Heart Healthy Recipe: Citrus Salmon with Orange Relish

We thought there couldn’t be a better way to wrap up National Heart Month than a recipe from our doctor that doubles as both heart healthy and savory. This week, we have a recipe from none other than Dr, Oscar Rodas, our physician friend at Jacksonville Clinic and undercover, amazing chef.

When it comes to salmon, the heart health benefits are enormous. Salmon a great source of protein, but skips the added saturated fat most fatty meat products contain. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a wonderful nutrient that decreases the risk of abnormal heartbeats & lowers blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Salmon is also a strong source of vitamin B-12, a nutrient important to proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. The AHA recommends eating fish twice a week for optimal heart health. Next time you’re cooking dinner, try Dr. Rodas’ recipe for citrus salmon with orange relish. In addition to being heart healthy, its flavor is both sweet & savory, and, really, is there any better combination?

Ingredients:

¼ cup orange juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ teaspoons thyme leaves

4 salmon fillets

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

Orange Relish:

2 seedless oranges, peeled and cut

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon chopped red onion

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

½ teaspoon ground ginger

Directions:

1. Prepare the marinade by mixing orange juice, oil & 1 teaspoon of thyme in a small bowl.

2. Pour the marinade over the salmon fillets in glass dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. Mix oranges, honey, red onion, parsley & ginger to create  the relish and refrigerate until ready to be served.

4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

5. Remove salmon from marinade and place fillets on a foil-lined baking pan.

6. Mix brown sugar, paprika, remaining ½ teaspoon thyme and salt in small bowl and evenly rub mixture on salmon fillets.

7. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, serve salmon with orange relish.

What are your favorite salmon recipes? Let us know on our Facebook page!