With local asparagus now in season here’s an easy recipe that works any night of the week. This walnut-crusted maple salmon & fresh asparagus with mashed sweet potatoes serves as a fine dining meal but at a fraction of the cost. It comes tougher in about 30 minutes making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a nice sit-down Sunday dinner without the work.
Asparagus is low in calories, high in fibre, and loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidant nutrients. It is especially rich in folate, vitamins A, C and K. Salmon and walnuts are both good sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are essential to the health of the nervous system and help reduce inflammation.
Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup walnuts (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp oregano (divided)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 500 grams salmon fillet
- 4 cups asparagus (trimmed)
- 2 large sweet potatoes (cubed)
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp oregano (divided)
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes, reduce heat to medium and cook until fork-tender.
- While the potatoes are boiling, combine the walnuts, salt and half the oregano. Add the lemon juice, maple syrup and 1/3 of the oil and stir to mix.
- Brush all sides of the salmon fillets with the maple glaze and place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Spoon the walnut mixture on the top side of the fillets and gently press it down with the back of the spoon so the walnut mixture stays in place.
- Toss the asparagus in the remaining oil and season with sea salt to taste. Place the seasoned asparagus in an even layer on the baking sheet with the salmon
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily and asparagus is tender.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and mash adding in the non-dairy milk, garlic, paprika and remaining oregano.
- Divide, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can grill this recipe as well. For the salmon you can cook it in a cast-iron pan, on a cedar plank, or in tinfoil
- Asparagus can be cooked in a grilling basket and the sweet potatoes can be done on a side burner.
As always if you make this recipe I’d love you know how you enjoyed it. You can find me on Facebook or Instagram @kyleyoungnutrition
