Keeping dinners quick, light and healthy had me cracking open some old cookbooks. I rediscovered a great seasoning mix that works well with fish, chicken or pork. Using an oven-safe skillet, sear the protein on the stove top, throw in fresh vegetables and finish by cooking in the oven. The one-pot meals make clean up quick and they satisfy my craving for serving a “real” meal.

Mediterranean Seasoning Mix
1 Tbsp. dried basil
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. dried rosemary, crushed
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Mix all ingredients together and store in an air-tight container.
Use the seasoning mix to make the following Mediterranean-style dinners.

Mediterranean Chicken
4 chicken breast halves (preferably boneless and skinless)
1 Tbsp. Mediterranean Seasoning Mix, divided
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, sliced
2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
8 Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 c. white wine (or chicken broth)

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with half the seasoning mix. Heat olive oil to medium-high heat in an oven-safe skillet that is large enough to cook the four chicken pieces without overcrowding. Sear one side of the chicken about 4 minutes or until golden brown. Turn and sear the other side.

Meanwhile, toss onions, cherry tomatoes, olives and remaining seasoning mix together. Add to the skillet along with the wine. Cover and finish cooking in a 350-degree oven until done, about 20-25 minutes.

Serve over fresh spinach greens with a slice of crusty bread.

Mediterranean Salmon
4 salmon fillets (about 4 oz. each)
1 Tbsp. Mediterranean Seasoning Mix, divided
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 fennel bulb, sliced
2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
1 Tbsp. capers
1/2 c. white wine (or chicken broth)

Season both sides of the fillets with half the seasoning mix. Heat olive oil to medium-high heat in an oven-safe skillet that is large enough to cook the four salmon pieces without overcrowding. Sear one side of the fillet about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, toss fennel, cherry tomatoes, capers and remaining seasoning mix together. Turn the fillets and add the vegetables over the fish. Top with the wine. Place skillet uncovered in a 400-degree oven for about 6 minutes or until fillets are done.

The salmon and sauce are wonderful served over angel hair pasta or rice, but that would mean another dirty pot. So…serve over fresh spinach greens with a slice of crusty bread. Now, a squeeze of lemon juice wouldn’t hurt.