Zesty Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Succulent salmon meets zesty herbs in this vibrant lemon herb salmon and avocado quinoa bowl that’ll spark joy at your dinner table.

The combination of fresh ingredients creates a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Perfectly flaked fish nestles atop a bed of fluffy quinoa, promising a nutritious meal packed with protein and wholesome goodness.

Creamy avocado adds a rich, smooth texture that complements the delicate salmon beautifully.

Bright herbs and a tangy lemon dressing elevate every single bite with their refreshing notes.

Each forkful delivers a balanced blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired bowl and experience a truly delightful culinary adventure that nourishes both body and soul.

Serving Lemon Herb Salmon And Avocado Quinoa Bowl At Its Best

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Pack these bowls in portable containers for a delightful outdoor lunch that's both nutritious and Instagram-worthy.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this salmon quinoa bowl as a stunning weekend brunch centerpiece that impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Leftover Love: Transform remaining salmon and quinoa into a quick salad by chopping ingredients and mixing with extra dressing for a next-day meal that's just as delicious.
• Protein Power-Up: Add roasted chickpeas or grilled shrimp alongside the salmon for extra protein and a satisfying texture boost that keeps you energized throughout the day.

Storage Details For Lemon Herb Salmon And Avocado Quinoa Bowl

• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep prepared salmon and quinoa in airtight containers, separating components to maintain texture and prevent sogginess. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook quinoa and salmon in larger batches during weekends. Portion into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving time and reducing cooking stress.
• Freezer-Safe Technique: Salmon can be frozen uncooked or cooked. Wrap individual fillets in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Quinoa freezes exceptionally well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently.
• Temperature-Conscious Reheating: Warm salmon and quinoa separately to prevent overcooking. Use microwave with 50% power or reheat in a skillet with a splash of water. Add fresh avocado and dressing after reheating to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Needed For Lemon Herb Salmon And Avocado Quinoa Bowl

• Quinoa: Protein-packed superfood that provides a nutty base, choose pre-rinsed for convenience and opt for organic varieties for best flavor and nutrition.

• Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught salmon offers richer flavor and higher omega-3 content, select fresh fillets with firm, bright coloration and minimal fishy smell.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth texture and heart-healthy fats, select extra virgin for robust flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty notes and helps tenderize salmon, fresh-squeezed delivers maximum tanginess.
• Garlic Powder: Offers concentrated garlic essence without raw intensity, choose high-quality brands for deeper flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Creates creamy emulsion and adds tangy complexity, look for smooth, well-balanced varieties.
• Honey: Balances acidity and adds subtle sweetness, local raw honey provides deeper nutritional benefits.

• Avocado: Creamy texture with healthy fats, select ripe fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds vibrant color and fresh burst, choose firm, glossy specimens with deep color.
• Fresh Parsley, Cilantro: Provides aromatic finishing touch, select bright green leaves without wilting.

• Feta Cheese: Introduces salty, crumbly element, opt for authentic Greek varieties for authentic taste.

What You’ll Need To Cook Lemon Herb Salmon And Avocado Quinoa Bowl

• Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking quinoa perfectly.
• Small bowl: Needed for mixing salmon marinade and dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing until smooth and emulsified.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Baking sheet or grill pan: Used for cooking salmon evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents salmon from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing quinoa and checking salmon doneness.
• Sharp knife: Useful for slicing avocado and chopping herbs.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Instructions For Lemon Herb Salmon And Avocado Quinoa Bowl

• Quinoa Foundation

Create a fluffy base of quinoa by rinsing thoroughly and cooking in gently simmering liquid. Let the grains absorb all the delicious flavors while becoming tender and light. The quinoa will serve as a nutritious canvas for your culinary masterpiece.

• Salmon Transformation

Prepare your salmon with a zesty marinade that infuses Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Choose your cooking method – oven roasting or grill pan searing – to achieve a perfectly flaky and golden exterior. The key is achieving a delicate, moist texture that melts in your mouth.

• Vibrant Dressing Creation

Blend a harmonious mixture of bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and smooth olive oil. This liquid sunshine will tie all the bowl’s components together, adding depth and complexity to every single bite. Whisk with passion and taste as you go.

• Bowl Assembly

Layer your creation with artistic intention. Start with the quinoa foundation, then gracefully position the salmon. Scatter creamy avocado slices, jewel-like cherry tomatoes, and optional crumbled feta. Finish with a generous drizzle of your handcrafted dressing and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a final flourish of flavor and color.

Tips And Tweaks For Lemon Herb Salmon And Avocado Quinoa Bowl

• Salmon Selection Perfection: Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional value. Look for bright, firm flesh without any discoloration or strong fishy smell.
• Quinoa Cooking Secret: Toast quinoa in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before boiling to enhance its nutty flavor and improve its overall texture. This technique adds depth to the entire dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace quinoa with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version. The cauliflower provides a similar texture while drastically reducing carbohydrate content.
• Protein Swap Magic: Substitute salmon with grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for different dietary preferences or when salmon isn't available. Each protein brings its unique flavor profile to the bowl.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Omit feta cheese and replace with roasted sunflower seeds or nutritional yeast for a similar tangy, savory element that keeps the dish completely dairy-free.

Vibrant Lemon Herb Salmon And Avocado Quinoa Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Seasonal lemon herb salmon shines in this nourishing quinoa bowl, blending Mediterranean flavors with fresh ingredients. Balanced nutrition meets elegant simplicity, offering a delightful meal you’ll savor with each bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g)
• 1 cup quinoa (170 g)
• 2 cups water or chicken broth (480 ml)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Quinoa Preparation: Thoroughly rinse quinoa under cool water to eliminate bitter residue. Simmer in liquid until tender and fluffy, about 15-18 minutes. Fluff with fork and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Salmon Marinade: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, parsley, and seasonings. Generously coat salmon fillets, ensuring complete coverage and flavor infusion.
3. Cooking Salmon: Heat cooking surface to 400°F. Position salmon skin-side down, cooking until golden and flaky with opaque center, approximately 10-12 minutes.
4. Dressing Creation: Blend olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and dried oregano. Whisk until smooth and emulsified, balancing tangy and sweet flavor profiles.
5. Bowl Assembly: Layer cooked quinoa as base. Carefully place salmon on top. Strategically arrange sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese for visual and textural contrast.
6. Final Touches: Drizzle lemon herb dressing generously over assembled bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro for vibrant garnish and additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Rinse Quinoa Thoroughly: Remove bitter saponin coating by washing under cold water before cooking to ensure a clean, nutty flavor profile.
• Control Salmon Cooking Temperature: Maintain consistent 400°F heat to achieve perfectly flaky texture without overcooking, checking doneness by opaque center and golden exterior.
• Balance Dressing Consistency: Whisk dressing ingredients gradually and vigorously to create smooth emulsification, preventing separation and ensuring even coating.
• Customize Dietary Preferences: Swap feta with plant-based cheese for vegan option, use gluten-free quinoa, and select wild-caught salmon for sustainable protein source.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg