Hey there, food lovers! 👋 Today, I’ve got something special for you – my go-to Salmon Quinoa Salad. This dish is perfect for when you want a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. We’re talking tender salmon, fluffy quinoa, and a medley of fresh veggies all tossed together with a zesty lemon dressing. Trust me, this salad is a game-changer! Let’s dive right in and get cooking! 🥗🐟
Try my Baked Salmon Sushi Cups recipe.
What you’ll need to make Salmon Quinoa Salad
| Ingredients (Serves 2) |
|---|
| – 3.2 oz. (90g) quinoa |
| – 12 oz (340g) salmon filets |
| – 1 small red onion, sliced |
| – 4 tbsp lemon juice, divided |
| – 10.6 oz (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved |
| – 1/2 cucumber, sliced |
| 2 tbsp cilantro, to serve |
| Salt and pepper, to taste |
When it comes to making this delicious Salmon Quinoa Salad, the key ingredients really shine! 🥗 First up, we have quinoa, which is not only light and fluffy but also a fantastic source of protein and fiber. Then there’s the star of the show: the salmon! 🐟 Tender and juicy, it brings a lovely richness to the salad. We also add some fresh cherry tomatoes and cucumber for that satisfying crunch and vibrant color. 🌈 A bit of red onion gives a nice zing, while the cilantro adds a fresh, herby flavor. And let’s not forget the lemon juice, which ties everything together with a zesty, refreshing kick. 🍋 With a pinch of salt and pepper, this salad is perfectly seasoned and ready to enjoy. Trust me, these simple yet flavorful ingredients make all the difference!
Try my One Pot Spinach and Salmon Pasta recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
(a) Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal fast.
(b) Flavorful: Tender salmon, light quinoa, and fresh veggies create a delicious combination.
(c) Refreshing: The zesty lemon juice ties everything together beautifully.
(d) Healthy: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins to keep you feeling great.
(e) Versatile: Great for lunch or dinner, and easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
Enjoy whipping up this delicious and nutritious dish! 🎉🍴
Try my Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites recipe.
What you’ll need to do
Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 12 mins
1| First things first, cook your quinoa following the package directions. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
2| Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a small baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
3| Place the salmon in the baking dish. Sprinkle the sliced onion on top and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Pop it in the oven for about 12 minutes, or until the salmon is perfectly cooked.
4| While the salmon’s cooking, mix the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and cilantro into the cooked quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it another good mix.
5| When you’re ready to serve, divide the quinoa salad between two bowls and top each with a piece of that delicious salmon.
Enjoy your fresh and tasty Salmon Quinoa Salad! 🎉🍴
Try my Green Goddess Quinoa Salad Bowl recipe.
Some possible substitution and improvisation ideas for the recipe
Here are some substitution and improvisation ideas to make the Salmon Quinoa Salad your own:
Substitutions
- Quinoa: Swap it out with couscous, farro, or brown rice for a different texture.
- Salmon: Use grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein source.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Try using grape tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Cucumber: Substitute with zucchini, bell peppers, or even radishes for a crunchy twist.
- Cilantro: If you’re not a fan, use parsley, basil, or mint for a fresh flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Lime juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar works great for that tangy kick.
Try my Healthy Quinoa Chicken Nuggets recipe.
Improvisations
- Add Greens: Toss in some spinach, arugula, or kale to boost the salad’s nutritional value.
- Extra Veggies: Throw in some avocado, shredded carrots, or roasted sweet potatoes for more variety.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle some toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
- Cheese: Crumble some feta, goat cheese, or parmesan on top for a creamy, savory touch.
- Dressing: Mix things up with a honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, or a tahini-based dressing.
Experiment with these ideas to make the recipe uniquely yours! Enjoy creating your perfect version of the Salmon Quinoa Salad. 🎨🍴
Some useful tips for the recipe
Here are some useful tips to help you make the perfect Salmon Quinoa Salad:
1| Rinse the Quinoa: Before cooking, rinse the quinoa under cold water. This helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
2| Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Use the 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio and let it simmer until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork to get that light, fluffy texture.
3| Salmon Doneness: For perfectly cooked salmon, bake until it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
4| Prepping Veggies: Slice your veggies thin and evenly for a better texture and appearance in the salad.
5| Fresh Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor. It really makes a difference!
