Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad

Looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor? This Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad is exactly what you need. The tender, smoky salmon pairs perfectly with a fresh, vibrant quinoa salad packed with colorful veggies and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s the kind of dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious—ideal for a healthy dinner, meal prep for the week, or even a show-stopping lunch. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and guarantees a smile on everyone’s face. Ready to dive in? Let’s get grilling and toss that quinoa!

Why You’ll Love Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad

Here’s why this dish will become a go-to in your kitchen:

• Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of grilled salmon and fresh quinoa salad is both light and filling, with bright, zesty flavors that are perfect for any season.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the salmon, fiber from the quinoa, and a rainbow of veggies, this meal is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a short cook time, you’ll have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes. Plus, the quinoa salad can be made ahead of time!
• Customizable: You can switch up the veggies in the salad, add different herbs, or even top it with a creamy avocado or feta for extra richness.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch of the salad and grill the salmon fresh when you’re ready to eat. This is a meal that works as leftovers, too!

Ingredients in Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad

This recipe comes together with a handful of ingredients that create bold, bright flavors:

For the Grilled Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or frozen fillets with skin on or off, depending on your preference.
• Olive Oil: For brushing the salmon before grilling.
• Lemon: Both for zesting and for squeezing over the salmon once it’s grilled.
• Garlic: Adds depth to the salmon’s flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

For the Quinoa Salad:

• Quinoa: The star of the salad! Quinoa is high in protein and fiber, and it absorbs all the flavors in the salad perfectly.
• Cucumber: Adds a fresh, crisp crunch to the salad.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes that bring brightness to the salad.
• Red Onion: For a little zing and bite.
• Avocado (optional): Creamy avocado is an optional addition that pairs beautifully with the lemon dressing.
• Fresh Parsley: For a burst of color and freshness.
• Olive Oil: For the salad dressing.
• Lemon Juice: To dress the salad and add a tangy kick.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning.

(Note: The full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Salmon

Start by preheating your grill (or grill pan) over medium heat. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top for an extra zing. Once the grill is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if they have skin) and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your preferred level of doneness. The salmon should be cooked through but still juicy in the center. Once done, remove from the grill and set aside.

Make the Quinoa Salad

While the salmon is grilling, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions (usually, you’ll need to rinse it, then cook it in water or broth). Let the quinoa cool to room temperature once it’s done.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and parsley. If you’re adding avocado, toss it in gently so it doesn’t get mushy. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and toss everything to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the grilled salmon alongside the quinoa salad. Squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over the salmon, and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 36g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 32g
Vitamin D: 15µg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 3mg
Potassium: 800mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a few extras to round out the meal:

• Grilled Vegetables: A side of grilled asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers adds a smoky touch that pairs wonderfully with the salmon.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm, garlic bread to soak up any leftover dressing from the salad.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce can be a perfect complement to the grilled salmon, adding a creamy, cool contrast.
• Simple Green Salad: A light mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette would add even more fresh flavors to your plate.

Additional Tips

• Grill Marks: For beautiful grill marks, make sure the grill is preheated and don’t move the salmon around too much while cooking.
• Salad Make-Ahead: The quinoa salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It actually gets better as the flavors marinate!
• Cooking the Quinoa: If you want extra flavor, cook the quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for added richness.
• Salmon Variations: If you prefer, you can bake or pan-sear the salmon instead of grilling. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of fish?
A1: Yes! You can substitute salmon with other firm fish like trout, swordfish, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Q2: How do I store leftover quinoa salad?
A2: Store the quinoa salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is great as a leftover lunch!

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to the quinoa salad?
A3: Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, radishes, or even roasted sweet potatoes to the salad for extra flavor and texture.

Q4: Can I make the quinoa salad without avocado?
A4: Yes! The avocado is optional, but it does add a creamy texture that complements the quinoa and veggies. You can skip it or add a little extra olive oil for richness.

Q5: Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
A5: Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen fillets in the refrigerator before grilling them, and adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re thicker.

Q6: Can I make this dish in advance?
A6: The quinoa salad can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to grill the salmon fresh just before serving.

Q7: How can I add more flavor to the quinoa salad?
A7: Add extra herbs like mint or dill for a fresh twist, or toss in some feta cheese or olives for added flavor and saltiness.

Q8: Can I use a different grain for the salad?
A8: Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute quinoa with couscous, farro, or even brown rice for a different texture and flavor.

Q9: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A9: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If you like it medium-rare, cook it to 125°F.

Q10: What can I serve with this meal for dessert?
A10: A light dessert like lemon sorbet, fresh fruit salad, or Greek yogurt with honey and berries would pair beautifully with this meal.

Conclusion

This Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad is the perfect combination of healthy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to fuel up after a workout or enjoy a light yet filling dinner, this meal will hit the spot every time. It’s easy, quick, and bursting with fresh ingredients that make each bite feel like a celebration. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious!

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