Recipes

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Cucumber Bites with Herbed Greek Yogurt & Smoked Salmon

This appetizer is fresh, light, packed with protein, and super easy to assemble!

Ingredients:

• 1 large English cucumber

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full-fat for creaminess)

• 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2-3 ounces smoked salmon, cut into small pieces

• Optional garnish: a few capers or extra fresh dill sprigs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch thick rounds. You can lightly scoop out a tiny bit of the center with a spoon if you want a deeper well for the topping, but it's not strictly necessary.

2. Make the Herbed Yogurt Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, chopped chives, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. Stir well to combine.

3. Assemble the Bites: Place the cucumber slices on a serving platter. Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of the herbed Greek yogurt mixture onto the center of each cucumber slice.

4. Add Smoked Salmon: Top each cucumber bite with a small piece of smoked salmon.

5. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with a few capers or small sprigs of fresh dill. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Why it's healthy and delicious:

• Cucumber: Hydrating, low in calories, and provides a crisp base.

• Greek Yogurt: Excellent source of protein, helping with satiety, and provides probiotics.

• Fresh Herbs & Lemon: Add vibrant flavor without extra calories or unhealthy fats.

• Smoked Salmon: Good source of omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein.

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon & Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables

This recipe is fantastic because it's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a balanced meal with lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber-rich vegetables.

Serves: 2 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 (4-6 oz each) salmon fillets, skin on or off

• 1 bell pepper (any color), deseeded and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch thick half-moons

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or left whole if preferred)

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or cut into wedges

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1/2 tbsp fresh, chopped)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or dill, chopped lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Chop Veggies: In a large bowl, combine the bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Add the minced garlic.

3. Season Veggies: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables. Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on one half of the prepared baking sheet.

4. Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them on the other half of the baking sheet, leaving some space between the fish and the vegetables. Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.

6. Serve: Carefully transfer the salmon and roasted vegetables to plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and a lemon wedge, if desired. Serve immediately.

Why this entree is perfect for healthy, clean eating:

• Balanced Macros: Provides lean protein from salmon, healthy fats from olive oil and salmon, and complex carbohydrates/fiber from a variety of colorful vegetables.

• Nutrient-Dense: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh produce.

• "Clean" Ingredients: Uses whole, unprocessed ingredients with simple seasonings.

• Delicious & Flavorful: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, and the lemon-herb combination brightens the salmon.

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks on one pan, making it a convenient weeknight meal.