If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, let me tell you about my favorite lemon herb salmon and avocado quinoa bowl! This vibrant bowl is a feast for the eyes and the body, combining the omega-3 goodness of salmon with the healthy fats from avocado and the fiber-rich quinoa. I whip this up when I need a quick yet satisfying meal, and it never disappoints! The bright lemon flavor paired with fragrant herbs is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat. It’s healthy eating made easy and oh-so-tasty!
Ingredients for Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (I love using thyme and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
How to Prepare a Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl
Preheat and Prepare Quinoa
First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the salmon to juicy perfection! While that’s heating up, grab your quinoa and rinse it under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This step is super important because it removes any bitterness and helps achieve that fluffy texture we all love. After rinsing, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 15 minutes, so you can multitask while it cooks!
Season and Bake Salmon
Now, let’s get to the star of the show—the salmon! In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens! You’ll want to coat the salmon fillets evenly with this zesty mixture. Once your oven is ready, place the coated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (easy cleanup, yay!). Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The aroma will be heavenly, trust me!
Assemble the Bowl
Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—assembly time! Once the quinoa has cooked and fluffed up beautifully, start by spooning a generous portion into the bottom of your bowl. Then, layer in a handful of fresh spinach, followed by the baked salmon fillets. Add those creamy avocado slices and the vibrant cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Drizzle any leftover lemon herb dressing over the top for extra flavor. And just like that, you have a stunning lemon herb salmon and avocado quinoa bowl ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with nutrients: This bowl combines protein-rich salmon, fiber-filled quinoa, and healthy fats from avocado.
- Quick and easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Vibrant flavors: The zesty lemon and fragrant herbs take the salmon to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or add a different protein—get creative!
- Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time, and you’ll have healthy lunches ready to go all week.
- Visually stunning: This bowl is as pretty as it is tasty, making it perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads up, the nutritional information provided for this lemon herb salmon and avocado quinoa bowl can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to keep it accurate, precise values might differ depending on portion sizes and any modifications you make. So, feel free to adjust and enjoy without stressing over the numbers! It’s all about nourishing your body and savoring each delicious bite.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa: This step is essential to remove any bitterness and ensure a fluffy texture. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Check salmon for doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has a lovely pink center. If you’re unsure, it’s better to slightly undercook it than overcook; you can always pop it back in for a minute or two.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to mix up the dried herbs! Fresh herbs like dill or basil can elevate the flavors even more, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Prep in advance: If you’re short on time, go ahead and marinate the salmon the night before. Just store it in the fridge, and it’ll be extra flavorful when you bake it!
- Let the quinoa sit: After cooking, let the quinoa sit covered for about 5 minutes before fluffing it. This helps it absorb any leftover moisture and become even fluffier!
Variations of Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl
This lemon herb salmon and avocado quinoa bowl is incredibly versatile, which is one of the reasons I love it! Here are some fun ways to customize it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand:
- Alternative Proteins: Swap out salmon for grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a plant-based option. Each adds a unique flavor and texture!
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Roasted bell peppers, steamed broccoli, or even some shredded carrots can add a nice crunch and extra nutrients.
- Dressing Options: For a different twist, try adding a drizzle of tahini dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo. It’s a great way to change up the flavor profile!
- Grain Alternatives: If you’re in the mood for something different, switch out quinoa for brown rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil instead of dried herbs for a fresher taste that really brightens the dish.
These variations make it easy to mix things up and keep this bowl exciting. Trust me, you’ll never get bored with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your lemon herb salmon and avocado quinoa bowl is super simple! Just place any uneaten portions in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. I love using glass containers because they help keep everything nice and flavorful!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend removing the avocado slices beforehand, as they don’t reheat well and are best enjoyed fresh. You can gently warm the quinoa and salmon in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also reheat everything in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Just be careful not to overheat, as you don’t want to dry out that delicious salmon!
Once it’s warmed up, feel free to add in some fresh spinach or a drizzle of extra lemon juice to brighten the flavors again. Enjoy your meal prep magic!
FAQ About Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl
Can I substitute the salmon with another protein?
Absolutely! If salmon isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like tofu. Each option will bring its own delicious flavor to the bowl!
How can I make this bowl vegan?
To make a vegan version, simply replace the salmon with baked tofu or tempeh and skip the honey in any dressings. The quinoa and avocado will still give you a satisfying and nutritious meal!
Can I prepare this bowl ahead of time?
Definitely! This lemon herb salmon and avocado quinoa bowl is perfect for meal prep. You can cook the quinoa and salmon in advance, and assemble the bowls just before serving. Just remember to add the avocado fresh to keep it from browning.
What vegetables can I add to this bowl?
You can get creative with your veggies! I love adding roasted bell peppers, fresh cucumbers, or even shredded carrots for extra crunch and color. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. Just remember to keep your avocado separate until you’re ready to eat, as it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Lemon Herb Salmon and Avocado Quinoa Bowl: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A nutritious bowl featuring lemon herb salmon, avocado, and quinoa.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the salmon fillets with the mixture.
- Place salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork.
- Assemble the bowl with quinoa, spinach, salmon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.
Notes
- Adjust herbs according to taste.
- Serve warm or cold.
- This bowl is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon herb salmon, avocado quinoa bowl, healthy meal
