Zesty Succulent Baked Salmon and Quinoa Dish Recipe for Dinner

Salmon lovers crave this delectable baked salmon with quinoa recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table.

The perfect blend of omega-rich fish and protein-packed grains creates a nutritious meal everyone will adore.

Tender, flaky salmon nestled on a bed of fluffy quinoa promises a delightful culinary experience.

Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of textures and seasonings that dance across your palate.

Fresh ingredients transform this simple dish into an extraordinary dining moment.

Packed with essential nutrients and bold flavors, this recipe offers a quick and elegant solution for weeknight dinners.

You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this salmon masterpiece comes together, making gourmet cooking feel completely accessible.

FAQs

• Is quinoa healthy?

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense superfood packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s gluten-free, contains all nine essential amino acids, and provides more protein than most grains.

• Can I use water instead of broth for quinoa?

While water works, broth adds more flavor and nutrients to the quinoa. Chicken, vegetable, or even fish broth can enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety. The fish should look moist and slightly translucent in the center.

• What if I don't have Dijon mustard for the dressing?

You can substitute Dijon with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but will still create a delicious dressing for the salmon and quinoa.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 4

Salmon Quinoa Ingredient List

• Quinoa: Nutrient-packed grain that provides a hearty foundation with nutty flavor, choose pre-rinsed for convenience.
• Broth: Enhances quinoa's taste, opt for low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth for deeper flavor profile.

• Salmon Fillet: Rich omega-3 source with delicate texture, select fresh wild-caught or sustainable farm-raised salmon with bright color and firm flesh.

• Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and crisp texture, choose firm peppers with glossy skin and no blemishes.
• Spinach, Kale: Powerful leafy greens packed with nutrients, select crisp leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of sweet freshness, pick firm tomatoes with deep, rich color and smooth skin.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth richness and healthy fats, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory depth, select pure without added anti-caking agents.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky complexity, pick high-quality Spanish variety for authentic taste.
• Lemon: Brightens entire dish with zesty tang, select firm, heavy fruits with smooth, shiny skin.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy kick to dressing, choose traditional French-style for authentic flavor.
• Honey: Balances dressing with natural sweetness, opt for raw, local honey when possible.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh herbal notes, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers,.

Must-Have Tools for a Healthy Salmon Dinner

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting salmon evenly and easily.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents salmon from sticking and makes cleanup simple.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa with precise heat control.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for sauteing vegetables quickly and evenly.
• Small Bowl: Great for whisking together the delicious dressing.
• Fork: Helps fluff quinoa and check salmon doneness.
• Whisk: Combines dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Bake Salmon and Quinoa to Perfection

• Kickstart the Quinoa

Splash quinoa under cool water. Bring broth to a rolling boil in a pot. Toss in quinoa, lower heat, cover, and let it simmer until grains become fluffy and liquid vanishes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank oven to 400F. Lay out parchment paper on a baking sheet. Place salmon fillets on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings. Crown each fillet with a lemon slice.

• Roast the Salmon

Slide salmon into the hot oven. Bake until fish flakes with gentle pressure from a fork, about 12-15 minutes.

• Sizzle the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Toss bell peppers until they soften. Add greens and cook until they wilt. Drop in cherry tomatoes and give a quick stir. Remove from heat.

• Whip Up the Dressing

Blend olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, and herbs in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

• Create Your Masterpiece

Spread quinoa on plates. Layer with sauteed vegetables and salmon. Cascade dressing over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips That Make This Dish Shine

• Pro Tips & Twists
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a perfectly crisp exterior and prevent steaming. This simple step guarantees a beautifully caramelized top that seals in all those delicious flavors.
• Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking and prevent dry edges. Consistent temperature helps achieve that perfectly flaky texture every home cook dreams about.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions. Double-check broth labels to confirm total gluten-free status and enjoy worry-free.
• Replace salmon with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish's incredible nutritional profile. Marinate alternative proteins in the same seasonings for maximum flavor impact.
• Prepare quinoa and salmon components ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Quickly reheat and assemble for a lightning-fast weeknight dinner that tastes freshly made.

Serve Salmon with Fresh Toppings

• Zesty Meal Companions: Fresh lemon wedges and extra parsley sprigs add bright, citrusy notes and elevate the dish's visual appeal.
• Wholesome Side Pairings: Crisp green salad or roasted asparagus complement the salmon's rich flavor and provide additional nutritional balance.
• Wine and Wellness Boost: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offer a refreshing contrast to the salmon's richness and enhance the dining experience.
• Mediterranean Twist: Serve with a small dollop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce to introduce a tangy, creamy element that pairs beautifully with the fish and quinoa.

Store Salmon Quinoa Bowls Without Dryness

• Store salmon and quinoa separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume refrigerated salmon and quinoa within 3-4 days for optimal taste and nutritional quality, checking for any unusual odors or discoloration before reheating.
• Wrap individual salmon portions and quinoa in freezer-safe containers, labeling with date and contents, which can extend storage life up to 3 months with minimal texture changes.
• Gently warm salmon and quinoa in microwave using medium power, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and stirring quinoa midway to distribute heat evenly.

Succulent Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering Best Baked Salmon and Quinoa Dish delights palates with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Nutrient-packed ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a quick weeknight meal you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 (170 grams / 6 oz) salmon fillets
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp salt
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Quinoa Preparation: Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water to eliminate bitter notes. Bring broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, add salt, then introduce quinoa. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid absorbs and grains become fluffy.
2. Salmon Roasting: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange salmon fillets, drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Top each fillet with a lemon slice. Roast for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily.
3. Vegetable Sauté: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly caramelized. Add spinach or kale, allowing greens to wilt. Incorporate cherry tomatoes, cooking briefly to maintain their freshness.
4. Dressing Creation: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
5. Dish Assembly: Spread quinoa as the base layer on serving plates. Layer sautéed vegetables over quinoa. Position roasted salmon fillet on top. Drizzle with prepared dressing and garnish with additional parsley or lemon slices for an elegant presentation.

Notes

Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Remove the natural bitter coating by washing under cold water to ensure a clean, pure grain taste that won’t overpower other ingredients.

Optimal Salmon Cooking: Watch the fish closely during roasting – it should flake easily with a fork but remain moist, avoiding overcooking which can make the salmon dry and tough.

Vegetable Timing Matters: Sauté vegetables quickly to maintain their vibrant colors, crisp texture, and maximum nutritional value, preventing them from becoming soggy or losing their fresh flavor profile.

Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap honey in the dressing with maple syrup for a vegan option, use gluten-free Dijon mustard, or replace quinoa with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish versatile and inclusive.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg