Name: Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth (or water); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that's as vibrant and nourishing as it is delicious! Forget boring lunches and lackluster dinners; this recipe is about to revolutionize your mealtime routine. Imagine flaky, perfectly cooked salmon infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, nestled atop a bed of fluffy quinoa, and bursting with fresh, colorful vegetables. Sounds divine, right?

Quinoa, a staple grain of the ancient Incas, has been revered for centuries for its nutritional powerhouse properties. Combined with the omega-3 rich salmon, a cornerstone of healthy diets worldwide, this bowl is a celebration of wholesome ingredients. But it's not just about health; it's about flavor! The zesty lemon herb marinade elevates the salmon to new heights, creating a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.

People adore this Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl because it's incredibly versatile and convenient. It's perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and satisfying lunch throughout the week. The combination of textures – the tender salmon, the slightly chewy quinoa, and the crisp vegetables – creates a delightful eating experience. Plus, it's a complete meal in one bowl, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Salmon:

2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Quinoa:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Herb Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bowl Assembly:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
1 lemon, cut into wedges, for serving

Preparing the Quinoa:

Rinse the Quinoa: This is a crucial step! Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes. This removes the saponins, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste. Don't skip this, trust me!
Combine Quinoa and Broth: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth (or water), and salt.
Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
Fluff and Rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and become even fluffier. After 5 minutes, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Set aside.

Preparing the Salmon:

Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them to get a nice sear.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Cook the Salmon (Pan-Seared Method): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets).
Sear the Salmon: Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If using skinless fillets, sear for 3-4 minutes per side.
Flip and Cook Through: Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it will become dry.
Cook the Salmon (Oven-Baked Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Salmon: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Making the Lemon Herb Dressing:

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Whisk Well: Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tanginess, or more salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl:

Prepare the Bowl Components: Make sure your quinoa is cooked and fluffed, your salmon is cooked and ready to go, your lemon herb dressing is prepared, and your vegetables are chopped.
Layer the Bowl: In a bowl, place a generous serving of cooked quinoa as the base.
Add the Salmon: Top the quinoa with the cooked salmon fillet. You can flake the salmon into smaller pieces if you prefer.
Add the Vegetables: Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and halved Kalamata olives around the salmon.
Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle the lemon herb dressing generously over the bowl.
Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl immediately with a lemon wedge on the side. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl isn't just another healthy meal; it's a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. From the perfectly flaky salmon infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs to the nutty quinoa and the delightful crunch of fresh vegetables, every bite is a celebration of wholesome goodness. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to incorporate more healthy and delicious meals into their routine. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Why You'll Love This Bowl:

I know there are a million recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The combination of the omega-3 rich salmon, the protein-packed quinoa, and the vitamin-loaded vegetables makes this bowl a nutritional powerhouse. But more importantly, it tastes amazing! The lemon herb marinade transforms the salmon into something truly special, and the quinoa provides a wonderful base for all the other flavors to shine. It's a complete meal in a bowl, offering a perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Plus, it's incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While I've presented my favorite combination of ingredients, feel free to get creative and customize this bowl to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon marinade or a drizzle of sriracha mayo on top. If you're not a fan of quinoa, you can easily substitute it with brown rice, couscous, or even farro. For the vegetables, the possibilities are endless! Roasted sweet potatoes, grilled asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms would all be fantastic additions. Consider adding a creamy avocado dressing for extra richness and healthy fats. A simple tahini dressing would also complement the flavors beautifully. If you're looking for a lighter option, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil will do the trick. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the salmon with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted tofu. Both options provide a similar texture and protein content. You could also add chickpeas or lentils for an extra boost of plant-based protein. This bowl is also great for meal prepping. You can cook the salmon and quinoa ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or packed lunches.

Time to Get Cooking!

I'm so excited for you to try this Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl! I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a healthy, delicious, and versatile meal that's perfect for any occasion. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Once you've made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and what you thought of the overall flavor. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you'll love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a truly amazing Lemon Herb Salmon Quinoa Bowl! Happy cooking!