Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon:

• In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh parsley, dill, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
• Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the top. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. If you have more time, marinating the salmon for up to 1 hour will enhance the flavor even more.

1. Cook the Quinoa:

• While the salmon is marinating, prepare the quinoa. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil over high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the quinoa simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
• Fluff the quinoa with a fork, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt to taste. Set aside.

1. Cook the Salmon:

• Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if the skin is on) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets.
• Once cooked, remove the salmon from the heat and set it aside to rest for a couple of minutes.

1. Assemble the Bowl:

• To assemble the quinoa bowls, start by dividing the cooked quinoa evenly between four bowls.
• Top each bowl of quinoa with a cooked salmon fillet. Use a fork to flake the salmon into large pieces.
• Add sliced avocado on the side of the bowl. If you prefer, you can drizzle the avocado with a little lime juice to prevent browning and add a touch of zest.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a fresh herbal note, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve the bowls immediately, while the salmon is warm and the quinoa is fluffy. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures, from the tender, flaky salmon to the creamy avocado and nutty quinoa. The lemon herb marinade provides a bright, refreshing flavor that ties everything together perfectly.

Tips for Customizing Your Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl

This dish is highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas for making this dish your own:

• Add More Veggies: You can easily increase the vegetable content by adding roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or spinach to the bowl.
• Try Different Grains: If quinoa isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with other whole grains such as farro, couscous, or brown rice.
• Use a Different Protein: If you prefer chicken or tofu over salmon, you can substitute those proteins and follow the same marinating and cooking steps.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with a spicy sauce like sriracha to give the dish an extra kick.
• Make It Dairy-Free: This dish is already dairy-free, but you can further enhance the richness by adding a scoop of hummus or a drizzle of tahini on top of the bowl.

Conclusion

The Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl is a healthy, satisfying, and flavorful dish that brings together the goodness of salmon, quinoa, and avocado. The combination of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and creamy avocado makes it a truly delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a wholesome weeknight dinner or impress guests at a special gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

By combining high-protein salmon, nutrient-packed quinoa, and heart-healthy avocado, you’re not only creating a meal that tastes fantastic but one that also supports overall health. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients in every bite.