Quick and Flavorful Chimichurri Salmon: An Alaskan Cruise Inspired Weeknight Delight

Craving a healthy, flavorful dinner that comes together in less than 15 minutes? Look no further! This incredible Chimichurri Salmon recipe is designed for busy weeknights, delivering a burst of fresh flavors that will transport your taste buds. Inspired by a breathtaking Alaskan cruise with Princess Cruises, this dish perfectly captures the essence of fresh seafood and vibrant ingredients. It’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your regular rotation, especially when you need a quick, delicious, and wholesome meal.

When the word “Alaska” crosses your mind, what imagery first appears? For many, it evokes visions of majestic snow-capped mountains, dense forests teeming with towering pine trees, glittering glaciers, perhaps even the elusive grizzly bear, and, of course, an abundance of fresh, wild salmon. While Alaska offers a vast tapestry of experiences beyond these iconic elements, these are certainly some of its most compelling features.

Alaskan Adventures: A Journey with Princess Cruises

My recent Alaskan cruise with Princess Cruises offered an unforgettable glimpse into this magnificent state. It was an experience that deepened my appreciation for its natural beauty and incredible culinary offerings. This post, the second in a series detailing our Alaskan journey, is brought to you in sponsorship with Princess Cruises. As always, my opinions remain 100% my own. Please note, this article contains affiliate links, which may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you.

During our voyage, my husband, Kurt, and I embarked on several captivating shore excursions. Each one provided a unique taste of Alaska’s diverse landscape and culture, leaving us eager to return for more exploration. From thrilling wildlife encounters to serene walks through ancient forests, every moment was filled with wonder.

One particular highlight was our time spent in Icy Strait Point. Here, amidst a backdrop of majestic, towering pine trees, the air was filled with a refreshing, earthy scent – a stark contrast to the familiar dry air of my Arizona desert home. The sheer scale of the trees was awe-inspiring, creating a truly immersive natural experience. It was during our One-Way Alaska Cruise that Kurt and I ventured out in a Zodiac, an inflatable boat, for an exhilarating whale watching and coastal exploration tour. Growing up in Rhode Island, we both spent countless hours on boats and in the water, so being back in such an incredible marine environment was truly our happy place. The sights and sounds of the wild Alaskan coast were absolutely breathtaking.

The Call of the Wild: Alaskan Wildlife and Culinary Delights

As we cruised along the Alaskan coast, I eagerly anticipated spotting wild salmon. I’ve always been fascinated by documentary footage of salmon courageously swimming upstream. Unfortunately, our visit was early in the season, which typically runs from May to September, so we didn’t witness this natural spectacle. My longing for that iconic image intensified during our hike along the Mendenhall Glacier Trail, where I playfully wished to see a salmon leap from a waterfall, even knowing it was unlikely. Sometimes, wishing just makes the dream feel closer, doesn’t it?

Our knowledgeable guide on the Mendenhall Glacier trail shared intriguing insights into the local wildlife, particularly the seasonal diet of bears. Upon emerging from hibernation, bears begin with a “salad course,” foraging on skunk cabbage, dandelions, and other abundant plants. As the months progress, their diet shifts to a more substantial “main course,” primarily focusing on the protein-rich salmon. Finally, before returning to hibernation, they indulge in a sweet “dessert” of Alaska’s native berries, such as blueberries, huckleberries, and even salmonberries. Interestingly, despite its name, the salmonberry bears no relation to the fish. These vibrant berries resemble raspberries, are rich in seeds, and offer a unique flavor profile that falls between a raspberry and a blackberry.

While we didn’t spot any wild salmon, our Alaskan journey was a feast for the senses, especially when it came to seafood. We indulged in an abundance of fresh, delicious seafood, both on board the magnificent Island Princess and during our excursions ashore. Among our absolute favorites were the succulent Alaskan King Crab Legs and the truly exceptional Fish Tacos we discovered at Deckhand Dave’s in Juneau. These tacos were nothing short of amazing! Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavor and texture.

Seriously, if you find yourself planning an Alaskan cruise and are seeking memorable excursions and things to do in Juneau, make visiting Deckhand Dave’s a top priority. You absolutely will not regret it.

