The “Power-Up” Bowl: My Fave Go-To Healthy Salmon and Quinoa Recipe!

Okay, you guys, are you ready for a meal that is not only insanely delicious but also makes you feel like an absolute superhero? I’m talking about a dinner that is so packed with nourishing, clean ingredients that you can literally feel it fueling your body from the inside out. It is the ultimate “eat good, feel good” experience.

This is the magic of a perfectly balanced power bowl. We’re talking a flaky, perfectly cooked salmon fillet, a bed of fluffy, protein-packed quinoa, and a gorgeous rainbow of colorful roasted vegetables. It is literally everything your body is craving, all together in one beautiful and satisfying bowl.

Get ready to add this to your weekly rotation, because today I am sharing my absolute ride-or-die recipe for these Healthy Salmon and Quinoa Bowls. This is my go-to for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that keeps me on track with all my health goals. You are going to be so obsessed with this.

The Ultimate “Feel-Good Fuel”: Healthy Salmon Bowl

This Healthy Salmon Bowl is my ultimate feel-good fuel. It is perfectly balanced with all the amazing macros your body needs: lean protein, complex carbs, and tons of healthy fats. It is literally a complete and nourishing meal in one simple bowl.

A Perfect Easy Meal Prep Idea for Simple Clean Eating Recipes

You guys, this is the easy meal prep idea of your dreams. You can cook all the delicious components over the weekend, and then you have a healthy, gourmet-tasting lunch ready to go for the entire week. It is also one of those simple clean eating recipes that makes staying healthy during a busy week so, so easy.

Your Guide: How to Season Quinoa for a Salmon Bowl

So many of you have asked me how to season quinoa for a salmon bowl to make it taste amazing, and I’m here to spill my favorite simple hack. The absolute secret is to cook your quinoa in a flavourful chicken or vegetable broth instead of just plain water, which infuses it with so much savory flavor. Then, right at the end, I stir in a big squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of fresh chopped parsley to make it super fresh and vibrant.

Why You’ll Love This Salmon and Quinoa

You guys are going to be absolutely obsessed with this recipe because it is a complete, balanced, and delicious meal all in one bowl, which makes for the easiest cleanup ever. You will also love the incredible combination of textures, from the tender, flaky salmon to the fluffy quinoa and the caramelized, roasted vegetables. Plus, it is a perfect, healthy meal prep solution that will save you so much time during your busy week.

Nutritional Benefits

Let’s talk about fueling your body with all the good stuff, because this bowl is IT. The salmon is a fantastic source of high-quality, lean protein and those amazing omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and brain function. The quinoa is a complete protein and is absolutely packed with dietary fiber, and the colorful vegetables offer a huge dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Full Recipe

Okay, let’s get to the good part! I am spilling all the tea on how to make this amazing, vibrant power bowl in your own kitchen. Get ready to master a new weeknight staple that will have you feeling like a total wellness guru.

Power up your mealtime with these healthy and hearty salmon and quinoa recipes. A perfectly cooked salmon fillet sits atop a bed of fluffy quinoa and roasted vegetables for a balanced and delicious dinner. It’s a fantastic gluten-free salmon dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Yield: 4 bowls | Category: Dinner, Main Course, Lunch, Meal Prep | Method: Roasting, Baking | Cuisine: American, Mediterranean | Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Essential Ingredients for Salmon and Quinoa

This vibrant and healthy power bowl comes together with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients.

• Salmon: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
• Quinoa: 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
• Liquid: 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• Vegetables:
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• Fat: 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For Serving (Optional): Sliced avocado and a simple lemon vinaigrette

Ingredients Notes

A little more detail on our key ingredients will ensure your power bowls are a spectacular success.

• The Salmon: I love using nice, thick, center-cut salmon fillets for this recipe. You can use skin-on or skinless fillets. Patting the salmon completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning is a crucial step for getting a beautiful result.
• The Quinoa: Quinoa is my favorite gluten-free grain because it is a complete protein and has a wonderful, fluffy texture. It is super important to rinse your uncooked quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve before you cook it. This removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can have a bitter taste.
• The Vegetables: I am obsessed with the combination of sweet, caramelized roasted broccoli and red bell pepper in this bowl. They add a beautiful color and a fantastic texture.
• The Broth: Cooking your quinoa in a flavourful vegetable or chicken broth instead of water is a total game-changer. It is the easiest hack to infuse your quinoa with a deep, savory flavor from the inside out.

How to Make One of Our Top Salmon Meal Ideas

Let’s walk through the incredibly simple steps to create this perfect, healthy and vibrant dinner.

• Step 1: Cook the Quinoa. First, rinse your quinoa well. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and the 2 cups of broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
• Step 2: Roast the Vegetables. While the quinoa is cooking, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the broccoli florets and the chopped red bell pepper with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
• Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Salmon. Pat your salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. Rub the fillets all over with the remaining olive oil, and then season them generously with salt and pepper. You can either roast the salmon on the same sheet pan with the vegetables for the last 12-15 minutes of the cooking time, or pan-sear it in a hot skillet.
• Step 4: Assemble Your Power Bowls. To assemble your bowls, start with a generous scoop of the fluffy, cooked quinoa. Top with the roasted vegetables and one perfectly cooked salmon fillet.
• Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy! If desired, you can add some sliced avocado and a drizzle of your favorite simple lemon vinaigrette or a tahini dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and nourishing meal.

Storage Options

This salmon and quinoa bowl is literally my favorite thing to meal prep for the week. To keep everything fresh and delicious, it is best to store all the components in separate, airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you are ready for lunch, you just need to assemble your bowl, which takes about two minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This classic recipe is a wonderful and versatile template that you can easily adapt. You can swap the quinoa for another healthy grain like brown rice or farro. Feel free to use any of your favorite roasting vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower. You can also use a different protein, like some grilled chicken or some chickpeas for a vegan version.

Practical & Valuable Tips

My holy grail tip for this recipe is to cook your quinoa in broth; it is the ultimate flavor hack. For the juiciest salmon, be very careful not to overcook it; you want to pull it from the oven or the pan as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. Finally, for the best roasted vegetables, be sure not to overcrowd your pan, which allows them to get beautifully caramelized instead of just steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I don’t have salmon. Can I use a different protein? OMG, yes! This bowl is so amazing with some simple grilled chicken breast. For a plant-based version, a cup of roasted chickpeas would be a fantastic and delicious substitute.
2. How do I know for sure when my salmon is done? The best and easiest way to tell if your salmon is cooked is to gently press on it with a fork. If the fish flakes apart easily, it is perfectly done. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
3. Can I use a different kind of grain instead of quinoa? Of course! This bowl is also fantastic with some nutty brown rice, some chewy farro, or even some couscous as your base. You will just need to adjust the cooking method for your chosen grain.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, this is super easy to make vegan. You would simply need to substitute the salmon with your favorite plant-based protein. Some crispy, pan-fried tofu or a cup of seasoned lentils would both be absolutely delicious.
5. What is the best dressing to use for this bowl? A simple lemon vinaigrette, made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a little Dijon mustard, is my absolute favorite. A creamy lemon-tahini dressing or even a simple dollop of a fresh pesto are also fantastic and delicious choices.

Conclusion

This Salmon and Quinoa Recipe is the perfect solution for a dinner that is incredibly easy, healthy, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that takes simple, wholesome ingredients and transforms them into a vibrant, delicious, and satisfying power bowl. It is a foolproof, family-favorite recipe that is guaranteed to have you feeling energized and amazing. It’s a fantastic gluten-free salmon dish. If you love this easy and nourishing meal, don’t forget to share it and save it to your favorite healthy recipes board on Pinterest!