Salmon Quinoa Salad Bowl
Flaky, perfectly seared salmon fillets rest atop a bed of fluffy quinoa with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado. Tossed in a bright lemon-herb dressing, this colorful bowl is fresh, satisfying, and ready in 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~15 min
Cook the quinoa.
1.Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer.2.Add quinoa, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt to a saucepan. Bring to a boil.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water is absorbed (12-15 min).4.Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.TIPDon't skip rinsing — it removes the bitter saponin coating from quinoa. - prep · ~3 min
Season the salmon.
1.Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.2.Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the fillets and rub to coat evenly.3.Season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper. - grill · ~8 min
Grill the salmon.
1.Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot.2.Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving.3.Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until flesh flakes easily with a fork.4.Transfer to a plate and let rest.TIPFor perfect medium salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F; carryover heat will finish cooking it. - prep · ~5 min
Prep the vegetables.
1.Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.2.Halve the cherry tomatoes.3.Dice the avocado.4.Thinly slice the red onion. - mix · ~2 min
Whisk the lemon-herb dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dijon mustard, and honey.2.Add chopped dill and parsley. Whisk until emulsified.3.Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. - assemble · ~4 min
Assemble the bowls.
1.Divide the fluffy quinoa evenly among 4 bowls as the base.2.Top each bowl with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.3.Flake the rested salmon into large chunks and divide among the bowls.4.Drizzle the lemon-herb dressing generously over everything. - serve
Serve immediately.
Serve each bowl warm or at room temperature, with extra lemon wedges on the side if desired.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the salmon skin very dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden sear.
- 2Let the cooked quinoa rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork for light, separate grains.
- 3Dice the avocado just before assembling to prevent browning; toss with a squeeze of lemon if needed.
- 4Use a fish spatula to flip the salmon gently, keeping the fillet intact and the skin crisp.
- 5For the best texture, warm the quinoa slightly before assembling the bowls if it has cooled.
- 6Make the dressing up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; shake or whisk again before drizzling.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-oil
Use just 1 teaspoon olive oil for cooking the salmon in a nonstick pan, and replace the dressing with a yogurt-lemon mix (2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, herbs) to reduce fat without losing moisture.
high proteinHigh-protein
Double the salmon portion to 200g per bowl for a post-workout meal, or add a handful of chickpeas to the vegetable mix for extra plant-based protein and fiber.
veganVegan
Substitute the salmon with pan-seared firm tofu or jackfruit, and replace the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave for a fully plant-based bowl.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is an excellent source of DHA and EPA omega-3s, which support heart and brain health.
Complete Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein.
Packed with Healthy Fats
Avocado and olive oil supply monounsaturated fats that promote satiety and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
High in Antioxidants
Cherry tomatoes are rich in lycopene, and fresh herbs like parsley and dill provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before cooking to get a proper sear.
