Recipe: Salmon with Fruit Salsa (using avocado, grilled or baked)

SALMON WITH FRUIT SALSA

"The fresh fruit salsa adds a unique taste to salmon. You can prepare the fish in your oven. However, the barbecue method is the best."

FOR THE FRUIT SALSA:
1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cups cubed fresh fruit such as red papaya, nectarine, apricot or peaches
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
FOR THE SALMON:
1 pound salmon fillets
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

TO MAKE THE FRUIT SALSA:
Combine salsa ingredients and set aside. Serve over cooked fish. Prepare fish on the outdoor barbecue or in the oven.

TO COOK ON A GRILL:
Before starting barbecue, spray aluminum foil with non-stick cooking spray. (Note: Non-stick cooking spray is flammable. Do not spray near open flame or heated surfaces.) Place aluminum foil over rack, poking holes in several areas. Start barbecue. When hot, place fish on foil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook about 4 minutes on each side or until salmon flakes easily.

TO COOK IN A CONVENTIONAL OVEN:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Arrange fish in a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Season with salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes per half inch thickness of fish. Drain any liquid.

Makes 4 servings

- One serving is an excellent source of fiber.
- Most of the fat in this recipe is heart-healthy monounsaturated and omega-3 fat.

Carb Servings:* 1/2
Exchanges:* 1/2 fruit, 3 lean meat, 1 fat

Nutrient Analysis: calories 264, total fat 14g, saturated fat 2g, cholesterol 62mg, sodium 59mg, total carbohydrate 12g, dietary fiber 5g, sugars 5g, protein 24g

*reflects carbohydrate minus fiber

Source: Quick and Healthy Low-fat, Carb Conscious Cooking by Brenda J. Ponichtera, R.D.