Perfectly Balanced Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Keyword: balanced salmon recipe

Serving up a perfectly balanced meal is easier than you might think! This balanced salmon recipe combines the rich flavors of lemon butter sauce with fresh, vibrant vegetables. A healthy and delicious dish that caters to both taste buds and dietary needs, this salmon can be enjoyed as part of any nutritious diet.

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutesNumber of Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients You Will Need

• 1 lb (about 450 grams) wild or farm-raised salmon fillet, skin removed if desired
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced finely
• 1 teaspoon dried dill or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 medium onion, sliced thinly on a bias
• 4-6 cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Preparation Steps

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with lemon zest and juice. Stir in minced garlic.
2. Butter the inside of a baking dish or foil wrap that is large enough for the salmon fillet to lie flat. Place the fillet on top of it, ensuring that all sides are generously coated with the butter mixture.
3. Add sliced onions and halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon. This not only adds flavor but also ensures an even distribution of heat during baking.
4. Season the salmon with salt and pepper to taste before placing it in the preheated oven.
5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).

Enjoy Your Balanced Meal!

Your balanced salmon is now ready to be enjoyed! If desired, garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley for an extra burst of color and freshness. Serve alongside a side salad or steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal.

Tips & Variations

1. To make the dish more filling, consider serving it with quinoa instead of plain rice or potatoes.
2. For added texture and flavor, you can add capers or sliced green onions to the lemon butter mixture before baking.
3. If you prefer a slightly different taste profile, use lime juice instead of lemon for a zestier twist.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)

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p>Calories: 450 kcalTotal Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 70mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: <1gProtein: 28g

Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health. The lemon butter sauce adds a refreshing element to the dish without compromising on the nutritional value.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• To get that perfect golden crust on the salmon skin (if you chose not to remove it), use a non-stick pan and lightly coat with oil or butter before placing the fillet in. The cooking time will be slightly shorter than when baking, around 10-12 minutes.
• If using fresh dill for garnish, make sure it is finely chopped so that it blends well with other flavors on your plate.

Why Balanced Nutrition Matters

Eating a balanced diet involves including foods from various food groups such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins like salmon, and healthy fats. Incorporating this recipe into your weekly meal plan can help ensure you're getting all the essential nutrients needed for optimal health.

Conclusion

This balanced salmon recipe offers a delectable way to enjoy one of nature's superfoods while maintaining nutritional balance. It's easy enough even for beginners but still impresses at dinner parties or casual family dinners. Try it out and see how quickly you can adjust your taste buds to the rich flavors this dish brings to any table!

For those looking forward to try this recipe, consider experimenting with different vegetables such as zucchini slices or asparagus spears next time for a little change in presentation.