Spring into Salmon - Sweet Freedom; Eating Allergen Free

Spring is here and I'm starting to think about lighter dishes with lots of flavor.  One of my favorites is a pine crusted salmon with an unusual salsa.  It's one of those recipes that's easy to make, gluten free, delicious and pretty enough to serve at a dinner party.  Not only that, it features salmon which is one of the healthiest protein choices available.  Salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acid.  The Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon will help to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides levels while raising good cholesterol (HDL). Salmon can also help repair heart damage and strengthen the heart muscles. Studies show that it can lower blood pressure and even prevent hardening of the arteries.  In addition, Omega-3 fatty acids help the brain to work better and can even improve memory.  Salmon is easy to digest and absorbs quickly into your body.  Four ounces of wild salmon gives you a full day’s required amount of Vitamin D.  It also gives you more than half of the B12, niacin and selenium required daily.  Four ounces of salmon also packs almost thirty grams of protein. That's more than half of the Food and Drug Administration’s recommended daily amount. 

This recipe also helps you to meet your five daily servings of fruits and vegetables.  The salsa is made of a unique combination of fruits and vegetables.  Tomatoes, green pepper and onions are mixed with oranges, mango and grapes then tossed in olive oil and seasonings.  The flavors burst in your mouth - letting you know spring has arrived!

Pine Nut Crusted Roasted Salmon with a Tomato and Fruit Salsa

2, 3 lb salmon filet (skinless)

4-5 cups of salsa

1 cup of pine nut topping

Salt and pepper to taste

Place salmon on a baking pan (sprayed with a cooking spray).

Season with salt and pepper.

Cover the top completely with the pine nut topping. (See recipe below.)

Bake in a 350-degree oven covered for approx. 40 minutes or until cooked through (you'll see a white foam on sides when it is done)

Pine Nut Topping

1 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup gluten free bread crumbs

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1 sprig fresh flat leaf parsley (stems removed)

Place all ingredients in a food processor and chop to a course grind.

Salsa

6 plum tomatoes

1 mango

1 orange

1  red onion

1 large green pepper

1 cup seedless grapes

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Chop all ingredients into a medium dice, except grapes which should be cut in half.

Add salt, pepper and parsley.

Add oil and toss.

Serve salmon on a large platter and surround it with salsa