Salmon and a Side! Healthy & Tasty Salmon Fillet Meals
Everyone wants to make the most of their Summer grilling season while still maintaining a healthy figure. Classic American dinner staples like hamburgers, French fries, pizza, and barbecue wings smothered in blue cheese dressing may be tempting, however they make it far more difficult to stay on course. Luckily, there are plenty of fun flavor combinations to enjoy that allow you indulge, while not feeling guilty afterwards!
Many consider salmon a delicacy for its exquisite flavor and texture. Stauffers takes pride in offering a variety to choose from, including the Chilean fillet, the Scottish fillet, and USA or Canadian caught wild fillets. We also offer fresh, organic salmon, preferred based off of flavor, moisture, and its growth practices. Our knowledgeable seafood team members can provide you with the cuts that best suit your taste buds!
Whether it’s Chilean or Scottish, salmon in itself is a powerhouse of nutrition. Its bountiful supply of omega-3 fatty acids greatly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease through diminishing inflammation. Compared to other fish, salmon also contains a lower level of mercury. Instead, it boasts vitamins and minerals essential to a healthy diet. To top it off, its vitamin D and tryptophan are depression deterrents, causing you to feel better while eating better.
Now that we put salmon on a pedestal, it’s time to match it with delicious, healthy side dishes to turn this into a meal! Chips and macaroni and cheese can be easy ways out, but we are looking for impactful sides, full of nutrition and flavor. There is no shortage in this department, and in fact, the possibilities are endless. Fruits, veggies, grains, and pastas all make for excellent choices, but let’s be more specific with a few of the top picks!
Ideas
There is always room for the perfect vegetable to accompany this wholesome fish. One of the two greens most associated with salmon dishes is green beans which, if prepared with a twist, can pack a powerful flavor punch. Try mixing in some minced, roasted walnuts or almonds as a garnish to your green beans. Finally, glaze them in balsamic vinegar. Green never tasted so good!
The second go-to option is steamed broccoli florets. Now, some people think that by smothering their broccoli in cheese it’s alright, because they are “still getting the nutrition benefits from the veggie.” Otherwise, they do so just to convince their children to try it. However, there are plenty of healthier alternatives that taste just as fulfilling as gooey cheese. One exceptional recipe includes roasting broccoli with garlic and lightly coating it in a lemon sauce for tang. This provides a sweeter side to salmon’s green sidekick and does so for only half the calories that a cheese sauce would provide.
Apart from vegetables, the up-and-coming household name in grains also pairs perfectly with any salmon dish. Quinoa is quickly dominating the healthy market for its scrumptious taste and simple preparation. Among its many positive attributes, quinoa is high in protein and fiber, and has less calories than white rice. Many dietitians like to spice things up with their own version of quinoa salad, one of which is particularly appetizing! First, you need your quinoa, to state the obvious. Follow it up with cut cherry tomatoes, raw spinach leaves, basil, and finally another trending Superfood, avocado. Each one of these ingredients screams “delicious and nutritious!” and does so without breaking the bank. Mix all the ingredients together, adding a low-fat glaze if desired, and voila! You have your very own Avocado Quinoa Salad.
Finally, if you’re feeling the need for a bit more substance, homemade pita triangles can be the warm, doughy sensation that satisfies your appetite. Pair these white bread alternatives with a smooth pesto spread, and you’ve got a mouthwatering salmon side dish.
Overall, the world is at your fingertips when it comes to creating a flawless grilled salmon meal. While these tips were just a few tasty options, there are countless choices that allow you to get adventurous with eating healthy. Start to enjoy taking care of yourself with the help of foods like these. It won’t ever feel difficult saying no to unhealthy meal alternatives again!