Pesto Salmon With Basil Zucchini

My local market had some fresh, wild caught, sockeye salmon. It looked really good, so tonight, I created a delicious, healthy, gluten-free dinner that is easy to prepare. You can either make your pesto fresh or just buy some at your local market. I like to know exactly what is in my food, so I chose to make my own. My daughter is a very fussy eater and when she smelled this cooking, she came running to the kitchen asking what I was making for dinner. She said it smelled amazing! Woo, hoo! Salmon is rich in protein but is also high in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Sockeye Salmon is very red in color and remains that way even after it is cooked. If you are using Sockeye salmon be sure not to over cook it. The pesto recipe below is intended to make just a small amount that will be enough to cover the top of each fillet. INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Salmon Fillets (Fresh is better)
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves (plus 5 extra leaves chopped for zucchini mixture)
• 1 Tbs Pine Nuts
• Olive Oil (about 1/8th cup, plus 2 extra Tbs to saute the zucchini squash)
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 3 zucchini squash
• 1 Tsp dried Oregano
• Brown Rice (prepared as directed on package)

INSTRUCTIONS: Fish

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or foil)
• Lay Salmon Fillets on Parchment and sprinkle lightly with salt
• In a food processor, add basil leaves and pulse until chopped.
• Use a garlic press to mince garlic and squeeze directly into the food processor.
• Add Pine Nuts and run food processor until they all is blended.
• Add salt & pepper to taste (this is just a topping for the fish, it doesn't have to be perfect. Give it a taste and see if it is to your liking.)

INSTRUCTIONS: Zucchini

• Wash & slice zucchini squash and slice it into thin slices.
• Preheat olive oil in a large skillet
• Add the squash and stir to coat evenly
• Season with salt and pepper and add in the dried oregano
• Saute until the squash softens and becomes tender'
• Use a garlic press to mince the garlic and add it to the pan.
• Continue to cook for a couple of more minutes and remove from heat
• Add in the chopped basil you set aside and stir to incorporate

My daughter really liked this, Success!