Salmon is one of those things that if it’s prepared the right way, the whole family will enjoy it. The kids seem to enjoy the fish most of the time, but not always. I haven’t figured out the formula yet for what makes salmon good over bad for them, but every time I make a new salmon dish I hope for the best. Last night’s attempt had the adults won over at the first taste, the kids though, needed a little bit of encouraging. There were green bits all over the fish…and that seemed to be a sticking point for the salmon. The dinner goblins were out in full force last night I tell you.
It didn’t help that Abigail’s first bite was a bit herb-heavy. She took one, bite and told me she didn’t like it so much. That, of course, caused Zander to not even want to try it. Grr, Kids! After much persuasion, and a suggestion that the spices on top of the salmon tasted like sausage, Zander took one little bite, and then declared the salmon delicious. Abigail looked at him a little funny, ate her requisite bites and begged to be released.
Dinner was a bit of a problem last night. I also had made some Broccoli-Mashed Potatoes, and neither kid really wanted the green potatoes. It was one of those nights…after pleading mercilessly to be released from the table, I finally told Abigail that she should try eating her potatoes and fish together to make it go faster. She did, and the look on her face with that bite was priceless. She then proceeded to eat several more bites of a combination fish and potatoes. Zander did the same, and we all agreed that Herb Baked Salmon and broccoli-mashed potatoes were meant for each other.
The potatoes were simply potatoes, frozen broccoli, and one clove of garlic boiled together for 20 minutes before draining and mashing like regular potatoes. They’re one of my favorite ways to do mashed potatoes because you need little or no butter to serve these ones- the broccoli and garlic add plenty of flavor by themselves. The salmon was ridiculously simple and will definitely be repeated. I also think that this would be excellent marinated and then tossed on a grill.
Herb Baked Salmon 
Place salmon fillets in a 9 x 13 baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, basil, salt, pepper, oil, lemon juice and parsley. Mix well. Spoon the herb mixture over the salmon fillets.
Cover the pan and refrigerate for 1 hour to let the fish marinate.
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Cover the pan tightly with foil, and pop into the oven.
Bake at 375ºF for 20 minutes, or until salmon is at desired doneness.
I feel lucky that my son will eat salmon pretty much any way I prepare it. He might pick off little green bits though LOL!
What a good idea for potatoes! I am DEFINITELY going to try that one – a good way to get in a veggie serving, for sure.
You are lucky RecipeGirl! We’re working on fish, it’s slow, slow progres, but at least it’s progress.
Elisabeth- cauliflower works equally well, or a California blend. It’s a fun way to dress up plain old mashed potatoes.