Paleo Salmon with Rutabaga Noodles and Shallot Herb Sauce

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 8, 2023

Salmon with Rutabaga Noodles & Warm Kale {aip, paleo, gluten-free}

I’m one week into my Autoimmune Protocol healing journey and although it can be challenging at times, I could eat this Paleo Salmon with Rutabaga Noodles forever. Yes, spiralized rutabaga! And it’s amazing.

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I would have never thought of creating noodles out of that humble vegetable had I not been inspired by the Inspiralizer cookbook, which I had pre-ordered. It arrived on my doorstep last week, so many ideas for spiralizing vegetables and fruits…. The recipes are already built around real food, easily adaptable for whatever you need them to be – gluten-free, AIP, paleo, and all completely delicious looking. And it was perfect timing knowing that grains and beans are on the sidelines for me for awhile.

I know many people use Sunday to prep the bulk of their meals for the week, quick and easy to assemble after the kids are picked up from soccer, or the late meeting that had you stuck at work. I on the other hand, with zero responsibility besides Grace (my cat) tend to be a “fly by the seat of my pants” meal maker.

If there are leftovers for the rest of the week, great, but a lot of times I just throw things together. It’s always easy to make a quick bowl of curried quinoa, chickpeas and a poached egg for example, or a crispy brown rice tostada with roasted vegetables. But now I have to approach meal time with a slightly different angle.

Salmon with Rutabaga Noodles & Herb Shallot Sauce {aip, paleo, gluten-free}

I’m learning that wild-caught fish and grassfed meat are going to take a very important place in getting me the protein, healthy fats and nutrients needed to help heal my “leaky gut”. They’ll cozy up next to fresh vegetables, like the spiralized rutabaga (rutanoodles?!) and kale in this AIP salmon dinner. So now when I make I make a meal, instead of searing one pound of salmon, I’ll make two and use the rest of it for a quick snack. Same goes for meatballs, chicken, etc.

When it comes to the AIP “avoid” category of spices & nightshades, that’s where I’ve had to be more creative than usual. I think all of us can agree that cumin, coriander, curry, paprika, black pepper are used quite frequently in our kitchens. And condiments like mustard in a vinaigrette, tomato paste or worcestershire to add depth – we don’t even think twice about. But all of these are kept out for what Paleo Mom does a great job explaining:

“Seeds are restricted on the Autoimmune Protocol due to their ability to increase inflammation (they typically contain some lectins, phytic acid and have a high omega-6 content).  Nightshades are restricted on the Autoimmune Protocol due to their high saponin content (which can increase gut permeability and act as an adjuvant, exaggerating immune responses).”

Salmon with Rutabaga Noodles & Shallot Herb Sauce {AIP, paleo, gluten-free}

Which is why I’m relying on things like shallots, garlic, olives and fresh herbs to do the heavy lifting when it comes to sauces or flavor enhancers. I doubled the recipe for the Shallot Herb Sauce so you’d have some leftover because it works so well as a condiment. You’ll saute the minced shallots and garlic in olive oil, then puree (or whisk) them with olive oil, lemon juice and fresh parsley. I love how the warm salmon and rutabaga noodles soak it up when drizzled on top.

I can’t thank you enough for your support and kind words after my last post. You make this journey easier. I’ve been feeling better, in fact the last 3 days have been better than any in the last 6 months. Healing through real food, it’s where it’s at!

Salmon with Rutabaga Noodles & Shallot Herb Sauce

{AIP, paleo, gluten-free}

2 pieces of wild-caught salmon, 4 to 5 ounces each
salt
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 medium rutabaga (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and spiralized using Blade C
7-8 large Earthbound Farm organic kale leaves, leaves removed and sliced into thin strips, then massaged between hands for 1 minute to soften

Shallot Herb Sauce (you probably won’t use all of it and can save for other meals!)
1/3 cup chopped shallots (not minced)
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup fresh flat leaf parsley leaves, chopped
1/3 cup + 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt

Make sauce first by heating the 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a small pan. Once hot, add garlic and shallots, plus a big pinch of salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until softened and caramelized. Pour into a small jar or bowl, add remaining ingredients and use an immersion blender to puree. It doesn’t have to be completely smooth, which is why you could also just whisk it together, but I think the flavor is more robust when pureed. Taste and adjust salt/lemon juice as needed.

