Garlic Herb Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad
Juicy salmon fillets are marinated in a garlic-herb blend, then grilled until tender and flaky. Served over a vibrant quinoa salad with fresh vegetables and lemony dressing, this dish is both nourishing and delicious.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings:2
Ingredients
For the Garlic Herb Salmon:
2 salmon fillets (about 150–180g each, skin on or off)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp fresh parsley
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Quinoa Salad:
1 cup cooked quinoa
½ cup cherry tomatoes
½ cucumber
¼ red onion
2 tbsp kalamata olives
2 tbsp feta cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley or mint
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Salmon
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Brush salmon fillets with marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
2. Make the Quinoa Salad
In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss salad with dressing and set aside.
3. Grill the Salmon
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
Grill salmon 4–5 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred (internal temp 63°C / 145°F).
4. Serve
Place quinoa salad in bowls or plates.
Top with grilled salmon.
Garnish with extra parsley and a lemon wedge.
Notes & Tips
No grill? Pan-sear salmon in a skillet with olive oil for 4–5 minutes per side.
Meal prep: Make the quinoa salad in advance; it stays fresh for 2–3 days in the fridge.
Extra flavor: Add roasted red peppers or avocado slices to the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes — thaw completely before marinating and grilling.
Q: What can I substitute for quinoa?
A: Couscous, bulgur wheat, or brown rice work well.
Q: Is this dish dairy-free?
A: Skip the feta in the salad for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520
Protein: 39g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 34g
Fiber: 6g