Baked Salmon with Quinoa and Mixed Greens Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa (white, rinsed well)
• 2 cup water (or no-salt-added vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for toasting)
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.25 tsp salt (optional, for low-sodium version)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, finely chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the quinoa

   • Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve.
   • Rinse thoroughly under cold running water for at least 1 minute, rubbing the grains with your fingers to remove the bitter saponin coating.
   • Drain very well.
2. 2

   Toast the quinoa (optional)

   • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the rinsed and drained quinoa and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and is slightly golden.
3. 3

   Cook the quinoa

   • Carefully pour the water into the saucepan. Add the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
   • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
   • Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. 4

   Rest and fluff

   • After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and finish cooking.
   • Remove the lid and gently fluff the grains with a fork.
5. 5

   Finish and serve

   • Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
   • Serve warm as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 8 cup mixed salad greens (A mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 pcs cucumber (medium, thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.125 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the vinaigrette

   • In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and dijon mustard until well combined.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Whisk again to emulsify the dressing.
2. 2

   Assemble the salad

   • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber.
   • Gently toss the vegetables to distribute them evenly.
3. 3

   Dress and serve

   • Just before serving, pour the vinaigrette over the salad.
   • Toss gently until all the greens are lightly coated.
   • Divide into four bowls and serve immediately.