Salmon with Quinoa and Spinach

5 from 2 votes

Salmon with Quinoa and Spinach

Salmon with Quinoa and Spinach-is very easy to make, so delicious and nutritious. Tossed in a flavorful dressing, this protein-packed meal is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or dinner.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: gluten-free, one bowl recipe, quinoa, salmon

Servings: servings

Calories: 818kcal

Author: Lora

Ingredients

DRESSING

1 piece 3 inches fresh ginger, finely chopped
½ cup fresh lime juice
1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons coconut aminos or soy sauce, use tamari if gluten-free
½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
¾ cup oil avocado or another mild flavored oil

QUINOA AND SPINACH

1 cup quinoa red, white, black, or mixed
2 cups water
Pinch of salt
2 cups packed baby spinach leaves

SALMON

4 salmon steaks cut 1 ¼-inches thick, each 5 to 6 ounces or 1 ¼ pounds boneless salmon from the thick end, cut into 4 pieces
salt and pepper to taste
vegetable oil for the grill

TO SERVE

½ English cucumber halved lengthwise and sliced
2 jalapenos sliced (green or red) *optional
1-2 scallions sliced thin (use more or less, however you like)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Dressing

Add the ginger, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, honey, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), sesame oil, and avocado oil to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
If mixing by hand, finely chop the ginger and whisk everything together in a bowl, or shake in a sealed jar until fully combined.
Taste and adjust. Add more lime or vinegar for acidity, or more coconut aminos for salt. Set aside.

Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon in a shallow dish.
Pour ⅓ cup of the dressing over the salmon and turn to coat.
Let it marinate while you cook the quinoa and heat the grill.
Reserve the remaining dressing for serving.

Cook the Quinoa and Spinach

If your quinoa is not pre-rinsed, rinse it under cold water for about 30 seconds in a fine mesh strainer. Drain well.
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup quinoa, 2 cups water, and a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.
Place the spinach on top of the hot quinoa, cover again, and let sit 2–3 minutes to wilt.
Fluff gently to combine, then transfer to a large bowl.

Grill the Salmon

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grates well.
Place the salmon skin side up and cook 2–4 minutes, until grill marks form.
Flip and cook another 2–4 minutes, or until just cooked through (internal temperature about 52–54°C for medium).
Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
Flake into chunks with a fork, removing skin and bones if needed.

Assemble

Spoon the quinoa and spinach onto a large platter or into individual bowls.
Drizzle with some reserved dressing and toss lightly.
Add the salmon on top.
Garnish with cucumber, jalapeños, and scallions.
Drizzle with more dressing and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

DRESSING
Double dressing recipe and use it throughout the week for other salads or recipes.
 QUINOA
If you buy pre-rinsed quinoa, you don’t have to rinse it. Check package and if it’s not pre-rinsed, you will need to rinse it as it will be bitter if you don’t.

If you double quinoa portion, you could let the extra quinoa cool down and then freeze it for meal prep. Let it cool down completely and place in freezer bag or freezer safe container. Simply thaw overnight in refrigerator before using.

SALMON
 Cook the salmon whatever way you prefer. If you don’t mind turning on your oven, roast it. If you have a grill pan, cook it on your grill pan.

If you have an outdoor grill, go ahead and grill it. If you like to pan sear, go ahead and cook in your pan. Whatever way you choose to cook it, it will be fine for this recipe. Or if you have leftover salmon from another recipe, it’s perfect to use in this recipe.

All of the ingredients could be cooked ahead of time. When ready to assemble, remove ingredients and assemble platter or bowls.

Nutrition