Imagine a dish that combines the rich, succulent texture of perfectly baked salmon with the aromatic punch of fresh rosemary and bright, zesty orange - a culinary masterpiece that will revolutionize your healthy eating journey! This Paleo-friendly recipe isn't just a meal; it's a gourmet adventure that proves healthy cooking can be both incredibly delicious and simple to prepare. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests with a recipe that's as nutritious as it is mouthwatering!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 orange, zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary (chopped), the zest of 1 orange, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped rosemary, orange zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil for easy cleanup.
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the top of each salmon fillet with the rosemary and orange zest marinade, ensuring even coverage.
- Let the salmon marinate for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once marinated, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon is baking, you can prepare a side salad or steamed vegetables to accompany your meal, keeping with the Paleo theme.
- After the salmon is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Serve the rosemary salmon warm, garnished with additional orange zest or fresh rosemary if desired, alongside your chosen sides.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy Rosemary Salmon with Orange Zest!
Tips
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible, as it tends to have better flavor and nutritional profile.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when it's slightly translucent in the center. Use a fork to check - it should flake easily but still look moist.
- Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the salmon marinate for at least 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow the rosemary and orange zest to penetrate the fish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary makes a significant difference compared to dried herbs. If you can't find fresh, use high-quality dried rosemary.
- Zesting Technique: When zesting the orange, only remove the bright orange outer layer, avoiding the white pith underneath which can taste bitter.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables or a light mixed green salad to keep the meal Paleo-friendly and nutritionally balanced.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg