Dishing with…Dana Angelo White

June 20, 2019

It’s time to dish on all things seafood and nutrition with this month’s special guest, Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC. As a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer, author, journalist and fitness consultant, Dana Angelo White has made it her life’s mission to both educate the public about culinary nutrition and develop creative and healthy recipes.

Dana Angelo White is the nutrition expert for FoodNetwork.com and a founding contributor to Food Network’s Healthy Eats blog. And the accolades don’t end there. She has appeared on Sharecare’s list of “Top 10 Social HealthMakers on Nutrition,” acted as a fitness ambassador for F45 Training, served on advisory boards for companies like Verywell Health and Chobani, and worked as a consultant and media spokesperson for Genius Kitchen, Cooking Light magazine and others.

A self-proclaimed farmers market junkie and local food aficionado, one of Dana’s favorite pastimes is cooking for her husband and three children. We know she’s uber-busy so we are excited that she took a break from her busy schedule to dish on her favorite ways to enjoy seafood. Today, Dana Angelo White shares some of her best tips for cooking seafood at home and becoming more confident in the kitchen.

Tell us about your blog.

The Dana White Nutrition blog is where I share my favorite recipes. I have authored four cookbooks and am always in the kitchen whipping up seasonal goodies with my kids. I also co-founded the Food Network’s Healthy Eats blog over a decade ago. That’s where I discuss the hottest topics in food and nutrition. I am so grateful to be able to share my nutrition expertise and recipes with readers.

Why do you love seafood?

Seafood is a staple both in my house and in my cookbooks because I love how easy it is to prepare. Salmon, shrimp and cod are my go-tos for easy and healthy weeknight dinners.

What is your favorite seafood dish to make at home or order at a restaurant?

At home, my family loves fish tacos! Lately, I have also been making Instant Pot Maple Dijon Salmon with Sweet Potatoes. I am obsessed with my Instant Pot and you can cook everything in one pot. You can even start with frozen pieces of salmon – no defrosting needed!

Last week I dined at Black Barn in New York City and had an amazing piece of arctic char! I’m still thinking about how yummy it was; it’s one of my all-time favorite fish.

What’s next on your “must make” or “must order” seafood list?

I have the fondest memories of eating stone crab claws in Florida when I used to visit my grandmother on spring break every March. That was over 25 years ago, but I try to get my hands on some around the same time every year. Which means I’m overdue.

What are your tips for people who might be intimidated by the thought of preparing seafood at home?

One of my favorite starter seafood recipes is Pesto Roasted Salmon. You can use the basic method with any kind of sauce and it comes out perfect every time. I also encourage cooking in foil or parchment packets – it’s so easy and there’s no cleanup! Three easy dishes I enjoy cooking are Honey-Sriracha Shrimp, Foil-Packet Lemon and Herb Cod, and Cod and Vegetables en Papillote. I’ll make at least one of these recipes each week.

Any words of wisdom for parents who have picky eaters? How did you get your kids to eat seafood?

I commit to at least one seafood dinner each week, and I always team it up with something I know my kids love, so they are more willing to try it. Shrimp with pasta, salmon burgers on crusty bread, tuna melts with lots of gooey cheese, or sometimes it’s just fish sticks. When it comes to seafood, I think simple is best!