Looking for a healthy and delicious dinner that’s super easy to make? This Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Quinoa is a winner! It’s light, flavorful, and packed with good stuff. Perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, half sliced, half juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step By Step Making
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Season the salmon: Sprinkle the salmon with dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add lemon: Place lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet and squeeze the juice from the other half of the lemon over the fillets.
- Bake the salmon: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve: Serve the baked salmon over a bed of fluffy quinoa. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad. You might also enjoy exploring other healthy options like our Fluffy Cottage Cheese Blueberry Bake for a lighter meal idea.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
Protein: 35g
Calories: 450
Carbs: 30g
Health Benefits
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and can help reduce inflammation. It’s also a fantastic source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles. Quinoa is a complete protein and a good source of fiber, aiding digestion and keeping you feeling full. The lemon and herbs add flavor without extra calories and provide some vitamins and antioxidants.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by umernews.com for general informational purposes only.