Salmon

Salmon And Quinoa Bowl

Name: Salmon And Quinoa Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz each; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained; 2 cups water or vegetable broth; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup mixed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional

By Gabriel Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Salmon

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Welcome to my kitchen, where we're making a delicious Salmon And Quinoa Bowl that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I'm excited to share this easy and foolproof recipe with you.

Salmon is one of my favorite fish to cook with, and when paired with quinoa and roasted vegetables, it makes for a well-rounded and nutritious meal. In this recipe, we'll be using fresh salmon fillets, which are readily available at most grocery stores.

This recipe is great for anyone who's new to cooking seafood, as it's easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s and protein.

I like to make this recipe on a busy weeknight, when I need something quick and easy to put on the table. It's also a great option for a weekend dinner, when you have a bit more time to spend in the kitchen.

In this recipe, we'll be covering the basics of cooking salmon, including how to choose the right fillets, how to season them, and how to cook them to perfection. We'll also be making a simple quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables, which is a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor to your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s and protein.
The quinoa bowl is a nutritious and filling base for the salmon.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
It's a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor to your meal.
The salmon is cooked to perfection with a crispy crust and tender interior.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it uses a combination of simple ingredients and easy cooking techniques to create a delicious and well-rounded meal. By cooking the salmon in a hot skillet with some oil and seasoning, we're able to get a nice crispy crust on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

The quinoa bowl is also a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor to your meal. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need. It's also high in fiber and minerals like iron and magnesium.

By pairing the salmon with quinoa and roasted vegetables, we're creating a meal that's not only delicious, but also nutritious and well-rounded. This recipe is perfect for anyone who's looking for a healthy and easy meal option that's also packed with flavor.

One of the key things that makes this recipe work is the use of fresh and high-quality ingredients. By using fresh salmon fillets and ripe vegetables, we're able to get the best possible flavor and texture out of our ingredients. We're also using a simple seasoning blend that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon and quinoa, without overpowering them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh salmon fillets, quinoa, and roasted vegetables. You'll also need some basic pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper. In this section, we'll go over the ingredients you'll need and some tips for choosing the best ones.

When it comes to choosing salmon fillets, look for ones that are fresh and have a nice pink color. You can also use frozen salmon fillets, just be sure to thaw them first. For the quinoa, you can use either white or brown quinoa, depending on your preference.

4 salmon fillets, 6 oz eachLook for fresh salmon fillets with a nice pink color. You can also use frozen salmon fillets, just be sure to thaw them first.
1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drainedYou can use either white or brown quinoa, depending on your preference. Quinoa is a complete protein and a great source of fiber and minerals.
2 cups water or vegetable brothUse water or vegetable broth to cook the quinoa. You can also use chicken broth for added flavor.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used to cook the salmon and roast the vegetables. You can also use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
1 tsp saltSalt is used to season the salmon and quinoa. You can also use other seasonings like pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
1/2 tsp black pepperBlack pepper is used to season the salmon and quinoa. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.
1 cup mixed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppersUse your favorite mixed vegetables for this recipe. You can also use frozen vegetables if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is used to add flavor to the quinoa and vegetables. You can also use other aromatics like onion or shallots.
1 lemon, cut into wedgesLemon is used to add a squeeze of fresh flavor to the salmon and quinoa. You can also use other citrus fruits like lime or orange.
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsleyParsley is used to add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the quinoa and salmon. You can also use other herbs like basil or dill.
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optionalFeta cheese is used to add a salty and tangy flavor to the quinoa and salmon. You can also use other cheeses like parmesan or goat cheese if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panMedium saucepanColander or fine-mesh strainerCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Salmon And Quinoa Bowl

1
Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
2
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the mixed vegetables. Cut the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
3
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4
Add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin side up (if they have skin). Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the salmon over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until cooked through to 145 F (63 C). Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon.
5
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the lemon wedges and parsley. Cut the lemon into wedges and chop the parsley into small pieces.
6
To serve, divide the cooked quinoa among four bowls. Top with a salmon fillet, some roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of parsley. Squeeze a sliver of lemon juice over the top and serve immediately.
7
If using feta cheese, crumble it over the top of the quinoa and salmon. You can also add other toppings like diced tomatoes or sliced avocado.
8
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and the fish to stay moist.
9
Serve the Salmon And Quinoa Bowl hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
10
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the quinoa and salmon in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
11
You can also freeze the cooked quinoa and salmon for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the salmon - it should be cooked through to 145 F (63 C) but still moist and flaky.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to help the juices to redistribute.
Customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
Use leftover quinoa and salmon to make a delicious salad or wrap for lunch the next day.
Experiment with different types of fish or protein sources, such as chicken or tofu, for a variation on the recipe.
Add some heat to the recipe by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Make the recipe more substantial by adding some cooked beans or lentils to the quinoa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the salmon, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the salmon rest before serving, which can cause the juices to run out and the fish to become dry.
Not seasoning the quinoa and salmon properly, which can make the dish taste bland and unappetizing.
Not using the right type of oil for cooking the salmon, which can affect the flavor and texture of the fish.
Not cooking the quinoa properly, which can make it crunchy or undercooked.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or shallots to the quinoa for extra flavor.
Use different types of vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, for a variation on the recipe.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, to the quinoa and salmon for extra flavor.
Use a different type of protein source, such as chicken or tofu, for a variation on the recipe.
Add some heat to the recipe by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Make the recipe more substantial by adding some cooked beans or lentils to the quinoa.
Use a different type of grain, such as brown rice or farro, for a variation on the recipe.

What to Serve With Salmon And Quinoa Bowl

The Salmon And Quinoa Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be served on its own or with a variety of sides. Some ideas for sides include a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of steamed broccoli.

You can also customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Some other ideas for sides include a side of quinoa or brown rice, a simple salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette, or a side of steamed asparagus or green beans.

Serve the Salmon And Quinoa Bowl with a simple green salad.Add some roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, to the quinoa and salmon.Use a different type of grain, such as brown rice or farro, for a variation on the recipe.Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, to the quinoa and salmon for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Salmon And Quinoa Bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the quinoa and salmon in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

You can also freeze the cooked quinoa and salmon for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

When reheating the quinoa and salmon, make sure to heat it until it's warmed through and steaming hot. You can also add some extra seasonings or sauces to the quinoa and salmon to give it extra flavor.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it's easy to make ahead and store for later. Simply cook the quinoa and salmon, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of salmon for this recipe, but wild-caught Alaskan or Pacific salmon is recommended for its flavor and nutritional benefits.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Simply thaw the salmon according to the package instructions and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). You can check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon.

Can I customize the recipe to my taste?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings. Some ideas include adding diced onions or shallots to the quinoa, using different types of vegetables, or adding some chopped fresh herbs to the quinoa and salmon.

How do I store the Salmon And Quinoa Bowl?

The Salmon And Quinoa Bowl can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked quinoa and salmon for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I make the recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the quinoa and salmon, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat when ready to serve.

Is the Salmon And Quinoa Bowl healthy?

Yes, the Salmon And Quinoa Bowl is a healthy and nutritious meal. The salmon is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while the quinoa is a complete protein and a good source of fiber and minerals.

Can I use different types of protein sources for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of protein sources for this recipe. Some ideas include chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Simply cook the protein source according to the package instructions and add it to the quinoa and vegetables.

The Full Recipe

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