This Chorizo Salmon takes less than 15 minutes to make and is only 3 SmartPoints per portion on Weight Watchers Freestyle, Blue & Purple plans. It works out at 7 SmartPoints if you are following the Green plan.
Please be aware that this post was written prior to Weight Watchers changing to the WW Points Plan. Scroll down the page to check how many Points it works out on the 2023 - 2024 WW Points Plan, as well as some of the older Weight Watchers plans.
A deliciously tasty mix of fresh salmon with spicy chorizo and flavoursome olives, it has quickly become one of my favourite 'throw together' dishes.
Salmon is one of my favourite fishes. It tastes great, it's zero SmartPoints on the Blue & Purple plans and it is packed full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
They are good for you, those omega-3 fatty acids! So I'm told.
They are a healthy oil which are said to help with anti inflammatory effects in the body.
Great for those achy winter joints!
If you are looking for salmon recipes, you may also like to give this zero SmartPoint Salmon, Pea & Horseradish Frittata a go.
You can use fresh or frozen salmon for this Chorizo Salmon recipe.
Defrosting Salmon Fillets
If you use frozen salmon fillets, defrost them thoroughly in the fridge.
This can take some time, so be prepared to take them out the freezer a good 6 - 10 hours before you are planning to cook them.
Obviously the time it takes for them to defrost is very dependant on the size of the fillet.
Alternatively, you can defrost Salmon fillets with cold water.
- Place the fillets in a plastic bag and secure the bag so that no water can seep in.
- Place the bag in a bowl or sink and cover with cold water (not hot).
- Every 10 minutes or so drain the water off and cover with more cold water.
- Do this 3 - 4 times until the fish has defrosted.
- Cook the salmon as soon as it has defrosted.
Don't be tempted to put salmon fillets in the microwave to defrost. It will ruin them!
What I used to make this Chorizo Salmon
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I used skinless salmon. If you use salmon fillets with the skin still on, place the fillet in the pan flesh side down before turning it over to cook the skin side. This way the skin will crisp up nicely.
I used a spicy Spanish chorizo. The brand I used could be eaten raw but was also suitable for cooking. Look for one with a bit of a 'kick' if you like a bit of spice.
I am totally in love with my new Le Creuset non stick frying pan! I've been through a number of non stick pans, but this one is by far my favourite. You can purchase Le Creuset skillets / frying pan in lots of sizes from good kitchen shops or here from Amazon.
Alternatives
I used a mixture of black and green olives, but use whatever olives you have handy.
Serving Suggestions
I eat this Chorizo Salmon on its own if I am having it at lunchtime.
You may like to serve it with a small portion of new potatoes (for an extra 3 SmartPoints) if you are eating it for your main meal.
Serve it on top of a bowl of crisp lettuce leaves. Use the spicy, smokey oil from the chorizo to drizzle over the lettuce leaves as a spicy dressing!
Chorizo Salmon | Weight Watchers
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets boneless & skinless - approx 4.5oz each
- 1⅓ cups cherry tomatoes (200g) halved
- 1 oz chorizo (30g) chopped
- 12 olives chopped
- basil leaves optional
Instructions
- Place the salmon in a non stick frying pan / skillet over a medium heat. There is no need for oil if you have a good quality non stick pan. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes until the salmon starts to sizzle then carefully turn it over.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, chorizo and olives and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the chorizo releases its oil and turns crispy.
- Plate the salmon and spoon over the chorizo, olives and tomatoes. Drizzle with any oil left in the pan and garnish with torn basil leaves.
Ken says
Very tasty. I would do it again. My wife, an avid WW person really enjoyed it. I had andouille sausage on hand and substituted for chorizo. I had added some shiitake mushrooms too just because i love them. There was plenty of flavor without it but tasted so good.
Marianne says
I am so pleased that you enjoyed it Ken.
Kindest regards
Marianne