This salmon dinner can be prepared in minutes, is extremely healthy and is sure to impress.
Why salmon? Salmon is high in protein, low in calories, and low in saturated and trans-fatty acids. It is simply one of the healthiest foods you can eat.
Protein found in salmon provides a concentration of essential amino acids required by the body for growth and maintenance of muscle tissue. In addition to these amino acids, protein found in salmon helps to maintain an active metabolism which plays an important role in weight loss. Salmon is also lower in calories than chicken, turkey, beef or pork.
Though consumption of fat is necessary to absorb and process vitamins, minerals and nutrients, salmon is a healthy “unsaturated” fat with about one-third the fat found in lean beef and half the fat found in chicken.
Salmon is low in trans-fatty acids, which has the potential to lower cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.
Salmon is also affordable and very easy to prepare. This recipe is a complete and healthy meal, prepared in a single pan, combining salmon and vegetable. It is also low in calories, inexpensive, takes less than 15 minutes to prepare and is ideal for anyone looking to reduce their intake of carbohydrates.
Quick and Easy Salmon Dinner
- 1 ½ pounds salmon, boneless, skin on
- Butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- One tablespoon powdered spice, such as Cajun, Indian, Mexican or Asian
- 6 zucchini or yellow squash
- ½ can coconut milk
- ½ bunch fresh parsley, finely diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Place a large skillet on the stove on medium heat and melt a one inch slice of butter or 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the diced garlic.
- Slice zucchini or yellow squash and place in skillet with melted butter or olive oil. Allow to brown on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- With your hands, press powdered spice into the flesh of the salmon and place on top of the zucchini or yellow squash. Add ½ can of coconut milk and cover for about 10 minutes, simmering on medium heat. Covering the salmon creates a flavorful broth. If you would prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid after about 5 minutes and allow the salmon to cook for the last 5 minutes uncovered. (The skin is edible and quite healthy, but can be removed if you wish.)
- Remove to a platter or portion individually on plates and top with fresh parsley.
As salmon is a buttery, succulent fish, it can be paired well with Champagne, sparkling wine, white wine, a light red such as a Pinot Noir, or even a flavorful beer.