For Fish & Noodles:
Rub salmon with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a 1/4 teaspoon salt each. Bring a cast iron skillet with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in it to medium high heat. Sear salmon about 4 minutes on each side, putting skin side down first. Remove from pan and set aside, then add kale and 1 tablespoon water, cook for 2 minutes so it starts to wilt.

Then add rutabaga noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes, until warmed through and al dente. Stir some of the sauce into the noodle mixture, then divide between plates. Add a salmon fillet to each, then top with as much sauce as you’d like or reserve to use later.

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March 10, 2015

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19 comments

  1. Grace

    I used carrot noodles to sub. Very yummy. Thank you for sharing.

    • Amanda Paa

      Great idea! I now need to try it with spiralized carrot noodles – so glad you enjoyed :)

      • Grace

        Be careful using the spiralizer on carrots. My handle broke on them. I used my metal hand held “julianer” instead.

  2. Heather @ Cook It Up Paleo

    What a creative way to get some salmon and veggies! Pinning :)

    • Amanda Paa

      thanks heather! rutabaga is one of those vegetables that needs a little more love. :) xo

  3. Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen

    This salmon looks perfect, Amanda! And I love the idea of rutabaga noodles. It definitely seems like you’ve embraced your AIP challenge and come up with some really creative and healthy things already. I really hope you are starting to feel better! xo

  4. Sarah @ SnixyKitchen

    I don’t think I’ve ever had a rutabaga (in fact, if you’d asked me yesterday I probably would have told you I thought it was some kind of bus – don’t tell everyone about my ignorance;), but these rutanoodles sound delicious – and the shallot herb sauce seems like it still packs loads of flavor without the spices that will upset your system. I’m so happy to hear you’re on the path to healing!

  5. kristie {birch and wild}

    This looks so delicious! I have never had spiralized parsnips, or many spiralized vegetables yet. But I am imagining the combinations!

    • Amanda Paa

      I haven’t tried parsnips yet either, but I imagine they’d have that similar sweet/savory tone like rutabaga. And root vegetables work so great for spiralizing since they are sturdier and don’t break down while cooking. One of the kitchen tools I’m so glad I bought.

  6. Rebecca @ DisplacedHousewife

    This looks like one of those meals that makes you feel simultaneously healthy and satisfied. It’s not easy to do both. Looks delicious Amanda!! xx

    • Amanda Paa

      Yes, it definitely is one of those meals Rebecca! And I’m wondering why I haven’t eaten more fish until now…. so easy to make.

  7. genevieve @ gratitude & greens

    I would have never thought to spiralize rutabaga! That shallot herb sauce sounds ridiculously good. It’s a bummer that you can’t use certain spices and condiments, but I’m so excited to see all the wonderful herb sauces and condiments that you’ll come up with! As always, I’m sending healing vibes your way. Hope you are having a great week!

  8. jules

    This looks amazing! We have salmon every week and are always looking for new ways to prepare it. So beautiful with the kale, too! Thanks for the inspiration!
    ~jules

    • Amanda Paa

      I love how quick salmon cooks. Makes for such quick weeknight meals. Thanks Jules!

  9. Lu | Super Nummy Yo!

    Wow, rutabaga noodles! Such a cool idea. Better than zucchini noodles cause they taste starchier! Will have to give it a try :-P

  10. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine

    This is a must make! Any salmon dish is amazing, and I LOVE spiralizing ;) Totally pinned!

  11. Jennifer F.

    This just looks delicious and nourishing. I might have to finally get a veggie spiralizer so I can make this.

    • Amanda Paa

      Yes, do it! I don’t think you can go wrong with a spiralizer. Soooo many possibilities. And they’re super easy to work with. xo

  12. Julia @ Swirls and Spice

    I love shallots on almost anything and am intrigued by the rutabaga noodles! Pinning!