Superfood: Salmon

Salmon is a superfood because it's high in omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that seems to decrease the risk of heart disease. This fish is also a prime source of protein and contains vitamin A and B vitamins. No matter what type it is–farm-raised, wild, canned, or smoked–salmon provides omega-3 fat. But the amount of the fat will vary, as will the sodium content. In addition to the heart-healthy benefits, the omega-3 fats in this fish have also been shown to promote joint health, contribute to the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, and may possibly help prevent certain types of cancer.

Smoked salmon is the star of this low-fat spread. It's a great choice for an appetizer, and because it's rich and filling, you'll be satisfied with a couple of tablespoons. Serve with whole grain crackers or bread to add a little more fiber to your day.

Recipe: Smoked Salmon-Cardamom Spread

Get out of the beef rut and make your burgers with fresh salmon. Yes, that's right–fresh, not canned. The salmon is a great match for the cilantro and chipotle chile in the burger mixture. In addition to the good-for-you fish, the tropical mayonnaise has both mango and pineapple that contribute disease-fighting vitamin C.

Recipe: Chipotle Salmon Burgers

Indian spices such as cumin, coriander, ajowan and cardamom add exotic flavor to the salmon without adding any additional fat. The cubes of salmon are coated in an herbed yogurt mixture that's typical for tandoori dishes.

Recipe: Spiced Salmon Kebabs (Tandoori Rawas)

Poaching is a simple, low-fat cooking method where you simmer the whole piece of food in a flavored liquid. It's a great way to add depths of flavor without adding fat. Here, the salmon is poached in a simple mixture of white wine, lemon, and herbs.

Recipe: Poached Salmon with Creamy Herb Sauce

Wild salmon tends to have a stronger flavor and slightly less fat than farm-raised. Because of the assertive flavor of the fish, the only additional ingredients here are olive oil, salt, pepper, and a couple of mild herbs. The peak season for wild salmon is April through October.

Recipe: Roasted Wild Salmon and Dill

Making croquettes is one of the best ways to use canned salmon, and canned salmon is a great source of calcium because of the soft bones that remain in the fish.

Recipe: Salmon Croquettes with R émoulade

Double the heart-healthy benefits of salmon by coating the fillets in almond meal. Almonds are a top source of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps fight against both heart disease, certain kinds of cancers, and certain eye diseases.

Recipe: Almond-Crusted Salmon

If there were a healthy recipe hall of fame, this one would definitely be on the list. In addition to the salmon, it's full of other nutrient-packed foods such as spinach, red bell pepper, corn, bean sprouts, and sesame seeds. It's more than a salad–it's a meal.

Recipe: Sizzling Salmon-and-Spinach Salad with Soy Vinaigrette

Beautiful and full of flavor, salmon doesn't need much more than a few simple ingredients to make it shine. It's a great fish for grilling because of its firm texture and high fat content. But don't worry–it's the healthy kind of fat.

Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Garlic, Lemon, and Basil