Tag: entree

Lemon Walnut Pesto Grilled Salmon

Lemon Walnut Pesto Salmon Main Image

Fresh pesto is one of those recipes that can be smothered on just about anything to create a fresh bright flavor. I often make pesto to put on pasta, zucchini noodles, pizza and chicken. I think it would even be delicious on grilled steak as a chimichurri alternative. Today I am spreading it on salmon just before grilling. You can make pesto out of any nuts you prefer, I used walnuts. The addition of fresh basil adds a hint of anise flavor to any dish and a beautiful bright green color. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a little tang, perfect for fish dishes. Try this lemon walnut pesto on your next recipe!

Lemon Walnut Pesto Grilled Salmon

30 minutes

15 minutes

45 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Serving Size: 5 ounce piece of salmon

Lemon Walnut Pesto Grilled Salmon

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. salmon filet
  • For Pesto:
  • 1/3 c olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 c walnut pieces
  • 6 large basil leaves
  • 1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves

Instructions

  1. Heat grill to 425. While grill heats, prepare ingredients for pesto in a food processor or blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to make the salmon.
  4. Lay salmon on a large piece of foil. Spoon pesto over salmon.
  5. Fold foil over salmon so that it is completely enclosed in foil.
  6. Place on grill. Cook 15 minutes. Slice salmon and serve.
http://freshandfit.org/lemon-walnut-pesto-grilled-salmon/

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Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Burgers

Cheesy Jalapeno Grit Burger

Creating fresh takes on burger recipes is one of my favorite things to do during the warmer months. I often see a variety of burger options at the grocery store in the meat department. Those are great in a pinch, but when I have a little extra time, I like to create my own hand crafted burgers. This one came to me when I was trying to think of new ways to use corn meal. I found it to be the perfect binder in this recipe for cheesy jalapeño corn burgers.

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The corn meal creates an almost crispy outside to the burger, which I loved. The meat in this recipe is sort of an afterthought. I wanted the other ingredients to be the stars of the show, so instead of using beef, I used ground chicken. These burgers are delicious on their own with a little spicy mayonnaise (I use mayo mixed with a little chipotle in adobo sauce) on top served alongside grilled hearts of  romaine or your choice of veggie.

Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Burger

Yield: 4-6 burgers

Cheesy Jalapeño Corn Burger

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 c corn kernels, thawed
  • 1/2 c cornmeal
  • 1 tbsp jalapeño, minced
  • 1 tsp garlic, pressed into a paste
  • 1/3 c red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 c shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill to 400 degrees. Combine ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well to combine.
  2. Form into patties.
  3. Place on grill. Cook 10 minutes, flip and cook ten minutes longer.
http://freshandfit.org/cheesy-jalapeno-corn-burgers/

Springtime Pea and Parmesan Fettuccine

Pea and Parmesan Fettuccine

Most of the recipes I develop are on the lighter side. Today I am sharing a springtime pea and parmesan fettuccine recipe that is hearty and filling, but not too heavy. The sauce is light and creamy. We are also incorporating fresh herbs and edible flowers whose flavors resemble chive or scallion; perfect for this savory dish, while their color is a vibrant gorgeous purple that will pop on your table. This is a lovely dish fit for spring evenings.

Springtime Pea and Parmesan Fettuccine

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp grass-fed butter
  • 4 basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp chives or allium flowers , minced
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 c peas
  • 1/2 c Parmesan cheese + 1/4 c for topping.
  • 1/3 c white wine
  • 1/3 c whole milk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/2 c Parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Begin by cooking pasta according to package.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add garlic and cook 2 minutes.
  3. Add peas and basil. Cook 3 minutes.
  4. Whisk in white wine and milk. Heat for 5 minutes to cook off alcohol. Turn heat off.
  5. Once pasta is cooked, strain and add to sauce immediately.
  6. Quickly stir in egg to coat pasta. Stir in Parmesan and stir once more.
  7. Serve with extra parmesan cheese, chives/allium and parsley on top.
http://freshandfit.org/springtime-pea-and-parmesan-fettuccine/

P&P fettuccine

Citrus Tequila Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Fresca

Citrus Tequila Chicken
The warm weather is in full swing in our neck of the woods. That means it’s time to fire up the grill and give the oven some vacation time. I am sharing this easy and awesome recipe for ‘Citrus Tequila Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Fresca.’ Juicy pineapple salsa compliments the smokey flavors in the chicken marinade. A bright and beautiful dish worth sharing, and the best part; it is a dish that won’t sabotage your fitness goals. I love a recipe that is so full of flavor guests don’t realize how healthy it is.


Recipe yields 4 servings

Citrus Tequila Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Fresca

Citrus Tequila Chicken with Pineapple Salsa Fresca

Ingredients

  • For Chicken Marinade
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 c tequila
  • 1/2 c olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Juice of 1 clementine or small orange
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp garlic
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • For Salsa
  • 1 c pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 c red onion, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 handful cilantro, chopped
  • 1 c cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Whisk together juices, tequila and olive oil.
  2. Add seasonings and whisk again. Reserve 1/2 a cup of marinade to glaze chicken while cooking.
  3. Pour marinade over chicken breasts. Refrigerate 4-8 hrs.
  4. Heat grill to medium heat. CAREFULLY add chicken (flames may increase due to alcohol) and cook 20 minutes flipping once and glaze with reserved marinade once.
  5. Combine salsa ingredients and refrigerate until serving.
http://freshandfit.org/citrus-tequila-chicken-pineapple-salsa-fresca/