Spice It Up: Zesty Lemon Herb Salmon

By Yongnan (Jennifer) You, Dietetic Intern
Zesty Lemon Herb Salmon is a flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with the brightness of lemon zest and thyme. This dish is not only delicious but also highly nutritious due to its balance of protein and vegetables. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation and promote heart health [i]. Compared to the traditional pan-fried salmon, the addition of cherry tomatoes, onions and garlic increases vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, promoting immunity and digestive health. Moreover, this dish is suitable for individuals managing cancer, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, inflammation related diseases, or those aiming to maintain a balanced diet [i,ii]. This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and a great option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredient Highlight:
Salmon: Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosatetraenoic acid (“EPA”) and docosahexaenoic acid (“DHA”), which are essential for reducing inflammation, supporting brain function, and promoting heart health. Omega-3s help lower triglyceride levels, improve cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure, making salmon an excellent choice for people managing cardiovascular conditions and diabetes [iii]. Salmon is also rich in protein, which supports muscle repair and growth. Additionally, salmon provides key nutrients such as copper, potassium, selenium, and vitamins B12 and D, which are vital for immune health, bone strength, and overall metabolism [iv].
Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are small but rich in nutrients, especially antioxidants like lycopene, which have been linked to a reduced risk of cancers, such as prostate cancer [v]. Lycopene helps to prevent oxidative stress, a contributing factor to chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer [vi]. Moreover, cherry tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which enhances immunity, helps with iron absorption, and promotes healthy skin [vii]. The potassium in cherry tomatoes also supports heart health by lowering blood pressure [viii].
Onion: Onions contain antioxidants like quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers, such as stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, brain cancer [ix]. Onions are also rich in sulfur compounds, which contribute to their flavor and provide health benefits, like reducing cholesterol levels and blood pressure [x]. Additionally, the prebiotic fiber in onions supports digestive health by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and maintaining the balance of the gut microbiome [xi].
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in monounsaturated fats, such as oleic acid, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure [xii, xiii]. Olive oil is also high in polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, protecting the body from oxidative stress and reducing the risk of CVD, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and other chronic diseases [xii, xiii].
Thyme: Thyme is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation, benefiting conditions like arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Its cardiovascular benefits include lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, thyme’s antioxidant and antiproliferative properties have shown potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth, particularly in breast and colorectal cancers.
Recipe, Serves 3, 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 16 oz salmon, cut into 3 pieces with skin (about 5 oz each)
- 2 cups cherry tomato
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 4 tsp olive oil (extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- ¼ cup of water
- pepper and salt for taste
Instructions:
- Dry the salmon with a paper towel, then rub it evenly with pepper, salt, and 2 tsp olive oil. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic and set them aside. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and set them aside as well.
- Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a frypan over medium-high heat. Place the salmon pieces in the pan, skin-side down if keeping the skin on. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Flip when the edges start to turn opaque, and the bottom releases easily from the pan without sticking.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the cherry tomatoes and sauté until softened, adding ¼ cup of water. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, then season with thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
- Add a little 1 tsp lemon zest for extra aroma and return the salmon to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- When serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for added flavor.
Notes:
- Vegetarian Choice: Replace the salmon with firm tofu. Marinate the tofu with same way for 15-20 minutes before stir-frying.
- Frozen Vegetables: If fresh cherry tomatoes or onions aren’t available, frozen ones can be used. Thaw them first or cook directly from frozen, adding a bit more water during the sautéing process to prevent burning.
- Oil Substitute: Avocado oil can be used in place of olive oil, providing a more neutral flavor and higher heat tolerance. This is useful for high-temperature cooking methods like stir frying.
- Spices and Herbs: Add rosemary, dill, or even a pinch of chili flakes to bring variety and extra flavor to the dish.
- Storage Tips: Place leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salmon can also be frozen and reheated gently to avoid drying it out.

References:
[i] Calder, P. C. (2013). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: Nutrition or pharmacology?. British journal of clinical pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04374.x
[ii] Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417
[iii] Mozaffarian, D., & Wu, J. H. (2011). Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: Effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2011.06.063
[iv] O’Neill, M. (2024). Salmon health benefits, according to Nutritionists. Health. https://www.health.com/food/salmon-benefits
[v] Giovannucci, E. (1999). Tomatoes, tomato-based products, lycopene, and cancer: Review of the epidemiologic literature. OUP Academic. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/91.4.317
[vi] Volker , B. (2011). Lycopene and heart health. Molecular nutrition & food research. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201100281
[vii] Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211
[viii] Collins, E. J., Bowyer, C., Tsouza, A., & Chopra, M. (2022). Tomatoes: An extensive review of the associated health impacts of tomatoes and factors that can affect their cultivation. Biology, 11(2), 239. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11020239
[ix] Griffiths, G., Trueman, L., Crowther, T., Thomas, B., & Smith, B. (2002). Onions—a global benefit to health. Phytotherapy Research, 16(7), 603-615. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1222
[x] Lanzotti, V. (2006). The analysis of onion and garlic. Journal of Chromatography A, 1112(1-2), 3-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2005.12.016
[xi] Slavin, J. (2013). Fiber and prebiotics: Mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients, 5(4), 1417-1435. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5041417
[xii] Bilal, R. M., Liu, C., Zhao, H., Wang, Y., Farag, M. R., Alagawany, M., Hassan, F., Elnesr, S. S., Elwan, H. A. M., Qiu, H., & Lin, Q. (2021). Olive Oil: Nutritional Applications, Beneficial Health Aspects and its Prospective Application in Poultry Production. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 723040. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.723040
[xiii] Gaforio, J. J., Visioli, F., Alarcón-de-la-Lastra, C., Castañer, O., Delgado-Rodríguez, M., Fitó, M., Hernández, A. F., Huertas, J. R., Martínez-González, M. A., Menendez, J. A., Osada, J. de la, Papadaki, A., Parrón, T., Pereira, J. E., Rosillo, M. A., Sánchez-Quesada, C., Schwingshackl, L., Toledo, E., & Tsatsakis, A. M. (2019). Virgin olive oil and health: Summary of the III international conference on virgin olive oil and health consensus report, Jaen (Spain) 2018. MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11092039