One of my goals for 2012 was to transition my diet to be plant-centric. I don’t plan on going vegetarian or vegan anytime soon, but I feel like I’m not very conscious of the use of animal products in my diet. I toss cheese and bacon on things like it’s my job without really thinking about the environmental and health benefits or consequences.

Part of embracing more plants in my diet means re-evaluating the animal products I do use. A few years ago, we switched to only ethically-raised meats, eggs and dairy products. While that was an awesome leap, I’d like to turn a microscope on not just the sources of our animal products, but the types as well. That means more lean animal proteins like fish and seafood and less recipes using the four million pounds of grass-fed ground beef we currently have in our chest freezer. I’m not a fan of cutting out foods entirely, but I do think it is time to rebalance our meat portfolio.

So with that in mind, I hope you’ll stick with me as I post more and more vegetarian, vegan and pescetarian recipes. This doesn’t mean you won’t find some chicken, beef, lamb or pork every now and againโ€”dude, I love baconโ€”but it does mean that, if things go as planned, you’ll see less.

This recipe is a perfect example. In the past, I probably would have made this with chicken, sausage or ground beef. And I’d use about three times the amount of cheese. I’m learning that a little can go a long way when it comes to animal products (especially when you are paying $5 for a small brick of organic cheese). The end result is something that is incredibly delicious, decadent but not heavy or guilt-inducing. And they’re kinda fun! Who doesn’t want little rolls of deliciousness on their plate?

If you aren’t a salmon fan (I hear people like that do exist…weirdos) you can replace it with any fish that you do like. I’d even imagine shrimp or chicken would be delicious. If you are feeling particularly decadent, lobster would be amazing.

Salmon Parmesan Lasagna Roll-Ups

Salmon Parmesan Lasagna Roll-Ups

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Salmon parmesan lasagna roll-ups are a delicious twist on your favorite pasta dish.

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray
  • 12 ounces salmon fillets
  • 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan, divided
  • 3 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 12 whole grain lasagna noodles, cooked as directed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place salmon fillets, skin-side-down in a baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake in preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until opaque and flaky. Set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix together carrots, cream cheese, milk, dill, salt and pepper. Heat until cream cheese is melted. Stir in mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan until melted. Remove from heat. Remove 1/2 cup of mixture and reserve. In saucepan, add green onions, breadcrumbs and salmon fillets. Stir until well-mixed and salmon is broken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Place 2 tablespoons filling on the end of each lasagna noodle and roll up tightly. Place seam-side-down in an 11x13 baking dish coated with cooking spray. When all rolls are in dish, spoon reserved cheese mixture over rolls and top with remaining Parmesan. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 3 roll-ups
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 687Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 488mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 40g

At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.

Are you a salmon lover or hater?

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11 Comments

  1. Hello how long can I leave them in the fridge cold an only heat up what I wantโ€ฆ is 5 days to long?

    1. Hi Sandra! If you want to make these ahead and use them up a few at a time, we’d recommend cooking them within three days max.

  2. Salmon is awesome, but can I please please please ask all of you to buy REAL salmon! I know it is a little more $, but farm raised, color added salmon tastes nothing like actual salmon and is actually gross. Real salmon is so buttery and delicious! Farm raised salmon flesh is actually grey unless they add colored food pellets to the salmon feed! ew.
    LOVE me some real salmon!
    Cassie, I think it’s great that you are being aware of the animal products you eat. I am not anti-meat/animal eating at all, but like you, I think we can all do a little bit to make the world a better place, and being aware of our animal product consumption is one of those things. Kudos to you! PS:hope you are feeling better!

    1. I only buy wild-caught fish! It’s just as important to me as buying pork, beef and chicken from animals that live well.

  3. Hello Cassie,
    I have just discovered your blog and I’m hooked so I thought I would comment and introduce myself ๐Ÿ™‚ I am Dorota and I’ve enjoyed reading your recipes and your story.

    I have a special place in my heart for Bloomington, as I used to go there to visit my sister when she was studying at IU. It’s a charming little town! I’ve even been to their farmer’s market. Sahara Mart was also a frequent stop ๐Ÿ™‚

    As for animal products, I think baby steps are a great way to go. I wish you luck in embracing a plant-centric diet in 2012!

  4. The recipe looks tasty. I like Salmon fairly well but I wouldn’t want to eat it too often. As far as cutting the animal products, I’m actually doing the opposite in an effort to increase protein and lower the amount of empty carbs I eat. I know I should eat more veggies, but I really don’t care for most vegetables. However, I’m learning ways to make them tolerable, such as including them in recipes, so I might try this with some added spinach. Do you think spinach and salmon go together?

    1. I think spinach goes with everything! I think it is such a mild flavor that it tends to fade away in dishes like this. If you try, let me know how it turns out!

  5. Love salmon! Me the hubs have it at least once a week.

    And I definitely am excited for more vegetarian recipes! One my 2012 goals is to reduce dairy and meat products (I say reduce because I do love some cheese every now and then and burgers are my weakness!). So I will definitely be looking for dinner ideas!

  6. I totally agree with you on the animal products. I was also to liberal with my use of cheese especially. I switched to soy milk and started using cheese as a treat. These roll ups look amazing!