Seared Salmon with Quinoa and Roasted Asparagus

I've been making an effort to eat healthier, partially to feel better about what I'm putting in my body but also to slim down a bit (hey--summer is just around the corner!) Tonight's dinner is one of my favorite meals for many reasons: simple to prepare, tastes great and best of all, I feel great after eating it. All the ingredients are nutritious and naturally low in calorie.

I've been slightly obsessed with quinoa (pronounced keen-wah.) It's a grain like crop with edible seeds that are considered a superfood for it's high protein, fiber, magnesium, iron and calcium levels. To top it off, it's also gluten-free! It may look weird and sound weird but quinoa is a god send. It's as versatile as any pasta or grain but so much healthier. I like to prepare it like pasta--throw into salted boiling water and allow to cook through (a method I borrowed from a fellow chef friend) and drain through a fine mesh sieve. The seeds will expand and be soft. Al dente is not ideal with this ingredient.

tri colored quinoa, toasted almond slivers, parsley, lemon zest mixed with EVOO, salt and pepper

I used to not like cooked salmon. Something about the smell and taste just didn't sit right with me. I usually preferred it as sashimi. Lately, I've come around and really enjoy a simple pan seared or grilled salmon with a squeeze of lemon juice. It's also hard to ignore that it's chock full of omega-3 fatty acids and has a long list of health benefits including inflammation, brain function, cancer prevention, cardiovascular health, eye health, skin and hair health. Ladies--want to know the secret to the fountain of youth and shiny Vidal Sassoon locks? Eat more salmon.

pan seared salmon

Asparagus season is upon us and I try to eat them every chance I get. High in folate, potassium and antioxidants, these bad boys are also great for your skin. A quick Wikipedia search on asparagus reveals that that are believed to have many medicinal properties including clearing blemishes and curing hangovers! "Extracts from the leaves and shoots have been known to boost levels of key enzymes that help break down alcohol." Who knew? Aside from all the health benefits, I just love the how they taste. Lightly roasted or grilled with olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper is my favorite preparation

delicious and nutritious