How to Add Protein Dishes to Salmon

Native to the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, salmon are fatty fish that provide many health benefits. Regular consumption of salmon can reduce the risk of heart disease because of the beneficial fish oils it contains. Salmon also contains high levels of protein. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, a 6-ounce portion of wild Atlantic salmon contains a whopping 43 grams of protein. You can increase the nutritive value even more by adding protein-packed side dishes or combining salmon with other high-protein foods like eggs and nuts.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a smoked salmon omelet. Start cooking a plain omelet with beaten eggs. Cut a piece of smoked salmon into thin strips. When the omelet is almost set, scatter the smoked salmon strips on top of the eggs. Flip the omelet in half and gently transfer it to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh dill or tarragon.

• 2

  Bake salmon with a crunchy almond crust. Combine chopped almonds, bread crumbs and shredded Parmesan cheese, along with your choice of herbs and spices. Spread the nut mixture over salmon fillets. Bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for six minutes per half-inch of thickness, or until the baked salmon flakes easily with a knife. Serve with lentils and spinach for a delicious meal that is chock-full of protein.

• 3

  Broil salmon and serve with steamed broccoli and brown rice. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, a 1-cup serving each of broccoli and brown rice provides a total of 9 g protein. Top the steamed broccoli with a light cheese sauce or add chopped nuts to the brown rice for an extra protein boost.

• 4

  Add salmon to other high-protein meals that you enjoy. Experiment with Mediterranean-style recipes that call for pan-seared salmon and cannellini beans. Try blackened salmon in Tex-Mex recipes such as tostadas or fish tacos.