Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale Recipe
This Salmon Mac and Cheese Bowls with Kale recipe is a quick and delicious meal combining creamy macaroni and cheese, tender baked salmon, and sautéed kale for a nutritious and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 6 oz salmon filets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (divided: about 1/2 teaspoon per filet)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for serving
Mac and Cheese
- 1 box your favorite macaroni and cheese pasta (recommended Annie’s or Banza)
Kale
- 1 bunch dinosaur (Lacinato) kale, chopped
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Make Mac and Cheese: Follow the package directions to prepare the macaroni and cheese. This usually involves boiling the pasta, draining it, and mixing in the cheese sauce.
- Cook Salmon: While the mac and cheese is cooking, coat each salmon filet lightly with about 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place the salmon filets in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 5-6 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the salmon, you may need to cook a bit longer. Finally, switch the oven to broil and broil the salmon for an additional 1 minute to crisp the outside and achieve a golden brown finish.
- Sauté Kale: While the salmon is baking, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped kale and sauté for about 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven. In shallow bowls, assemble the dish by adding a portion of mac and cheese, sautéed kale, and a salmon filet topped with fresh lemon slices. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust baking time of salmon according to thickness; thicker filets may require more time.
- For a dairy-free option, choose a vegan mac and cheese.
- Use fresh lemon slices to add brightness and cut through the richness of the dish.
- Lacinato kale works best for sautéing due to its tender leaves and mild flavor.
- You can substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard if preferred.
