Name: Seared Salmon with Herby Quinoa Salad & Lemon Dill Yogurt
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 salmon fillet (150-180g); 1 tsp olive oil; Salt & pepper (to taste); Zest of lemon (optional); 1 cup cooked quinoa; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup broccolini or baby kale, lightly steamed; 2 tbsp walnuts, chopped; 2 tbsp parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped; Olive oil (for dressing); Lemon juice (for dressing); Salt & pepper (to taste); 2 tbsp Greek yogurt; 1 tsp lemon juice; A little lemon zest; 1 tsp chopped dill; Salt & pepper (for yogurt sauce)

why make this recipe

Seared Salmon with Herby Quinoa Salad & Lemon Dill Yogurt is a delicious and healthy meal. It brings together protein-rich salmon, nutritious quinoa, and vibrant vegetables. The bright flavors from the lemon and fresh herbs make it refreshing and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends.

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how to make Seared Salmon with Herby Quinoa Salad & Lemon Dill Yogurt

Ingredients:

1 salmon fillet (150-180g)
1 tsp olive oil
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Zest of lemon (optional)
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup broccolini or baby kale, lightly steamed
2 tbsp walnuts, chopped
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
Olive oil (for dressing)
Lemon juice (for dressing)
Salt & pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice
A little lemon zest
1 tsp chopped dill
Salt & pepper (for yogurt sauce)

Directions:

Season the salmon fillet with salt and pepper.
Heat a skillet and add olive oil. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
Flip the salmon and cook for another 4-5 minutes until it is flaky and cooked through.
In a bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, red onion, steamed broccolini, walnuts, parsley, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
On a plate, serve the quinoa salad, top with the seared salmon, and add a generous spoon of the yogurt sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and extra herbs if you like.

how to serve Seared Salmon with Herby Quinoa Salad & Lemon Dill Yogurt

Serve this dish warm for the best flavor. You can enjoy it as a main course or a light lunch. Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a complete meal.

how to store Seared Salmon with Herby Quinoa Salad & Lemon Dill Yogurt

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The quinoa salad can last up to 3 days, while the salmon is best eaten within 1-2 days for freshness. Just reheat the salmon gently in a pan or microwave.

tips to make Seared Salmon with Herby Quinoa Salad & Lemon Dill Yogurt

Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon for a nice sear.
Cook the quinoa ahead of time to save time when preparing this dish.
Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or zucchini.
Adjust the seasoning of the yogurt sauce to suit your taste.

variation

You can swap out the salmon for another protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also use different grains, such as brown rice or farro, instead of quinoa.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

2. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in color.

3. Can I make the quinoa salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quinoa salad a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and mix in the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh.