California Date & Harissa Salmon

The natural sweetness of California Dates balances the smoky heat of harissa in this flavorful salmon dish while adding fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients.  Harissa is a North African chili paste made with roasted red peppers and spices. If you can’t find it, you can substitute chipotles in adobo for a similar smoky kick. Herbs and spices are an excellent way to enhance the flavor of your dishes without adding extra fat, sodium, or sugar. This very-low-carb recipe is also heart-healthy.

This California Dates recipe was created for California Dates by Dr. Sonali Ruder (The Foodie Physician), an ER doctor and classically trained chef, and is approved by the American Diabetes Association® Diabetes Food Hub. California Dates is a proud supporter of Diabetes Food Hub® of the American Diabetes Association®. We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote healthy living and dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those managing diabetes.

Nutrition (per serving)

Makes 4 servings (Serving Size = 1 (4 ounce) fillet

Calories:  260
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated fat: 2
Trans fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sodium: 180 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 10g 
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 6g
Added Sugars: 0g
Protein: 23g
Potassium: 640mg

Print Recipe

California Date & Harissa Salmon

Creators: Registered Dietician Courses: Mains Dietary Options: D Diabetes-Friendly H Heart healthy

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

• 5 California dates, pitted
• 3 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp harissa or hot chili paste
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp ground coriander
• 0.25 tsp kosher salt
• 4 4 oz salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 lime (cut into 4 wedges) for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400ºF.

Roughly chop 3 dates and place them in a small bowl with the water. Chop the remaining 2 dates and set them aside for later.

Microwave the bowl of dates for 45 seconds to 1 minutes until softened. Carefully remove the bowl and mash the dates with a fork to form a thick paste. Add the olive oil, harissa paste, lime juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, and salt, and stir together until combined.

Place the salmon fillets in a large baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Spoon the date & harissa sauce on top of the salmon, spreading it to cover the salmon completely. Sprinkle the remaining chopped dates on top.

Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from oven and top the salmon with chopped cilantro.

Serve each piece of salmon with a lime wedge on the side to squeeze on top.

Keywords: Diabetes Friendly, Fish, Salmon