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- 2 fresh salmon fillets - 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth or water - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 crisp cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 red onion, delicately thin-sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 lemon, juiced - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Extra-virgin olive oil - Optional toppings (e.g., feta cheese, avocado, arugula) Gather these fresh ingredients for your Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Bowl. The salmon gives protein and a rich flavor. Quinoa adds a nutty taste and is full of fiber. The vegetables bring color, crunch, and nutrients. You can always switch up the ingredients based on what you like or have on hand. If you want to make it even more gourmet, consider our Full Recipe for detailed steps. Enjoy mixing and matching! To start, combine 1 cup of rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium-high until it boils. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover it and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when all the liquid is soaked up. After that, take it off the heat and fluff it with a fork. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the 2 salmon fillets skin-side down. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. It should be opaque and flake easily when it’s done. While the salmon bakes, it’s time to chop the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, toss together 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, ½ thinly sliced red onion, and ½ cup of pitted Kalamata olives. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the juice from 1 lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to spread the flavors evenly. Now, grab your serving bowls. Start with a generous scoop of fluffy quinoa as the base. Place a roasted salmon fillet right on top of the quinoa. Next, add a hearty portion of the vibrant vegetable mixture on one side of the salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely finish. You can find the complete recipe [Full Recipe]. Enjoy a fresh and healthy Mediterranean salmon bowl! To know when salmon is done, check its color. It should turn from bright pink to a lighter pink. The fish should also flake easily when you poke it with a fork. For the best results, I recommend two cooking methods. Grilling gives a nice char and smoky flavor. Poaching keeps the fish moist and tender. Marinate your salmon for extra taste. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic works well. You can let it sit for 30 minutes. For the veggies, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of feta cheese. This will really boost their flavors. To save time, prep your ingredients in advance. Cook the quinoa and chop the veggies a day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, assembly is quick and easy. For leftovers, keep them in separate containers. This helps keep the salmon and veggies fresh. {{image_4}} You can change the grains in your bowl. Try using rice or farro instead of quinoa. Each grain adds its own flavor and texture. For the salmon, think about different ways to cook it. You can use smoked salmon for a rich taste or grill it for a nice char. Both options can give your dish a new twist. Adding spices can change your bowl's taste. Try paprika for a smoky flavor or cumin for warmth. You can also switch up the dressing. Balsamic dressing adds sweetness, while tahini brings a nutty taste. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. If you want a plant-based meal, you can swap salmon with tofu or chickpeas. Tofu absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture. Chickpeas add protein and fiber. For toppings, consider using avocado for creaminess or nuts for crunch. These alternatives keep your bowl tasty and healthy. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Bliss Salmon Bowl. To keep your Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Bowl fresh, place leftovers in airtight containers. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. I recommend glass containers for better heat retention. Let the bowl cool to room temperature before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze both quinoa and salmon. For quinoa, allow it to cool, then spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. For salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm quinoa in a microwave or on the stove until hot. Bake the salmon at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. For the best taste and safety, eat the salmon within three days if stored in the fridge. Quinoa can last about five days. If frozen, consume salmon within three months for the best quality. Enjoy your meal while it's fresh! You can add many tasty sides to your salmon bowl. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette. - Whole-grain pita or flatbread for dipping. - Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. - Hummus or tzatziki for extra flavor. - Sliced avocado for creaminess. Yes, you can prep this meal in advance. For best results, cook the quinoa and salmon and store them in separate containers. Keep the vegetables fresh by cutting them just before serving. To store: - Quinoa lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. - Cooked salmon stays fresh for 2-3 days. - Store veggies in an airtight container to keep them crisp. You can easily change the spice level in your bowl. To add heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on the salmon before baking. For less spice, simply skip these ingredients. You can also serve a spicy sauce on the side for those who want it hot. Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is a great gluten-free grain. Just ensure any additional ingredients, like dressings, are gluten-free too. Check labels on store-bought items to be safe. This dish is packed with nutrients. Salmon provides healthy fats and protein. Quinoa is rich in fiber and contains all nine essential amino acids. The fresh veggies add vitamins and antioxidants. Together, these ingredients support heart health, weight management, and overall wellness. Enjoy a bowl full of healthy goodness! This blog post explored a delicious Mediterranean salmon bowl. We discussed fresh ingredients like salmon, quinoa, and vibrant vegetables. Each step, from cooking the quinoa to baking the salmon, ensures a tasty meal. You can adapt flavors to fit your taste and enjoy meal prep tips for easy assembly. Remember, leftovers can be stored or frozen for future meals. Try this recipe, and you'll have a healthy, flavorful dish that satisfies. Eating well can be simple and enjoyable!

Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Bowl

Experience the Mediterranean Bliss with this delicious Salmon Bowl that’s packed with flavor and nutrition! This recipe features fresh salmon fillets, fluffy quinoa, and a colorful mix of veggies, all drizzled with zesty lemon and olive oil. It's easy to make and perfect for a healthy dinner. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen tonight!

Ingredients
  

2 fresh salmon fillets

1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth or water

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 crisp cucumber, diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 red onion, delicately thin-sliced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 lemon, juiced

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions
 

Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with the vegetable broth (or water). Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool slightly.

    Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and season generously with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

      Chop the Vegetables: While the salmon is baking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

        Assemble the Bowl: In individual serving bowls, start with a generous scoop of fluffy quinoa as the base. Place a roasted salmon fillet atop the quinoa, then add a hearty portion of the vibrant vegetable mixture on one side of the salmon.

          Garnish and Serve: For an elegant finish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the bowl.

            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 2

              - Presentation Tips: Enhance the visual appeal by serving the salmon bowl with extra lemon wedges on the side. A light sprinkle of more parsley can add freshness and color, making for a delightful and nutritious meal. Enjoy every vibrant bite!