Table of Contents: Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad
Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad
A Flavor-Packed, Nutrient-Rich Meal in Under 30 Minutes!
Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that satisfies your taste buds and keeps you energized? This Baked Salmon & Quinoa Salad is the answer! Imagine tender, buttery salmon with a crispy golden crust, paired with fluffy quinoa, fresh veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s a protein-packed, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Did you know that salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health? Combine that with quinoa’s complete protein profile, and you’ve got a superfood powerhouse that tastes amazing!
This dish is easier than ordering takeout and way healthier than most restaurant meals. Plus, it’s family-friendly—even picky eaters will love the mild, nutty flavors. If you enjoyed my Shrimp Salad – The Best Easy and Flavorful Recipe You’ll Ever Try, you’ll adore this recipe too!
Ready to dive in? Let’s make this simple yet gourmet dish that will become a staple in your kitchen!
What is Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad?
Ever wondered what happens when you combine perfectly baked salmon with a light, fluffy quinoa salad? Magic, that’s what! This dish is a harmony of textures and flavors—juicy salmon, nutty quinoa, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together.
Why is it called Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad? Well, it’s pretty straightforward—no fancy names here! But don’t let the simplicity fool you. This dish is packed with restaurant-quality taste without the fuss. As the old saying goes, “The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” and this meal will win over even the toughest food critics.
Whether you’re a meal prep pro or just looking for a quick, nutritious dinner, this recipe is your new best friend. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad
1. Perfectly Balanced & Nutrient-Dense
This dish is a complete meal—protein from salmon, fiber and plant-based protein from quinoa, and vitamins from fresh veggies. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free (optional), and packed with omega-3s for a healthy heart and brain.
2. Budget-Friendly & Quick
Skip the expensive takeout! This meal costs less than $5 per serving and takes under 30 minutes to make. Plus, quinoa and salmon are meal-prep friendly, so you can enjoy leftovers for lunch.
3. Bursting with Flavor
The crispy, buttery salmon pairs perfectly with the light, lemony quinoa salad. Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for extra freshness. If you love my Bang Bang Salmon with Secret Sauce – Easy & Irresistible Recipe!, you’ll adore this combo!
Ready to make this healthy, delicious meal? Let’s go!
How to Make Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad
Quick Overview
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Servings: 4
This recipe is simple, fast, and foolproof—perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!
Key Ingredients
– Salmon fillets (4, skin-on or skinless)
– Quinoa (1 cup, rinsed)
– Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
– Cucumber (1, diced)
– Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped)
– Avocado (1, sliced)
– Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
– Lemon juice & olive oil (for dressing)
– Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (for seasoning)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Cook Quinoa
– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Cook quinoa according to package instructions (usually 1:2 quinoa-to-water ratio).
2. Season & Bake Salmon
– Pat salmon dry, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky.
3. Assemble Quinoa Salad
– In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and avocado.
– Drizzle with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
– Plate quinoa salad, top with salmon, and garnish with fresh herbs.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon & Quinoa Salad
This dish is already a complete meal, but if you want to elevate it, try these pairings:
– Garlic Butter Green Beans – A quick, flavorful side.
– Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra dressing.
– White Wine or Sparkling Water with Lemon – Light and refreshing.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
✅ Don’t overcook salmon – It should be opaque and flaky but still moist.
✅ Rinse quinoa – Removes bitterness for a cleaner taste.
✅ Meal prep friendly – Store components separately for freshness.
✅ Substitute veggies – Try bell peppers, spinach, or feta cheese.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat salmon gently – Microwave at 50% power or warm in a skillet.
– Quinoa salad – Best served cold or at room temperature.
People Also Ask: Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad
How do you bake salmon to go with quinoa salad?
Season salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, and spices. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until flaky. Pair with quinoa salad for a balanced meal.
What kind of quinoa salad pairs well with salmon?
A light, lemony quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado complements salmon perfectly. Avoid heavy dressings to keep it fresh.
Is this a healthy and complete meal?
Yes! Salmon provides omega-3s and protein, while quinoa offers fiber and plant-based protein. Add veggies for vitamins—nutrient-dense and delicious!
Can I prepare the quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook quinoa and chop veggies in advance. Store separately and mix with dressing just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion: Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad
This Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad is a quick, healthy, and restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients—what’s not to love?
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments! And if you’re looking for more easy, healthy dinner ideas, check out my Dinner Recipes.
Happy cooking! 🍽️
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Baked Salmon with Quinoa Salad
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 portions 1x
Description
A light and healthy dish featuring tender baked salmon served with a refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables and herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Season salmon fillets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, rinse quinoa under cold water and cook in vegetable broth until fluffy (about 15 minutes).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Serve baked salmon alongside quinoa salad and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked salmon, quinoa salad, healthy dinner, salmon recipe, easy salmon