Salmon with Pineapple Salsa and Cilantro Lime Rice

It's rainy here in Florida and I really wanted a meal that would brighten up an otherwise gloomy day.  This salmon with pineapple salsa and cilantro lime rice was exactly what I needed!  I used two recipes I found online:  one for the salmon and salsa and another for the rice...always have to give credit where it's due!  I did tweak them a little, though.  Anyway....

Here's what you need:

4 salmon fillets, skin off

1 cup uncooked rice

2 cups water

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 cup finely chopped pineapple, fresh is best

1/4 cup finely chopped onion (original recipe calls for red onion, I used yellow)

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (original recipe calls for rice vinegar, you could probably use red wine vinegar as well)

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

handful of fresh cilantro, chopped finely

salt and pepper

1.  Cook rice according to package instructions (I used a rice cooker).

2. While the rice is cooking, combine pineapple, onion, cayenne, half of the cilantro and vinegar.  Mix well and set aside.

3.  In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of oil, lime juice, and the rest of the cilantro.  Mix well and set aside.

4.  Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.  Season salmon with salt and pepper.

5.  Add salmon to pan carefully.  Douse with soy sauce and cook on each side for approximately 4 minutes. Time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your fish.  

6.  Once your rice is finished cooking, add the oil/lime/cilantro mixture and mix thoroughly.

7.  Top rice with salmon and salsa; serve hot.  Enjoy!

Doesn't that look pretty?  I served it alongside a side salad of leaf lettuce tossed in a chipotle cheddar dressing and topped with avocado slices.  I paired the whole meal with a crisp white wine from a local vineyard...delicious!

Also...if  you're like me and have a little one to feed, ingredients in this meal are very kid-friendly when separated.  Our little guy, nearly 18 months old, feasted on the rice (as prepared), chunks of pineapple, chunks of avocado, and a little of the salmon.  Not spicy and easily identified so it's not scary to picky eaters.