Dietitian Spotlight: Salmon Skewers

Skewers can be a fun way to combine meat and vegetables, but have you tried making skewers with fish, such as salmon? Rainbow salmon skewers are packed with flavor and nutrition, making them a delicious dinner option or the perfect party food. 

Salmon is a protein that is both flavorful and also a great source of omega-3 fats, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Protein from salmon also helps to slow down the absorption of carbs eaten in the meal.

Bell peppers and red onions are a great way to add in more color to your meal and also pack an extra punch of vitamins and minerals. Red, yellow, orange and green bell peppers are all rich in vitamin C as well as fiber. Did you know that a red bell pepper actually contains about twice as much vitamin C as an orange? Using a variety of bell peppers as well as red onions adds bright colors to this recipe as well as increasing the different type of nutrients in your meal.

This recipe does not contain any grains or starches and has minimal carbs from the vegetables, so it's a great choice if you are looking for a low carb meal. If you would like to add a serving of grains, you could add a ½ cup of steamed rice on the side for a reasonable portion of carbs to complement the protein and vegetables.

Rainbow Salmon Skewers

INGREDIENTS

   12 oz salmon fillet

   1/2 each of a red, green yellow, and orange bell pepper

   1/4 large red onion

   olive oil

   salt and fresh cracked black pepper

   1 lemon

DIRECTIONS

1) Cut the salmon into 1 1/2 inch chunks. You are going to need approximately 12 pieces. Do the same with the peppers and red onion.

2) Thread your skewers alternately with the onions and peppers, and then the salmon. Leave some room at the base so you can handle them easily.

3) Brush the skewers liberally on both sides with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Cook on a hot grill, turning once, until the fish is cooked through and the veggies are softened a bit. Don't overcook!

4) Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

Recipe inspired by http://theviewfromgreatisland.com

Contributor: Marian Browning, Texas Woman’s University Dietetic Intern. Marian is working to complete a Dietetic Internship and M.S. in Nutrition, in pursuit of becoming a Registered Dietitian. She has a B.S. in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. Marian enjoys trying new recipes as well as cooking family favorites to share with others.