Simple Salmon = Easy Weeknight Meal

During a busy week I like simple preparation. You put real food into the oven, set a timer, and walk away.  Often, I’ll get tricky and use the lower rack of the oven to roast some cauliflower or broccoli at the same time. Dinner done and done. This gives me time to throw together a salad, make some rice, or even better sit and have a glass of wine while my kid plays quietly in the other room. Ha, who am I kidding about that last one?

Side Suggestions: Apple Fennel Salad with Maple Citrus Vinaigrette

1. Take out a large sheet of tin foil.
2. Place one pound piece of salmon on top of foil.    
3. Drizzle with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
5. Top with thin lemon slices (remove seeds from lemon).
6. Optional, top lemon with some fresh thyme or dill.
7. Place another large sheet of tin foil on top of salmon.
8. Fold together the top and bottom layers of foil loosely on all sides to form a package or pouch. Don’t wrap the salmon too tightly and make sure not to leave any openings.
9. Place salmon pouch on a baking sheet and put into oven heated at 400 degrees.  One pound of salmon takes approximately 25 – 30 minutes to cook. Half pound takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

I usually purchase fresh king salmon when I can find it. Expensive, but the healthy factor is worth the price in my opinion. Salmon is super nutrient dense, an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals and an impressive content of omega-3 fatty acids. The only farmed salmon I will feed my family is the one from Whole Foods – they use rigid environmental and quality standards that I trust. It’s often less expensive, fattier (giving it a richer flavor), and available year round.

Happy Cooking!

Love,
Michelle