5 9 Published Jul 10, 2017, Updated Jul 23, 2024 Well folks, rest assured that you’re not alone in this experience of reset and recovery. It’s our bodies natural way of re-balancing and finding homeostasis, and points to an efficient internal monitoring system. So though it may be beneficial to avoid sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates for a few days that doesn’t mean our food has to be boring, bland, or labor intensive. Allow me to tempt you with this green goodness pesto salmon bowl. To combat digestive stagnation I used fresh fish (but any leaner cuts of protein would work), high fiber grains and greens, and added a number of ingredients to promote cooling + hydration within my core. I was also mindful to incorporate ingredients rich in antioxidants to support my body in its defense work against inflammation + bloat. This bowl is not only nourishing, but filling due to the combo of heart healthy fats and whole grains. Though fish can be intimidating to cook at first glance, knowing how to prepare and serve it is not only important for a balanced lifestyle but easier than you may think. This method is so simple, and takes no more than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Use Salmon or Steelhead Trout
We’re using fresh salmon for this bowl, but if you want a little variety you can also use wild-caught Steelhead trout, which both resembles and tastes a lot like salmon. Trout is known to be rich in lean protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, while containing a low level of toxins like mercury and pesticides. However, you could use any lean piece of fresh fish to accompany your bowl. As I’ve discussed in previous posts, fats are an integral part of creating a satisfying meal that will keep you full for longer periods of time. Unsaturated fats, like those found in fish, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocado, shouldn’t be feared or avoided, as they’re a necessity for our bodies to carry out their normal functions. This doesn’t mean we can consume copious amounts of these foods, but it does mean we should incorporate them in our meals as healthier alternatives to saturated fats from animal products (dairy, bacon, pork, etc).
Green Goodness Pesto Bowl
That being said, I wanted my detox bowl to be loaded with unsaturated fats to help me reset + balance, as well as soothe any acute inflammation. Adding pesto to the fish and grains not only gives the dish a powerful extra boost of flavor, but also introduces olive oil and pine nuts to the line up of hearty healthy fats. Topping the bowl off with avocado was like the cherry on my green goodness sundae. You know you’re an adult when you get so excited about your dinner that you equate it to a dessert! Next came all the greens I could find in arms reach: arugula, peas, green onions, and all the fresh herbs. Bitter flavors, like those found in arugula, are known to drain internal heat and soothe us during hot summer months. Did you know that green onions contain 100 times more phytonutrients than a regular onion? These are the compounds that give green onions both their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Gimme, gimme! The time saving grace to this dish was the organic grain blend I had on hand from Seeds of Change, which allowed this bowl to come together in under 20 minutes. While the fish was baking, I chopped the herbs, and didn’t have to worry about fussing over two more pots on the stove. I heated the pre-cooked quinoa + brown rice a few minutes before the trout was done, and voila – dinner was ready and looked gorgeous! The blend would’ve been delicious by itself, but while it was sautéing on the burner I added peas, pesto, and arugula for an added punch… because let’s be honest, I can’t help but add my own flare.
More Bowl Recipes You Might Enjoy:
Vegan Power Bowl Kale and Sweet Potato Brown Rice Bowls Egg Roll in a Bowl Easy Greens and Grains Bowl Falafel Bowls (Homemade Cava Bowls) Copycat Chipotle Tofu Sofritas Burrito Bowls Maple Mustard Tempeh Meal Prep Bowls
If you try this pesto salmon bowl, please be sure to leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how it turns out! Your feedback is super helpful for the EBF team and other EBF readers.
