One-Skillet Dijon Salmon & Zucchini

I really didn't want to cook last night but I managed to create a delicious salmon entree in 1 skillet under 30 minutes. Here's what I did step by step:

On a cutting board:

Chopped 2 zucchini and sprinkled ~ 1 tsp. garlic powder all over. Set that aside.

Then in a coffee mug I mixed together:

• 2 Tbsp. dijon mustard

• 1 tsp. dill

• 1/2 tsp. basil

• 1/2 tsp. oregano

• 1 Tbsp. water to thin out the mixture a bit.

Set that aside.

Take out a skillet, spray with canola oil, and turn on stove to a medium heat. I then took out my

• 8oz of salmon

• (Ask the associate at the store to cut from the tail end because it has fewer bones than the middle portions.)

At this point the pan was warm and I placed the garlic-powder dusted zucchini into the skillet. When I noticed a slight change in color I placed the 2 portions of salmon on top of the zucchini and drizzled the sauce I had made on the salmon.

I let that cook uncovered for about 4 minutes. Then I put the cover on for about 6-7 minutes. This steamed up the zucchini and the fish really nicely.

To check for doneness, I used my thermometer and saw it was 145 degrees F which is the minimum safety temp for cooked fish.

I paired the salmon and zucchini with some leftover quinoa I had cooked from the Moroccan Style Stuffed Peppers and dinner was served.

Pros of this meal:

• Easy prep: chop veggies, mix mustard + herbs, cook salmon, add quinoa.

• Easy clean up: I only made 5 dirty dishes, 4 of which were put in the dishwasher (everything but the cutting board).

• This meal + a whole grain meets the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate guideline.

• ​Healthy oils included in the fish

• The fish is a "healthy" protein

• Hopefully you're drinking water and fruit makes a good after-dinner treat

Cons of this meal:

• Heads up! Salmon sometimes has bones, but it's a fish and fish have bones.

• BONUS: Bones are a great source of Calcium ;) .

• You might be a tad hungry if you don't pair it with something else.

• A serving is 3-4 oz salmon and 1 cup zucchini /person.

• Add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of any cooked fiber rich grain of your choice: quinoa, brown rice, pasta etc.

Ingredient List in Full:

• 2 zucchini

• 1 tsp. garlic powder

• 2 Tbsp. dijon mustard

• 1 tsp. dill

• 1/2 tsp. basil

• 1/2 tsp. oregano

• 1 Tbsp. water

• 8 oz. salmon

• 1-2 cups of cooked whole grain of your choice