Scrumptious Baked Salmon and Quinoa Dish Recipe for Dinner Joy

Salmon sings a symphony of flavors in this delightful baked salmon and quinoa dish recipe that promises a nutritious and delectable meal.

Tender, flaky fish meets fluffy quinoa in a culinary dance of textures and tastes.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and whole grains, making this recipe a powerhouse of nutrition.

Herbs and spices weave their magic, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

The aroma alone will draw you to the kitchen, eager to savor this wholesome creation.

Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying, this dish brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home cooking.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and treat yourself to a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Best Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish

• Quinoa: Protein-packed ancient grain that provides a nutty base, choose pre-rinsed or rinse thoroughly to remove bitter coating, select organic for best flavor and nutrition.

• Salmon Fillet: Omega-3 rich fish with delicate texture, opt for wild-caught for superior taste and sustainability, look for bright color and firm flesh without strong fishy smell.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, heart-healthy oil that adds richness and helps ingredients cook evenly, choose extra virgin for most robust flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient spice that delivers intense garlic essence without chopping, ensures even distribution of flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky undertone that enhances salmon's natural taste, prefer Spanish varieties for authentic profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and highlight other ingredients, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.

• Bell Pepper: Crunchy, colorful veggie that adds sweet freshness, select brightly colored peppers with firm skin.
• Spinach, Kale: Nutrient-dense leafy greens that provide earthy undertones, choose crisp leaves without wilting.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst of sweet acidity that brightens the dish, pick firm tomatoes with vibrant color.

• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy acid that cuts through richness, use fresh-squeezed for most intense flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds complex depth, choose whole grain variety for extra texture.

Tools To Prep Best Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting salmon evenly and catching any drips.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents salmon from sticking and makes cleanup super easy.
• Medium Saucepan: Perfect for cooking quinoa to fluffy perfection.
• Large Skillet: Ideal for sautéing vegetables with quick, even heat.
• Small Bowl: Used for whisking together the delicious dressing.
• Fork: Great for fluffing quinoa and checking salmon doneness.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.

How To Cook Best Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish

• Quinoa Base

Rinse quinoa and cook in savory broth until fluffy and tender. The grain will absorb liquid and become soft with a slight nutty texture.

• Salmon Preparation

Heat oven to a toasty temperature. Place salmon on a lined baking sheet, infusing with aromatic spices and a bright citrus slice. The fish will transform into a golden, flaky centerpiece.

• Vegetable Medley

Sizzle colorful bell peppers in a hot skillet, then welcome leafy greens that wilt into a vibrant mixture. Toss in juicy cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.

• Zesty Drizzle

Whisk together a tangy dressing that combines rich olive oil, bright lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness. This liquid gold will tie all flavors together.

• Plate and Serve

Layer quinoa as a warm foundation, crown with sauteed vegetables and perfectly baked salmon. Finish with a generous splash of homemade dressing, creating a restaurant-worthy meal that delights the senses.

Tips That Work For Best Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish

• Salmon Selection Perfection: Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and highest omega-3 content. Wild Alaskan or Pacific salmon varieties offer superior taste and nutritional benefits compared to farm-raised options.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Double-check broth and ingredients to ensure complete gluten-free compliance, making it perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace salmon with grilled chicken, tofu, or white fish like cod for a versatile meal. Each protein brings unique flavors while maintaining the dish's nutritional balance and overall cooking method.
• Heat-Level Flexibility: Adjust spice levels by increasing smoked paprika for extra kick or adding red pepper flakes. Mediterranean-inspired cooks can experiment with za'atar or herbs de Provence for a different flavor profile without compromising the recipe's core structure.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare quinoa and chop vegetables in advance to streamline weeknight cooking. Store components separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly when hunger strikes or unexpected guests arrive.

Serving Best Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish With Style

• Fresh Garden Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like dill or chives over the salmon to add bright, zesty flavor and create a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Zesty Citrus Boost: Add extra lemon wedges on the side, allowing diners to squeeze fresh citrus over the dish for a tangy, personalized touch that enhances the salmon's richness.
• Mediterranean-Style Plating: Serve the salmon and quinoa on a large rustic wooden board with scattered fresh herbs, creating a stunning, instagram-worthy meal that looks as delicious as it tastes.
• Protein Power Combo: Pair the dish with a small side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce for additional protein and a cool, creamy complement to the warm, savory salmon.

How To Store Best Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish

• Fridge Storage Magic: Keep leftover salmon and quinoa in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Separate components to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Batch cook quinoa and salmon on weekends for fast weekday lunches. Package individual portions in grab-and-go containers for effortless meal planning.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Salmon can be frozen for 2-3 months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and sealed in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm salmon at 50% microwave power to prevent drying. Add a splash of water or broth to quinoa when reheating to restore moisture and freshness.

Succulent Baked Salmon And Quinoa Dish Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delectable salmon and quinoa harmony brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Fresh ingredients combine with simple techniques for a nutritious meal that delights palates and nourishes bodies.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 (6 oz / 170 g) salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup (236 ml) quinoa
• 2 cups (474 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Quinoa Preparation: Rinse quinoa meticulously under cold water, eliminating any residual debris. Combine with broth in a saucepan, simmering until liquid fully absorbs and grains become fluffy. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Salmon Seasoning: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange salmon fillets, brushing with olive oil and generously coating with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Crown each fillet with a fresh lemon slice.
3. Salmon Roasting: Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes until it easily flakes when gently prodded, ensuring a perfectly cooked, moist texture.
4. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté bell peppers until slightly caramelized, then introduce spinach or kale, allowing them to wilt. Add cherry tomatoes, warming them to release their inherent sweetness.
5. Dressing Creation: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, chopped parsley, and seasonings until a smooth, vibrant emulsion forms.
6. Plating: Layer quinoa as a base, artfully arrange sautéed vegetables and roasted salmon. Drizzle with the prepared dressing, garnishing with fresh parsley or additional lemon as desired.

Notes

• Master Quinoa Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitter saponin coating, ensuring a cleaner, more delicate flavor profile.
• Salmon Doneness Check: Use a fork to gently test salmon – if it flakes easily with minimal pressure, it’s perfectly cooked; avoid overcooking to maintain moistness and prevent dryness.
• Vegetable Texture Technique: Sauté vegetables briefly to maintain crisp texture and preserve nutritional value, preventing them from becoming soggy or losing vibrant colors.
• Dressing Balance Strategy: Whisk dressing ingredients until fully emulsified, adjusting seasoning to taste; start with small amounts of lemon and honey, tasting and incrementally adding for perfect flavor harmony.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg