Barley Free Cilantro-Lime Salmon Cucumber Skewers
These skewers are bright, fresh, and packed with bold flavor — the kind of appetizer or light main that disappears from the platter before you even sit down. Cubes of salmon get a quick marinade in lime juice, zest, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cilantro, soaking up every bit of that citrusy, aromatic punch before hitting the pan. The cucumber rounds aren't just a pretty garnish — they add a cool, crisp contrast to the seared salmon that makes every bite feel balanced and lively. Searing the skewers in a hot skillet gives the salmon a gorgeous golden edge while keeping the inside tender and flaky. The ingredient list is entirely whole foods — fish, fresh herbs, citrus, and vegetables — so there's no need to scan labels or worry about hidden grain-based additives sneaking in. A squeeze of extra lime over the finished skewers right before serving ties everything together beautifully. Whether you're putting these out as a starter or building a full meal around them, they're genuinely impressive with very little effort.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salmon
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
For the skewers
- 1 large english cucumber, cut into 1-inch rounds
For serving
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
- fresh cilantro sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the lime juice, lime zest, garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and cilantro until combined. Add the salmon cubes and toss gently to coat. Let the salmon marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- 2
While the salmon marinates, cut the cucumber into 1-inch rounds. Thread the skewers by alternating 2 pieces of salmon with 2 rounds of cucumber on each 6-inch skewer, starting and ending with cucumber.
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