Salmon with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
Healthy baked salmon with fluffy quinoa and roasted seasonal vegetables.
15 mins
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
2
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Nutrition Facts
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
While quinoa cooks, prepare vegetables: Toss zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast vegetables in preheated oven for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Heat remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon skin-side down for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until cooked through.
Assemble plates: Divide quinoa between two plates, top with roasted vegetables and salmon fillet. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Chef's Tips
- Perfect Quinoa: For extra flavor, toast quinoa in a dry pan for 2 minutes before boiling.
- Crispy Salmon: Pat salmon dry before seasoning and make sure pan is hot before adding fish.
- Vegetable Options: Substitute with any seasonal vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes.
- Meal Prep: Cook extra quinoa and roast more vegetables for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Skin Trick: For crispier salmon skin, press fillet gently with spatula while cooking to ensure even contact with pan.
- Doneness Test: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.
- Lemon Boost: Add lemon slices to the vegetable roasting pan for extra citrus flavor.
