CITRUS HONEY MARINATED TILAPIA with AVOCADO SALSA

scared of cooking, or maybe even eating, fish? well worry no more! here is an effortless and exquisite recipe transforming a mild white fish into a flavorful meal. the marinade of lemon and lime juices contrast the sweet honey, and pulls double duty as it flavors the fish and the avocado salsa. combine the quick cooking time, the healthful benefits, and colorful presentation and this recipe is a star!

INGREDIENTS:
4 tilapia fillets
lemon pepper

for marinade:
3 tbs lemon juice
3 tbs lime juice
3 tbs honey
1.5 tbs creamy dijon mustard

for salsa:
1 ripe avocado, seed and skin removed, cut into small cubes
1 tbs lime juice
2 tsp cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeno or other small hot pepper, small diced
1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
for fish:
-whisk marinade ingredients together
-place fish in a large dish in a single layer
-pour marinade over fish, let sit in fridge and marinate for 1 hour (or up to 3 hours)
-cover a baking sheet with foil, spray with cooking spray
-remove fish from marinade and place in a single layer on sheet (do NOT throw away marinade!)
-season fish with lemon pepper
-set oven to broil, and cook fish for 10-12 minutes (leave oven door slightly open when broiling) until fish is opaque and flakes with a fork

for avocado salsa:
-while fish is cooking:
-place leftover marinade in a small sauce pan, and bring to a slow boil over medium heat
-when marinade reduces (becomes thick), about 10-15 minutes, turn off heat
-in a medium sized bowl, place avocado cubes, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, and salt, pour marinade reduction over avocado mixture, and stir to coat
-serve over cooked fish
-enjoy!

serves 4

SHOUT OUTS:
this recipe was put together as a quick weeknight dinner, adapting an old honey-lemon fish recipe.

TIPS and ADAPTATIONS:
-you can cook the fish on an outdoor grill as well! just be sure to put down foil under the fish to avoid tearing the fish when transferring
-don't have lemon pepper? sprinkle fish with salt, pepper, and finely grated lemon zest
-try the recipe with mahi mahi, haddock, swordfish or other mild white fish, just adjust the cooking temperature a bit if the fish is thicker (cook it a few minutes longer)
-mix it up and try the marinade and salsa ontop of chicken!