Canned salmon questions from reader, Joe S.:

Question for Mary:

"My question for you relates to salmon. It's my favorite! and believe it or not, I like the convenience of buying it in a can (the boneless skinless can I buy at Whole Foods is really tasty).... but I'm wondering if you have suggestions for including it in a bag lunch to bring to work. I prefer not to eat it like tuna salad in sandwiches because I think the mayo corrupts the nutritional value.

I'd like to eat it in a salad, but it sometimes has a fishy smell that give me weird stares from my co-workers. I'm thinking probably just pour a can over a salad.... what do you think? If you want to talk me out of canned and into frozen, I'll listen. But I'm all for quick and easy."

A: Joe, as long as you are buying wild salmon, preferably Alaskan (gotta support my relatives), I won't talk you out of canned. Salmon is really good for you, and a nice choice for a healthy lunch. By the way, the bones are edible and an excellent source of calcium. There are many quick and easy ways to dress up the salmon, without adding mayo. A squeeze of lemon and sprinkling of chopped dill, right before eating is the easiest.

Add some or all: spinach, field greens, lettuce, green beans, avocado, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, onion, pickles, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Keep the salmon in it's can until lunchtime, or else it will definitely get soggy with other items. If you like, try some non-fat yogurt with the blended mix-an acquired taste, but one of my faves. Goat cheese, feta, olives, or brie also taste good. Herbes du provence (dried) or chili flakes will add flavor. You probably won't want to add both, though.

Another option is to dress up a bagel or your favorite whole wheat or sourdough bread by eating the salmon with cream or Neufatchel cheese. Since the canned salmon isn't smoked, you should add some salt and perhaps pepper, to taste. Capers, fresh chopped dill or parsley, and red onion will help dress up the mix.

As for the fishy smell, I suggest you eat outside, or in a break room, if at all possible, to avoid those weird co-worker stares.  Maybe your food makes them hungry, maybe not. The fishy smell can be strong, and lingers. I've read many angry posts on the craigslist food & etiquette forums from people complaining about food smells like this. If you must eat at your desk, take your dish or garbage away immediately, so the smell can dissipate quicker.