Kosher salt3/4 teaspoon, divided
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Black pepper1/2 teaspoon
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Smoked paprika1/2 teaspoon
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King Estate Pinot Gris750 ml $16.99
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium-high and clean the grates well. Pat the salmon dry, cut it into 2 portions, and season with 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
- Shuck the corn, brush lightly with a little olive oil, and season with a pinch of salt. Pit and chop the cherries, finely dice the Walla Walla onion, mince the jalapeño if using, chop the parsley, and juice the lemon.
- Grill the corn first, turning every few minutes, until lightly charred and tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly.
- Place the salmon skin-side down on the grill. Cook without moving until the skin is crisp and the fish is mostly opaque, 6 to 8 minutes; flip carefully and grill 1 to 2 minutes more, just until the center reaches 125–130°F for medium or flakes easily.
- Cut the kernels from the grilled corn. In a bowl, mix the corn, cherries, Walla Walla onion, parsley, jalapeño, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, and remaining salt; taste and adjust with more lemon or pepper.
- Let the salmon rest for 3 minutes while the salsa juices mingle.
- Plate each salmon portion with a generous spoonful of cherry-corn salsa over the top and extra salsa alongside.
Wine picks:
- King Estate Pinot Gris $16.99 750 ml
- Charles & Charles Rosé Washington $9.99 750 ml
Why it works: Two bottles that play well with grilled, smoky sockeye and the sweet-tart cherry–corn salsa: a textured, aromatic Pinot Gris to match the salmon’s richness and a bright, fruit-driven Washington rosé to echo the cherries and cut the smoke. The King Estate Pinot Gris brings stone-fruit, floral notes and enough weight to stand up to grilled fish and charred corn while maintaining zesty acidity from the lemon and parsley in the salsa. The Charles & Charles Rosé offers crunchy red-fruit, citrus lift and a savory edge that will highlight the cherry component, refresh the palate between bites, and complement the smoked paprika and jalapeño heat.