Speedy Orange Jalapeno Salmon – Fueling More Fun

Orange Jalapeno Salmon makes a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Served on a bed of brown rice mixed with quinoa.You can’t beat salmon for a quick weeknight dinner — I probably eat it once a week and have fixed it up so many ways. I still can’t stop thinking about that time I skewered up salmon filets, completely wrapped them in bacon and threw on the grill! That’s when I was experimenting with fat-loading for a marathon. That’s a whole ‘nutha story.

orange jalapeno salmon toes

Firefly Pose Yoga - Jennifer Fisher - TheFitFork.comI’m not bringing bacon back today, but I am sharing a recipe for Orange Jalapeno Salmon that keeps the flavor kicked up with a punch of pepper. Many similar recipes do an orange marmalade in the sauce, but I’ve opted that out to avoid added sugar. This recipe is sure to become a favorite on fish day – plus it can be finished in 30 minutes, freeing you up to spend your late afternoons in more leisurely pursuits. Of course, “leisurely” is a relative descriptor, because the hour I spent trying to straighten my legs out practicing the yoga “firefly pose” was, errr, a little more challenging that leisurely.

If you’re looking for other ways to eat this heart-healthy fish, check out the 100 Ways to Cook with Salmon from CookingLight.com — you’ll never get bored with salmon again!

Salmon Recipes from Cooking Light are easy and packed with important nutrients.

What is your favorite fish? Do you have a secret salmon recipe? If you had and extra hour of free time, what would you do?  Please share in the comments below — XOXO, Jennifer

Speedy Orange Jalapeno Salmon
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Southwestern
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 - 2 jalapeños, stemmed, seeded and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 pounds salmon about 1” thick (4 filets or half a side)
Instructions
  1. Add orange juice, oil, jalepenos, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper in a small food processor or blender and pulse for about 30 seconds to a minute until combined. Set aside.
  2. Heat oven to 400 F degrees. Place salmon, skin side down, into 2” rimmed pan or oven proof skillet that has been rubbed with oil. Top with orange slices. Pour marinade over top and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until opaque.
  3. Serve on a salad or favorite whole grain -- pictured with 50/50 mixture of brown rice and tri-color quinoa.

Sweet, Spicy & So Good For You – Watermelon with Fruit Salsa Recipe

Watermelon health benefits

Nothing says ‘welcome to warm weather’ better than a big juicy chunk of watermelon. Plus, this super-sized fruit is packed with all sorts of health benefits for the active person –vitamin A for eye and cell health, vitamin C to prevent cell damage and strengthen immunity and vitamin B6 to help brain function and aid in the conversion of protein into energy.

Watermelon also has the highest concentration of the powerful antioxidant, lycopene, of any fruit or vegetable around – even more than the publicity-hogging tomato.  Also of interest to athletes, watermelon is a great source of potassium, a mineral that aids in muscle and nerve function, helps balance electrolytes, and can lower the risk of high blood pressure. And, watermelon is hydrating – it contains 92% water, that’s why it tastes so good post-workout.

If you are looking for a yummy yet healthy dessert to celebrate your sports achievements or for a backyard barbeque, watermelon is the answer. Serve it up plain and simple in those signature wedges with the rind on or try this delish-and-nutrish recipe I created that was published in the August 2006 issue of Better Homes and Gardens.

BHG prize tested watermelon recipe

Watermelon with Fruit Salsa

  • 2 kiwi fruits, peeled and chopped
  • 2 mangoes, seeded, peeled, and chopped (2 cups)
  • 2 cups chopped fresh strawberries
  • 1 small fresh jalapeno chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped (about 1 Tbsp.)*
  • 1/ 4 cup snipped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries
  • 8 1 inch slice quartered watermelon
  • 1 pint lemon or lime sorbet or sherbet

In a large bowl combine kiwi fruits, mangoes, strawberries, jalapeno pepper, mint, lime juice, and honey. Gently stir in raspberries. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 4 hours. Serve over watermelon quarters with sorbet.  *Wear gloves when chopping jalapeno to prevent volatile oils from burning your skin and eyes

Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition facts: Servings Per Recipe 8, Calories 220, Protein (gm) 3, Carbohydrate (gm) 55, Fat, total (gm) 1, Dietary Fiber, total (gm) 4, Sugar, total (gm) 45, Vitamin A (IU) 2041, Vitamin C (mg) 83, Thiamin (mg) 0, Riboflavin (mg) 0, Niacin (mg) 1, Pyridoxine (Vit. B6) (mg) 0, Folate (µg) 32, Sodium (mg) 10, Potassium (mg) 541, Calcium (DV %) 40, Iron (DV %) 1, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet