Lemon Garlic Salmon Quinoa Bowl - Fresh, Bright, and Satisfying

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: 2 fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• Quinoa: 1 cup dry (rinsed)
• Lemon: Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons
• Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, or basil (about 1/4 cup chopped)
• Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cucumber (diced), 1 small red onion (thinly sliced), 2 cups baby spinach or arugula
• Optional add-ins: Avocado slices, crumbled feta, capers, olives
• Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional), red pepper flakes (optional)
• Broth or water: 2 cups for cooking quinoa

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the quinoa: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Add to a pot with 2 cups water or broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

2. 2

   Make the lemon-garlic mixture: In a small bowl, combine lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped dill or parsley.

3. 3

   Prep the salmon: Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Brush or spoon on half the lemon-garlic mixture.

4. 4

   Cook the salmon (stovetop): Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high. Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook 2–4 minutes more, until opaque and flakes easily.

5. 5

   Alternative (oven): Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes on a lined sheet pan, or until just cooked through.

6. 6

   Toss the veggies: In a large bowl, add spinach, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with remaining lemon-garlic mixture and toss to coat.

7. 7

   Build the bowls: Divide quinoa into two bowls. Top with dressed veggies and salmon. Finish with extra herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and optional feta, avocado, or capers.

8. 8

   Taste and adjust: Add salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to brighten the final flavor.