Let’s face it, when it comes to our health, many of the foods we love to eat, do not love us back. I find this dish to be a delicious exception!
When it comes to heart health, you can’t find a better entree than heart-healthy Omega-3 rich salmon. Toss in some leafy green spinach (high in homocysteine-lowering folic acid), tasty anti-oxidant rich red tomatoes, and a splash of wine, and you’ve got a heart-smart restaurant-level dish that tastes and looks as good as it is for you!
I have made this dish many times using parchment but foil also works beautifully. Cooking the fish in packets locks in the moistness, creates a wonderfully intoxicating aroma when opened, and perhaps best of all, makes clean-up a snap! If you prefer to grill or air-fry your salmon (about 9 minutes does it), simply spoon the topping on as soon as the fish is cooked.
PS Foil packets can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for several hours before baking. If you would like to make this for four, simply double all of the ingredients.
Makes 2 servings
2 large Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon sweet vermouth or white wine
2 tablespoons fresh julienned basil
1 medium shallot finely chopped (or 3 tablespoons finely chopped red onion)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Tiny dash red pepper flakes (optional)
Sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste
8 to 10 spinach leaves
2 (5 to 6-ounce) salmon fillets
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, vermouth, basil, shallot, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and red pepper and set aside.
3. Take 2 large pieces of foil and spray with cooking spray. Divide the spinach between the two sheets of foil, and place fillets on top of the spinach. Top each fillet with the tomato mixture. Bring up the sides of the foil, fold over, and seal to create a “packet.” Seal by turning the edges a small portion at a time, starting at the bottom sides and working to a point. Place sealed packets onto a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Nutrition Information Per Serving (1 packet): Calories 340 | Carbohydrate 6g (Sugars 6g) | Total Fat 14g (Sat Fat 4g) | Protein 30g | Fiber 2g | Cholesterol 90mg | Sodium 100mg | Food Exchanges: 4 Medium-Fat Meat, 1 Vegetable, 1 Fat | Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2 | Weight Watcher Freestyle Point Comparison: 1
