Paleo-Friendly Baked Salmon with Lemon: A Simple Guide

The Paleo diet, often dubbed as the “Caveman Diet,” emphasizes consuming foods that were available to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. This includes fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, and nuts. It avoids processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy. For those following this dietary path, finding delicious, simple, and healthful recipes that fit these criteria is a must. One dish that ticks all these boxes is Baked Salmon with Lemon. It’s not just paleo-friendly; it’s also easy to prepare and bursting with flavors. Today, we are going to walk you through a simple guide to making this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

Before we dive into the preparation, let’s ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. For serving 4 people, you’ll need:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– 2 lemons
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin works best)
– Fresh dill, a handful (chopped for garnishing)
– Salt to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation:

Now, let’s get to the fun part, whipping up this nutritious meal.

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is ready and at the right temperature by the time you’re done with the prep, leading to an even and perfect bake.

2. Prep The Salmon:
   While the oven’s warming up, prepare your salmon fillets. If they have any pin bones, make sure to remove them – tweezers work great for this. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels; this helps in achieving a nice texture once baked.

3. Seasoning:
   Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for an easy cleanup. Drizzle each piece with olive oil, and then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps in keeping the salmon moist while baking.

4. Slice The Lemons:
   Slice one of the lemons into thin rounds. Place the lemon slices on top of and around the salmon fillets. The lemon adds a fantastic zest to the salmon, enhancing its flavor and adding a refreshing aroma.

5. Bake:
   Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so it’s good to check if it flakes easily with a fork to ensure it’s done.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Once baked to perfection, take the salmon out of the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes; this helps in redistributing the juices within the salmon. Meanwhile, take the other lemon and cut it into wedges. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salmon for an added burst of flavor. Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the salmon right before eating enhances the flavors even more.

Side Dish Suggestions:

While the salmon is mouth-watering on its own, pairing it with a side dish can turn it into a hearty meal. Here are a couple of paleo-friendly suggestions:
– Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, grilled until tender.
– Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic low-carb substitute for traditional rice, sautéed with your choice of herbs for added flavor.

Final Thoughts:

Baked Salmon with Lemon is not just a treat for those following a Paleo diet; it’s a wholesome, nutritious meal option for anyone. With its rich omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, it’s a great addition to your dietary regimen. This recipe proves that eating healthy doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a complete beginner, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.

So, the next time you’re pondering over a healthy meal option, give this Paleo-Friendly Baked Salmon with Lemon a try. It’s simple, it’s quick, and most importantly, it’s incredibly satisfying. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the multitude of health benefits it brings to the table. Bon Appétit!