Bringing Alaska Home: My Chimichurri Salmon Recipe

Upon returning home, my mind was still brimming with memories of Alaska and its incredible seafood. I knew I had to create a recipe that paid tribute to this extraordinary journey and Princess Cruises, featuring fresh salmon as the star ingredient. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep love for chimichurri, a vibrant, herbaceous sauce that I knew would complement salmon beautifully. Its fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy profile perfectly enhances the rich flavor of the fish. This recipe has even inspired me to incorporate chimichurri into more of our summer grilling, especially with chicken and steak!

Beyond chimichurri, I often enjoy fish with fresh fruit salsas. For example, my Parmesan Crusted Cod with Berry Salsa offers a delightful sweet and savory contrast. Fruit adds a refreshing twist and depth of flavor to seafood dishes. Another family favorite in our home is Brown Sugar Honey Salmon with Caramelized Pineapple. The caramelized pineapple is simply divine, even as a dessert! However, one of my all-time favorite salsas features Grilled Peach, Strawberry & Mango – the combination of flavors is truly outstanding.

For an effortlessly easy seafood dinner, you absolutely must try my Steamed Lemon Herb Tilapia. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring only a few minutes of active prep time. What’s more, you can even cook it on the grill for an added smoky flavor!

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Chimichurri Salmon

Created by: Lynne Feifer

Course: Main Course | Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 17 minutes

An easy dinner that comes together in less than 15 minutes, this Chimichurri Salmon is healthy and full of flavor. The sauce is made with parsley, cilantro, olive oil, cumin and garlic, and will be great on most meats, too!

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Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 x 6 ounce salmon fillets
• ½ cup + 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 1 bunch fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, leaves removed from stems
• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, leaves removed from stems and packed
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Chimichurri Sauce

1. In a blender, combine the parsley, cilantro, garlic, rice vinegar, cumin, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Pulse until thoroughly mixed.
2. With the blender running on low, slowly drizzle in the ½ cup of olive oil and continue blending until the sauce is well combined and smooth.
3. Season the chimichurri sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.

Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place an oven rack in the top third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the salmon fillets, skin side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then drizzle with the remaining two teaspoons of olive oil.
3. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when gently touched with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should register around 140°F (60°C) for medium doneness.
4. Serve the cooked salmon fillets either topped generously with the homemade chimichurri sauce or with the sauce served on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 298kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Sodium: 303mg
• Potassium: 87mg
• Vitamin A: 1330IU
• Vitamin C: 20.5mg
• Calcium: 27mg
• Iron: 1.3mg

Beyond Salmon: More Chimichurri Inspirations

My newfound obsession with chimichurri has led me down a delightful rabbit hole of recipe discovery. This versatile sauce truly elevates a variety of dishes, and I’m excited to share some of the most mouth-watering chimichurri creations I’ve found across the web:

• This Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri from Grandbaby Cakes looks like the absolute perfect recipe for summer grilling. The photo alone made me want to reach right into my screen and grab a slice! The deep, rich flavors of marinated steak, brightened by chimichurri, promise a truly unforgettable BBQ experience.
• RecipeGirl’s Shrimp Tacos with Avocado-Chimichurri Sauce present a genius twist on the classic. Lori’s innovative idea of incorporating creamy avocado into the chimichurri sauce creates a thicker, richer consistency that must be incredibly delicious and satisfying. Imagine the fresh tang of chimichurri mingling with the smooth richness of avocado – pure culinary bliss.
• Meseidy from The Noshery truly shines with her Blueberry and Pecan Chicken Salad with Mint Chimichurri. This recipe offers a fantastic, mayo-free alternative for chicken salad lovers. The unexpected combination of sweet blueberries, crunchy pecans, and a refreshing mint chimichurri is a delightful and innovative flavor pairing that’s perfect for a light lunch or picnic.

Your Alaskan Adventure Awaits!

When will you be booking your own Alaskan cruise? It’s an absolutely incredible experience that I cannot recommend highly enough. Escaping the summer heat for the cool, pristine wilderness of Alaska is an ideal getaway. It promises to be a perfect vacation, whether you choose to travel with or without children, offering sights and activities that will leave you with cherished, lifelong memories. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create your own Alaskan story. Keep an eye out for last-minute Drop and Go deals from Princess Cruise Lines – your dream vacation could be just a click away!