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If you're in search of a vibrant and flavorful dish that's as nutritious as it is visually stunning, look no further than Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Bliss. This delightful recipe brings together the rich flavors of grilled salmon, infused with the zesty brightness of lemon and aromatic herbs, perfectly complemented by a fluffy bed of quinoa. Not only does this dish dazzle the palate, but it also serves as a wholesome meal option, packed with essential nutrients.

Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon with Quinoa

Discover the vibrant Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Bliss, a delightful dish that's both nutritious and visually stunning. This recipe features succulent grilled salmon marinated with lemon and fresh herbs, paired with fluffy, protein-packed quinoa. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it's simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. Enjoy a meal that's not only delicious but also promotes heart health and wellness. Fire up the grill and impress your family and friends with this healthy culinary masterpiece!

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

2 lemons (zested and juiced)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional: Thin lemon slices for garnish

For the Quinoa:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

1/4 cup cucumber, diced

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Salmon: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Place the salmon fillets in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring the fillets are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld; an hour is ideal for best results.

    Prepare the Quinoa: While the salmon marinates, rinse the quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh sieve to eliminate its natural bitterness. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth (or water) to a rapid boil. Add the rinsed quinoa along with a pinch of salt. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been fully absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.

      Fluff the Quinoa: After the resting period, use a fork to fluff the quinoa gently. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, diced cucumber, chopped parsley, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything thoroughly. Set aside to allow the flavors to blend.

        Grill the Salmon: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Remove the salmon from the marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Grill the salmon fillets for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and easily flake with a fork, achieving beautiful grill marks. If desired, garnish the salmon with fresh lemon slices.

          Serve: To serve, create a generous bed of the quinoa salad on each plate, and elegantly place a grilled salmon fillet on top. For an extra touch, include a slice of lemon on the side for an additional burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful meal!

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: Arrange the quinoa salad in a shallow bowl to display its colorful ingredients. Sprinkle some extra chopped parsley on top of the salmon for a fresh garnish and vivid color contrast.