Easy Salmon and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This Salmon and Quinoa Salad is made with tender salmon, fluffy quinoa, crunchy cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette that is key to pulling the flavors together. A perfect option for an easy weeknight lunch or dinner. 😊
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- 8 oz salmon fillet
- ½ cup quinoa, dry (about 1 ½ cups cooked)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ an English cucumber, chopped
- ¼ a red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
To make the Lemon Herb Dressing
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (juice of about 2 large lemons)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉ (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper sprayed with olive oil spray. Arrange your salmon fillet on the parchment paper skin side down. Rub a little olive oil, salt, and pepper into your salmon.
- Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes or until opaque and flaky and internal temperature reaches 145 ℉ (63°C). Let the salmon cool and flake it with a fork.
- While the salmon is in the oven, cook quinoa following the instructions on the package. Let it cool while the other components of the salad are prepared.
- Finely chop tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Make the dressing by combining the lemon juice, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and whisk until it's emulsified.
- Combine the ingredients including the salmon, quinoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour the lemon vinaigrette on top of the mixture and toss.
Video
Notes
Storage
Fridge: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors of the dressing get even better as they soak in.
Additional Nutrition Information
While healthy means something different to everyone, this recipe is a nourishing option. Salmon is a source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, quinoa provides plant-protein and dietary fiber to support gut health, and tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants. This recipe is also gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no added sugars.
Registered Dietitian Tip
Making recipes like this salmon & quinoa salad are a great way to have a balanced meal on the table in less than half an hour! While the salmon is in the oven and the quinoa cooks, you can chop the veggies and make the dressing so that everything is ready to combine at once.
For more nutrition information and tips, visit mallorythedietitian.com. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 😊
Nutrition
Serving: 2cupsCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 24gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 44mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 4g
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