We have salmon for dinner on a regular basis because we like and appreciate that it is a healthy food option. I am not a fan of cooking something the same way all the time, so I am always trying new ways to prepare this fish. I experimented with some different spices and seasoning, added nuts and came up with the recipe below. We really liked this version. We are also trying to incorporate more seasonal vegetables in our meals and trying to prepare them in healthier ways. Oven baked zucchini fries were delicious and turned out crispy with the Parmesan coating. Spaghetti Squash is in season and makes a delicious side dish with Italian flavors.

Pecan-Crusted Salmon

For 2

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets, about 6 oz. each
Seafood seasoning ( such as Old Bay)
4 tablespoons finely chopped raw pecans
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon mayonnaise

Directions

Thaw salmon overnight in the refrigerator, if it is frozen.

At least 30 minutes before you plan to cook, take the salmon out of the refrigerator.

Coat a small baking dish with olive oil cooking spray, place the fish in this dish and let the fish come to room temperature.

Sprinkle the fish lightly with the seafood seasoning.

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to reach a 425F/220C temperature a half hour before you plan to cook.

Mix together the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl and use a rubber scraper to spread it over the surface of the salmon.

Press the pecans onto the top of the fish with a little pressure so they stick to the topping.

Roast the salmon for about 15 minutes. (Don’t overcook; the fish will continue to cook for a few minutes when you take it out of the oven.)

Zucchini Parmesan Oven Fries

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini
Kosher salt
1 egg, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil

Directions

Cut each zucchini in half and each half into quarters.

Place the zucchini in a plastic zip-lock bag and add a little salt. Seal and shake the bag to coat the zucchini pieces.

Place them on paper towels to drain for several hours. Reserve the plastic bag.

Oil a large baking sheet with sides. Use the same oven temperature as the salmon.

Place the egg in a shallow dish and the Parmesan cheese in the bag that held the zucchini quarters.

Dip the zucchini in the egg and place in the bag with the cheese. Shake the bag and place the zucchini on the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with all the zucchini.

Place the pan in the oven 10 minutes before the salmon will need to go in the oven.

Bake 10 minutes and turn the squash over when you place the salmon in the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes more or until they are crispy.

Spaghetti Squash Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti squash makes an excellent substitute for thin noodles. It is best to cook the squash earlier in the day or the day before.

Ingredients

1 spaghetti squash, about 3 lbs.

Preheat the oven to 375°F and halve the squash lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds from the middle of each half.

Arrange the squash in a baking dish, cut sides down. Pour 1 cup of water into the dish and bake until just tender, 30 to 35 minutes.

Run a fork through the flesh to separate the spaghetti like strands. Turn them into a storage container.

When ready to cook:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet and add 2 crushed garlic cloves.

When the garlic turns golden, remove it from the pan and discard.

Add the spaghetti squash and toss in the oil. Add crushed red chili flakes, black pepper and salt to taste. Serve immediately.


Posted by in Fish, Garlic, Healthy Italian Cooking, Nuts, salmon, Spaghetti squash, zucchini Tags: