"Fishing for Frugal Recipes" Contest Finalist

Peppered Tilapia Salad

– by Shannon Kohn

Peppered Tilapia Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/4 tsp. coarse salt, divided
  • 1/4 cup firm goat cheese crumbles
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound Regal Springs Tilapia filets
  • 1 pound fresh nectarines, pitted and chopped
  • 1/4 cup sweet onion, very thinly sliced
  • 4 large, green lettuce leaves, washed and dried
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, coarsely chopped

Directions:

  • Whisk basil, balsamic vinegar, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and ¼ tsp. salt together in bottom of large bowl. Add goat cheese crumbles; toss to combine.
  • Preheat oven to broil. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper. In small bowl, combine minced garlic with remaining 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil, black pepper and remaining 1 tsp. salt. Rub mixture evenly over both sides of tilapia filets; place filets in single layer on prepared baking sheet.
  • Broil filets 4” to 6” from heat for 3 to 5 minutes; flip filets and broil 3 to 5 minutes more, or until cooked through (fish should flake easily with fork). Do not overcook. Remove from oven; allow filets to cool on baking sheet for 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Add nectarines and onion to goat cheese crumbles and vinaigrette in large bowl. Add whole broiled tilapia filets; toss gently to combine all ingredients and coat with vinaigrette, carefully breaking up filets into bite-sized portions while tossing. (Note: warm tilapia filets will melt goat cheese crumbles, creating creamy vinaigrette.)
  • To serve: Place 1 lettuce leaf onto each of 4 serving plates. Divide salad mixture evenly and place into center of lettuce leaves. Garnish each serving with 1 Tbsp. chopped pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings.