Description
This Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad recipe features perfectly grilled salmon fillets seasoned with garlic and lemon, paired with a refreshing and vibrant quinoa salad loaded with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley. It’s a light, nutritious, and delicious meal perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture over both sides of the salmon fillets and let them marinate for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Grill the Salmon: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the salmon is opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Plate the grilled salmon alongside the quinoa salad. Garnish the salmon with fresh dill or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitterness before cooking.
- If you don’t have a grill, the salmon can be cooked on a grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
- Vegetable broth adds extra flavor to the quinoa but water works well too.
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning in the salad to your taste preferences.
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted nuts or seeds.
