Are you looking for a quick and healthy meal that’s full of flavor? Look no further than Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this recipe will impress your family and friends while keeping your taste buds satisfied.

Ingredients

For this Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowl, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

– 1 cup quinoa

– 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

– 1 medium zucchini, diced

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– ¼ cup red onion, diced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Juice of 1 lemon

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients combine to create a balanced meal that is rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The combination of fresh vegetables and zesty lemon juice brings a Mediterranean flair to the dish.

Instructions

To prepare your Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.

5. While the quinoa cooks, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

6. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

7. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

8. Brush the marinade evenly over the salmon fillets.

9. Arrange diced zucchini, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion around the salmon on the baking sheet.

10. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables for added flavor.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and vegetables are tender.

12. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide it among serving bowls.

13. Top each bowl with baked salmon and roasted vegetables.

14. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This recipe for Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls is not only quick but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting different proteins if desired. Enjoy this nutritious meal any day of the week!

Tips and tricks

When preparing Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls, consider these helpful tips to make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. First, choose fresh salmon fillets. Fresh fish will have a bright color and a mild scent. If you cannot find fresh salmon, frozen fillets work well too. Just ensure they are properly thawed before cooking.

Next, for the quinoa, rinse it under cold water before cooking. This step removes any bitterness and gives you a nuttier flavor. You can also toast the quinoa in a pan for added depth.

Consider adding seasonal vegetables to your bowls. Bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add vibrant colors and flavors while boosting nutrition. Roast them alongside the salmon for a one-pan meal that saves time on cleanup.

Lastly, if you want an extra kick of flavor, try adding a drizzle of tahini sauce or a squeeze of lemon just before serving. This finishing touch brings everything together beautifully.

FAQs

What makes Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls healthy?

Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls are packed with nutrients. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids and provides fiber, promoting digestive health. Adding colorful vegetables increases vitamins and minerals while keeping calories low. This dish offers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger without sacrificing nutrition.

How long does it take to prepare Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls?

Preparing Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The quinoa cooks in around 15 minutes while the salmon bakes in about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Prepping vegetables can be done simultaneously to save time. With efficient multitasking, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time.

Can I customize the ingredients in Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of Quick Mediterranean Baked Salmon & Quinoa Bowls is their versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you prefer chicken over salmon, feel free to use grilled chicken breast instead. Additionally, any grain like farro or brown rice can replace quinoa while still maintaining a wholesome meal.

This recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy healthy ingredients while saving time in the kitchen. The combination of baked salmon, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy making these bowls as part of your weekly meal prep or serve them for special occasions with friends and family.