Salmon niçoise and lemon-crusted salmon

Most people have tried a niçoise salad with tuna. But salmon? This recipe is a robust variation, nice with a pink wine.

Salmon is easy to cook, and fast. For the niçoise salmon, steaks about 2cm thick are best; for lemon-crusted salmon, use steaks or fillets.

Fresh salmon niçoise

4 x 175g salmon steaks | 16 chat potatoes, cooked, quartered | 4 plum tomatoes, roughly chopped | 120g French beans, trimmed, cooked and drained | 4 little gem or baby lettuce hearts, quartered lengthways | 1 red onion, finely sliced | 4 eggs, boiled for six minutes, halved | 6 anchovy fillets, cut lengthways | 16 pitted black olives | Basil leaves, to garnish

Dressing: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar | 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley | 1 tablespoon freshly snipped chives | 1 garlic clove, peeled, finely chopped

For dressing, whisk together ingredients; season with salt and pepper. Heat ridged griddle pan for 5 minutes. Season salmon; cook for about 3 minutes each side. Place lettuce leaves on large platter; add onion, tomatoes, potato, beans and anchovies. Top with salmon, breaking into chunks. Drizzle over dressing; add eggs, olives and basil leaves. Serves 4

And to drink … Pale, dry pink wine: the 2015 Vinoque Nebbiolo Rosé ($25)

Lemon-crusted salmon

75g fresh white breadcrumbs | 25g grated fresh parmesan | 1 red chilli, deseeded, finely chopped | Finely grated zest 1 lemon | Large handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped | Large handful basil, chopped | Olive oil | 4 skinless salmon fillets | 4 tablespoons olive oil

Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, chilli, lemon zest and herbs. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season, mix well. Place salmon fillets in roasting tin lined with foil, brush with oil, press breadcrumb mix onto top of each salmon fillet. Place in preheated 200°C oven for 8-10 minutes or until just cooked and crumbs are golden. Serve with steamed green vegetables. Serves 4

And to drink … Lime-juicy riesling: 2015 Frankland Estate Isolation Ridge ($40)