Don't Like Salmon? These 9 Fish Are Just As Nutritious

Whether you're pairing it with an unexpected Middle Eastern spice or laying a plank atop a fruity salad for balanced flavor, there are tons of ways to cook salmon. It's widely available, and many people think it's yummy to boot. Despite all these virtues, some people just really don't dig salmon. On a Reddit thread dedicated to the topic, numerous reasons were floated for folks' dislike of this otherwise popular fish: the quality of mass-market filets can vary widely; the flavor is relatively "fishy;" the smell is powerful; and/or it's too easy to overcook. 

This is a real shame, because salmon is often touted as a major "health food." It's loaded in omega-3 fatty acids (there are only a few foods with more), considered a lean protein, and contains vitamins and minerals that support heart health and strong brain function. Should you force yourself through a dislike of salmon to reap its (objective) health benefits? Luckily, no. There are many fish in the sea, as the saying goes, and many of them are also mega-nutritious ... and, perhaps, more delicious to your personal palate. Next time you're at the fish market, check out these varieties, which will boost wellness while also making a delectable dinner. 

Sardines on toast are an old-school Boomer snack that young folks like to tout as a health food ... and, as it turns out, the kids might just be all right. Like salmon, sardines are rich in omega-3 and protein, while being low in mercury — always an important consideration when eating fish. As a bonus, due to the edible bones within, sardines contain a tidy dose of calcium. Sardines sing when paired with a starch like bread (as mentioned), pasta, or rice, any of which let their potent saltiness and tang really take center stage. 

Trout is actually in the same family as salmon. Due to their similarities, trout contains a similar protein content. It does have less fat, which translates to fewer omega-3 fatty acids, but it's still a worthy main dish. You can prepare it many of the same ways as salmon, and even sub it in salmon recipes — which you may enjoy more due to trout's milder flavor. A common mistake people make when cooking this particular fish is not tending to its delicate skin, which is delectable when crispy, and "bleh" when allowed to go mushy.

Herring is an offbeat fish choice that is nonetheless healthy and surprisingly versatile. It's the dark horse of the SMASH fish family that includes sardines, mackarel, anchovies, and salmon, but shares the same high fatty acids and protein content, while also being low in mercury. Pickled herring is an treat that you can eat straight from the jar, but these are also lovely when salted and smoked (as kippers!), marinated, or even fried.

You know all about canned tuna, and you've seen it as steaks or sashimi, but did you know that tuna is also extremely nourishing? In addition to omega-3 fatty acids and protein, tuna additionally contains high levels of vitamin B12, which helps to prevent anemia. It's low in calories and carbs, but can be enjoyed in many, many different ways. We love to cancel out those low calories with a glob of mayo and make tuna salad, but don't feel limited to the canned stuff! 

Whether you're grabbing it from Culver's, the chain that claims to have the best wild-caught cod, or dishing it up in your own kitchen, the mild flavor of cod is a great gateway into the world of seafood for picky eaters. Cod is a great addition to your diet: it balances the best of nutritious fish (omega-3 fatty acids and protein) with low mercury content, making it a safer choice for everyone, but especially people pregnant and/or breastfeeding. It's just begging to star in fish tacos since its delicate white flesh is a sponge for big flavors. 

There's a common mistake you might be making when cooking tilapia, but don't let that deter you from exploring the expansive culinary possibilities of this whitefish. It's inexpensive, versatile, and mild — and, as a bonus, it contains niacin, choline, selenium, and multiple vitamins. We'd be remiss not to mention the fact that there have been widespread concerns with tilapia farmed overseas, particularly in China, but this is a lesser concern as long as you buy fish certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, BAP Certified, or Naturland. For a delicious, dead-simple dinner, broil quick-cooking tilapia with lemon and garlic. 

Striped bass qualifies as one of the healthiest fish you can consume, thanks to a rich dose of phosphorus, selenium, and vitamin B12 — all of which are known to enrich your health. Redditors suggest tons of different ways to enjoy this fish, including baking, pan-searing, and even cooking in a salt dome! While keta salmon is a cheap fish you might want to avoid, striped bass is a higher-end option fit for even the nicest feast. You might also spy it at the fish counter under the label "striper."

Loaded in potassium, vitamins, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, it's fair to call mahi-mahi a superfood. Unlike many larger fish, it's low in mercury, making it a great choice to eat regularly. It's a seafood that will make you feel like you're lounging in a Florida fishing village, and is a great candidate for the tropical treatment — broiled or grilled with mounds of a fruity, spicy salsa or rounds of charred pineapple! Fun fact: the name "mahi-mahi" means "strong-strong" in Polynesian. You might also see it called "dorado" or "dolphinfish," despite it having no relationship to actual dolphins.

Flounder are flat fish with a mild flavor that also tends to be sweeter than other seafood. In addition to all the usual benefits of eating low-mercury fish (choline, selenium, vitamins, protein), flounder is also a good source of both dietary iodine and iron. Fried flounder is delicious, but perhaps not the most nutritious way of cooking. Try it pan-fried or stuffed with lump crab meat, or perhaps blackened. Keep in mind that flounder, being naturally thin in structure, tends to spoil quickly and is best when very fresh.