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Cedar Plank Salmon with Watermelon Feta Salsa.

A smoky grilled cedar-plank salmon topped with a bright watermelon, mango and feta salsa.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 large cedar plank
  • orange juice or water (for soaking plank)
  • 1 pound whole salmon fillet about 2 lb originally indicated; skin removed
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper more or less to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt plus pepper to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • olive oil for rubbing the fillet
  • 1/2 cup seedless watermelon small dice (about 2 cups diced)
  • 1 cup fresh mango or pineapple diced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded if desired and chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • lime juice juice of 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 ounces feta cheese crumbled

Instructions

  • Place the cedar plank in a shallow pan and cover with orange juice or water; soak at least 30 minutes, or 2–4 hours for best results.
  • In a small bowl combine the brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder and dried thyme; season with salt and pepper and mix well.
  • Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
  • Pat the salmon dry and place it centered on the soaked cedar plank so no fish hangs over the edge.
  • Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the top of the salmon, then rub the fillet lightly with olive oil.
  • Set the cedar plank with the salmon on the preheated grill, close the lid, and cook 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is uniformly pink in the center and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Using a large spatula, transfer the plank and salmon to a flat surface and let rest briefly while you prepare the salsa.
  • In a large bowl, combine the diced watermelon, diced mango or pineapple, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice and honey; gently toss to combine.
  • Add the crumbled feta to the salsa and toss once more, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
  • Spoon the watermelon feta salsa over slices of the rested salmon and serve immediately.

Equipment

  • cedar plank
  • grill (gas or charcoal)
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Notes

  • Soak the cedar plank at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Adjust cayenne to suit your spice preference.
  • Do not let the salmon hang off the plank while grilling.
  • Salsa is best served fresh.