Today I warmly invite you to a special dinner, designed for us to enjoy a spring evening in a cozy and relaxed setting. I have prepared a menu that I hope will delight everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. It is a fresh and delicious menu, built around a grilled salmon dish – simple, yet full of flavors that will make us feel like we are in the heart of nature. I promise that we will enjoy a healthy feast, where every bite brings a touch of joy.
We will begin with a fresh garden salad, filled with tender greens, crunchy vegetables, and a light lemon dressing, perfect for opening our appetites. I want this appetizer to bring a hint of spring to the table, and its flavors to prepare us for the main course.
Next, we will savor the grilled salmon – the star of the evening. I chose to prepare it simply, with a little lemon zest, salt, and pepper, and on top, we will drizzle a fine butter and garlic sauce for an extra touch of flavor. Alongside the salmon, I have prepared oven-roasted new potatoes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, seasoned with rosemary and garlic. I know this combination will be to everyone’s taste and will bring that comfort we all long for in a family dinner.
For a touch of color and vitamins, we will also add steamed asparagus – simple, yet delicious, seasoned only with a drizzle of olive oil and salt. I hope these fresh vegetables will harmoniously complement the salmon and potatoes, offering us a light and balanced dinner.
Finally, we will enjoy a refreshing dessert – a berry parfait with Greek yogurt and honey. It is the perfect dessert for a spring evening, bringing the natural sweetness of berries and the freshness of creamy yogurt.
And to make everything perfect, we will open a bottle of chilled white wine, perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc, to indulge our senses and delicately accompany the dishes on the table. I look forward to spending time together, sharing stories, and enjoying a beautiful evening, surrounded by the flavors of spring and the joy of being together.
May it be an evening full of laughter, good food, and beautiful memories!
With love and anticipation, I await you!
Fresh Garden Salad
Ingredients:
100 g mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
10–12 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
50 g crumbled feta cheese or 1 sliced avocado
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of half a lemon
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, add the greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss well.
Sprinkle with feta cheese or add avocado slices on top..
2. Grilled Salmon with Butter, Garlic, and Lemon Sauce
Ingredients for Salmon:
4 salmon fillets
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
Ingredients for the Butter Sauce:
50 g butter
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and fresh herbs.
Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Place the salmon on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through.
While the salmon is cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Pour the butter sauce over the grilled salmon fillets when ready to serve.
3. Oven-Roasted New Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
Ingredients:
500 g new potatoes, washed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Spread the potatoes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
4. Steamed Asparagus
Ingredients:
300 g asparagus
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
Instructions:
Trim the woody ends of the asparagus.
Steam the asparagus for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
Season with olive oil and sea salt.
5. Berry Parfait
Ingredients:
200 g Greek yogurt
100 g mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
In glasses, add a layer of Greek yogurt, followed by a layer of mixed berries and a drizzle of honey.
Repeat the layers and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Serving Tips: Serve the grilled salmon hot, with the side dishes alongside, while the fresh garden salad and the berry parfait complete this family dinner perfectly!
Why is salmon a suitable choice for a spring dinner?
Salmon is a light and healthy protein, ideal for spring evenings when we want dishes that are nourishing but not heavy. Its delicate flavors combine perfectly with fresh seasonal ingredients such as lemon and aromatic herbs, while its tender and juicy texture makes it suitable for all tastes.
What makes the fresh garden salad essential in a spring menu?
The fresh garden salad brings extra freshness and crunch to the meal, being rich in vitamins and minerals. Greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes provide a light texture, while the lemon dressing adds a refreshing note, pairing perfectly with grilled salmon and the side dishes.
How do lemon zest and butter sauce influence the flavor of grilled salmon?
Lemon zest adds a vibrant, citrus taste that balances the natural richness of the salmon. The butter sauce with garlic and parsley enhances the salmon’s flavor, giving it a smooth and creamy texture, transforming the dish into a complete culinary experience.
What are the advantages of oven-roasted new potatoes compared to other side dishes?
Oven-roasted new potatoes have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, thanks to the roasting method. Rosemary and garlic add intense aromas, and this side dish offers an excellent contrast to salmon and asparagus, being appreciated by both children and adults.
Why is steamed asparagus a healthy and delicious choice?
Steamed asparagus is rich in fiber and vitamins, making it an easily digestible vegetable. The simple preparation, with only olive oil and salt, preserves the natural flavor of asparagus and makes it the perfect complement to a balanced and healthy menu.
How does the berry parfait complete the rest of the menu?
The berry parfait with Greek yogurt brings a refreshing and sweet touch, ideal after a menu based on savory dishes. Berries provide antioxidants, while creamy yogurt balances the dessert, making it light and revitalizing.
What type of white wine is recommended to accompany the menu and why?
A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is the ideal choice due to its balanced acidity, which complements the delicate flavors of salmon and the freshness of the salad. Chilled white wine enhances the taste of the dishes and completes the overall culinary experience.
How does the table presentation contribute to the atmosphere of the evening?
The presentation of the table, with beautifully arranged plates and nature-inspired décor, amplifies the charm of a spring dinner. Candles, colorful napkins, and a vase of fresh flowers add a warm and festive touch, encouraging conversations and the joy of being together.
What are the benefits of organizing a family dinner with a balanced menu?
Such a dinner promotes healthy eating habits and creates moments of emotional connection. Balanced dishes like salmon, vegetables, and a light dessert provide complete nutrition, while the relaxed atmosphere strengthens family bonds.
How can such a menu inspire a healthy culinary routine?
This menu demonstrates that healthy meals can be tasty and easy to prepare. Choosing fresh ingredients and using simple cooking techniques, such as grilling and steaming, can be integrated into daily routines, promoting a balanced and varied diet.
