Salmon with Lemon-Mint Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/8 teaspoon plus 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
• Garnish: fresh mint sprigs

Preparation

1. Whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a small bowl; slowly whisk in 1/4 cup olive oil. Stir in shallot and mint. Set aside.
2. Sprinkle salmon with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté salmon 4 to 5 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Drizzle with dressing. Garnish, if desired.
4. Pour: Dave Martin, executive chef of New York City's Crave on 42nd, recommends Francis Coppola Diamond Collection 2006 Yellow Label Sauvignon Blanc with this dish. "With a clean finish and hint of tropical flavor, this wine is a deal at about $15," he says.