St. Patrick's Day inspired Roasted Salmon

If you've been keeping up with the blog, then you know that we love to celebrate over here at Norton Fitness, but in moderation. Finding ways to celebrate holidays in a fitness-forward fashion can not only make for some great new traditions, but also won't leave you feeling regret over all the work you just undid with your diet and exercise routine.

Today's recipe features a not uncommon Irish dinner, with some spectacular Irish colors to boot.(orange salmon, green dill, white potatoes). Too often we get hung up on celebrating holidays by drinking to excess, eating unhealthy foods and going along with society's definition of the holiday. While it's just fine to indulge a little, making your own meal and your own fun can be a just as good, if not not better, way to spend a holiday.

Whenever you dig into this recipe, whether it's on St. Patrick's Day next Monday, or to line your stomach before some lighthearted drinking this weekend, feel good about eating a meal stacked with healthy carbs, protein, and essential omega-3 fatty acids. 

Roasted Irish Salmon

Serves 2

Gather:

2- Wild caught Salmon fillets ~.5lb to .75lb each

2tsp coconut oil, liquified

3/4 tsp salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

1 tsp grated lemon rind

6 lemon slices

Method:

Preheat oven to 450F

Place salmon skin-side down on foil lined baking sheet

Brush fish with oil, salt and pepper

Sprinkle with dill and lemon and arrange lemon slices over top

Bake fish at 450F for 10 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.

Side Dish: Boiled Potatoes

Potatoes get a bad rap, but red skins contain less starch and are high in potassium and vitamins C and B. 

Gather: 

1 lb red skin potatoes

1/2 cup butter or coconut butter 

1 bunch fresh sage (or dried) (to taste)

1 bunch fresh parsley (use to taste)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Place clean potatoes (skin on) in a pot, covered in water rising at least 2 inches over the potatoes.

Bring to a boil and allow to cook for 20 minutes. Testing every few minutes near the end for doneness. Potatoes should be smooth, creamy and tender. 

-Drain potatoes when done and then lightly mash, not completely, just enough to break potatoes apart. Add butter, salt, pepper, sage and parsley and stir together gently until combined. Use more or less butter according to taste. 

A balanced, Irish inspired meal, fit for a healthy lifestyle or as preparation for a night out with friends. Enjoy, and stay fit!