Pan-Seared Salmon: Detox the weekend & skip the McDonald’s

Several of us enjoyed Easter festivities over the weekend which often includes delicious [and not always healthy] treats like chocolate, Honeybaked Ham, cheesy potatoes, and baskets full of candy. This delicious ‘Nothing Bundt Cake‘ [pictured right] was on our Easter brunch table… yummy, but laden with calories!

So if you’re like us and you’re ready to DETOX from all that sugar and saturated fat, we’ve got a great recipe for you this week!

[Guest Blog Post by SK Palmer]

After a long day, I know how easy it is to just stop on the way home at McDonald’s. Maybe you get a salad, maybe not. That’s not typically the healthiest idea in the world, so here’s a dinner recipe that will make you forget all about the McDouble.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad

Ingredients
Four 5-ounce center-cut salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick)
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt
1 bunch kale, ribs removed, leaves very thinly sliced (about 6 cups)
1/4 cup dates
1 Honeycrisp apple
1/4 cup finely grated pecorino
3 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions (Makes about four servings)
Bring the salmon to room temperature 10 minutes before cooking.
Meanwhile, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Add the kale, toss to coat and let stand 10 minutes.
While the kale stands, cut the dates into thin slivers and the apple into matchsticks. Add the dates, apples, cheese and almonds to the kale. Season with pepper, toss well and set aside.
Sprinkle the salmon all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt and some pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Raise the heat to medium-high. Place the salmon, skin-side up in the pan. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 4 minutes. Turn the fish over with a spatula, and cook until it feels firm to the touch, about 3 minutes more.
The total time that this will take is about thirty+ minutes – I know that it seems like a long time, but I promise that it’ll be worth it when you’re feeling good about what you’re eating without ruining your workout!