Salmon Done Six Ways

Protein is often the piece of the nutrition puzzle many women are missing. It is essential to building muscle, boosting metabolism, controlling cravings, keeping blood sugar in check, and burning fat. While chicken and tuna might be your go-to sources for meals that build muscle, salmon certainly deserves a second look.

Not only is salmon protein-rich but also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart and brain, as well as the body. Helping out your heart, omega-3 helps lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, while also lowering blood pressure. It is known to reduce blood clots, which is said to lower the risk of stroke. And another brain benefit is it’s positive effects on memory.

Salmon, whether you buy it wild or farm-raised, isn’t cheap. While you can’t put a price on good health, you should enjoy your money’s worth. Whether you’re new to salmon or are bored with baking and broiling, the following six ways will have salmon swimming to the top of your tastiest protein sources.

Burger Best: While beef is a grill go-to meat, salmon can make a strong summer showing. Mix in bread crumbs, fresh dill, and scallions with salmon meat. Form patties, without overworking the mixture. Season with salt and pepper and put on the grill. Serve in a lettuce wrap or with toasted bun and dijon mustard or mayo.

Chowder Power: Beat the chill on a cool spring evening with a cup of heart-healthy chowder. Start with a simple soup base of celery, onions, carrots, and chicken stock. Add potatoes and cook until vegetables are tender. Add milk, half-and-half, cubed salmon, and spices and simmer until salmon is cooked.

Terrific Taco: Seafood tacos and warm weather seem to be synonymous. These hand-held eats are both delicious and healthy crowd pleasers. Pan-sear or grill salmon, and serve it on warm corn tortillas topped with peach salsa, cilantro, and black beans.

Super Skewers: Make a switch from steak kebabs to seafood instead. Carefully skewers chunks of salmon with veggies, such as zucchini, summer squash, and bell peppers. Glaze each with a mixture of light soy sauce and brown sugar for palete-popping flavor.

Righteous Rolls: Serve salmon with a twist when tucked and baked. Wrap crescent rolls around strips of salmon, spinach, and gorgonzola cheese, and bake in the oven. These simple sandwiches cook up quickly and are easy to eat on the go.

Creative Cakes: Swab out the crab in your cakes and see what’s in store with salmon. Mix salmon meat with chopped red peppers, celery, onion, parsley, bread crumbs, and seasoning. Add in a combo of mustard, mayo, and eggs. Chill before forming into cakes and quickly frying in grapeseed oil. Serve cakes over a salad or quinoa.

Salmon is too good for you not to have as a staple to your weekly eats. With so many ways to enjoy it’s heart, brain, and body boosts, you have few excuses not to give it try. Swap in seafood as a protein replacement, or top it on sides and salads to give your meals more.

What’s your favorite way to eat salmon? Share with us in the comments!

Carrie Anton (270 Posts)

Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.