Salmon is one of my absolute favorite seafood. It's delicious, it's buttery, and oh so easy to make. It is the perfect dinner to make if you are new to cooking or don't have a lot of time. Consuming salmon at least two times per week can help you meet your nutrient needs and reduce the risk of several diseases. Since there are only two main ingredients in this dish, try and get the freshest ones you can find. Visit your local farmer's market to find organic asparagus and go to a nearby seafood market, Whole Food Market, or a Japanese market specializing in fresh Sashimi style fish. While this dish is cooked, you still want to buy the best ingredient to cook this delicious meal.

Before we dig into the preparation, let's talk about why this dish can be so beneficial to your health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Nutrition can play a pivotal role in brain development, mental health, and psychiatric disorders. Global Health Journal writes, "The role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in physical health is well established, and their role in mental health is becoming increasingly evident."

The GHJ further explains that the "Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to physiological and play fundamental roles in the development, functioning, and aging of the brain."

The deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, ADHD, and autism.

Good Source of Protein

Salmon is rich in high-quality protein, which plays very significant functions in your body, such as helping your body heal after injury, protecting bone health, and maintaining muscle and weight loss due to the aging process.

Antioxidant

Astaxanthin gives salmon its red pigment. Astaxanthin, an antioxidant, has been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL oxidation, which is the bad cholesterol and increasing HDL, which is the good cholesterol.

Ingredients (Serving Size 4)

• Salmon 1 LBS

• Asparagus 1 bunch

• Salt

• Pepper

• Garlic Powder

• Olive Oil

• Red Onions

• Scallions & Pomegranate seeds (optional for garnishing)

Preparation

Take your salmon out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut your salmon in 4 pieces and season both sides of it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (garlic powder is optional). Place all the pieces skin-side down on a well-oiled oven tray and leave it in the oven for about 20 minutes. Halfway through, toss your asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper and throw them in the oven next to the salmon.

After you salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to cool down so that the skin can release itself from the tray.

Add the asparagus to the plate. Remove the salmon from the tray and place it skin side up on your plate (over the asparagus). Add a few pieces of chopped red onion on top and throw the chopped scallions & pomegranate seeds on top and around the plate, then drizzle with olive oil, and enjoy.