Looking for ideas on simple meals that can mostly be made ahead? Salads and fish filets are great options and you won’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. How to prepare fish that’s delish? Look into your spice cabinet for inspiration.
I love when such a simple preparation yields rave reviews. Michael kept asking what I put on the salmon because it was so amazing. Amused, I replied, “Dried, crushed fennel and garlic powder on one side. Salt on the other.” Yes, that is the power of a well stocked treasure chest of flavor gems in my spice cabinet.
I preheated the skillet with olive oil and then put the salmon in there to cook a minute or two on each side, which created a nice little crust even though it wasn’t breaded at all. A delicious, quick and simple meal.
Simple Salads
Farro is an ancient grain I discovered in Italy. It has a pleasantly chewy texture and I enjoy it served hot or cold or anywhere in between. That means you can keep leftovers and change up how you serve it for a few different meals. Here I mixed it with fresh mint and grape tomatoes with some olive oil and dried oregano.
Here’s what else I served on the side tossed with healthy homemade salad dressing: Sliced celery dressed with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and grated parmesan cheese.
For more on making salad dressing and using farro, please read Undressing the Dressing next.
Celery salad. yum. i love lots celery in my toss salad too
Did you dry and crush your own fennel or can you buy that?
I buy dried, whole fennel seeds and crush them using mortar and pestle.