6| Marinating Salmon: For extra flavor, marinate the salmon with lemon juice and a bit of olive oil for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
7| Cooling Quinoa: Let the quinoa cool slightly before mixing with the veggies to prevent wilting and keep the salad fresh.
8| Serving Options: This salad is great served warm or chilled. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and enjoy a refreshing cold salad later.
9| Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component. A little salt and pepper go a long way in bringing out the flavors.
10| Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch, divide it into containers, and you’ve got lunch ready for the next few days.
Try my Quinoa Bread recipe.
These tips will help you make a delicious and satisfying Salmon Quinoa Salad every time. Happy cooking! 🥗🐟🍋
Some serving suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Salmon Quinoa Salad:
1| On a Bed of Greens: Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens like spinach, arugula, or romaine for added freshness and color.
2| With a Side of Bread: Pair the salad with a slice of crusty bread or a warm roll to soak up all the delicious lemony juices.
3| In a Wrap: Turn your salad into a wrap! Use a large whole wheat or spinach tortilla, add the salad, and roll it up for a portable meal.
4| Topped with Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado on top for an extra dose of healthy fats and a luxurious texture.
5| Sprinkle with Nuts or Seeds: Garnish with toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch and added nutrients.
6| With a Light Soup: Serve alongside a light, broth-based soup like vegetable or miso soup for a complete, balanced meal.
7| In a Mason Jar: Layer the salad ingredients in a mason jar for a fun, portable, and visually appealing presentation—perfect for meal prep or on-the-go lunches.
8| With a Citrus Dressing: Drizzle with a homemade citrus vinaigrette for an extra burst of flavor. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon mustard, and a bit of honey.
9| As a Party Appetizer: Serve the salad in small bowls or on appetizer plates for a healthy and impressive starter at your next gathering.
10| Topped with a Poached Egg: For a brunch twist, top your salad with a poached egg. The runny yolk adds a delicious richness to the dish.
These serving ideas will make your Salmon Quinoa Salad even more delightful and versatile. Enjoy experimenting with different ways to present and savor this tasty dish! 🥗🐟🍴
Some storage suggestions
Here are some storage options to keep your Salmon Quinoa Salad fresh and delicious:
1| Refrigeration: Store the salad in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
2| Separate Components: For the best texture, store the quinoa, salmon, and veggies separately. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and makes it easier to reheat individual components if desired.
3| Mason Jars: Layer the salad ingredients in mason jars for easy, grab-and-go meals. Start with the dressing at the bottom, then add the quinoa, veggies, and top with the salmon. Shake to mix when ready to eat.
4| Salmon Storage: If you have leftover cooked salmon, store it separately in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Add it to the salad just before serving.
5| Freezing Quinoa: You can cook and freeze quinoa in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat in the microwave when ready to use.
6| Dressing on the Side: If you’re planning to store the salad for a few days, keep the lemon juice or dressing in a separate container and add it just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp.
7| Vacuum Sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to store the salad and extend its freshness. This method is great for meal prep and long-term storage.
8| Lunch Containers: Use compartmentalized lunch containers to keep the ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat. This works well for meal prepping multiple portions.
These storage options will help you maintain the freshness and quality of your Salmon Quinoa Salad, making it easy to enjoy anytime! 🥗🍴📦
Try my Salmon with Chunky Basil Pesto recipe.
And there you have it, folks – a delicious and nutritious Salmon Quinoa Salad that’s ready in no time! 🍴 This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or whenever you’re craving something fresh and satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and eating this salad as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how it turns out. Happy cooking, and see you next time! 🎉👨🍳
Salmon Quinoa Salad
Looking for a tasty and nutritious dish? My Salmon Quinoa Salad has got you covered! With juicy salmon, crunchy veggies, and a zingy lemon twist, this salad is a total winner. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious! 🍅🍋🐟
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Cook the quinoa according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
Step 2:
Preheat the oven to 375oF (190oC). Line a small baking dish with parchment paper.
-
Step 3:
Place the salmon in the baking dish. Top with the sliced onion and 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice. Cook in the hot oven for 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
-
Step 4:
Meanwhile, add the tomatoes, cucumber, remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and cilantro to the cooked quinoa and mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix again.
-
Step 5:
To serve, divide the quinoa salad between 2 bowls and top with the salmon.
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 447kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 11g17%
- Total Carbohydrate 41g14%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Protein 46g92%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
