Quinoa Lentil Salmon Salad Recipe
A nutritious and vibrant quinoa lentil salmon salad that combines fluffy quinoa, tender lentils, and perfectly cooked salmon, finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon for a light, refreshing flavor. Ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner packed with protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa and lentils)
Protein
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Flavorings
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Cook Lentils: In a separate saucepan, bring 3 cups of water or broth to a boil. Add the rinsed lentils and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered until lentils are tender but firm, about 20-25 minutes. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Cook Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook salmon skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa and lentils gently. Place the cooked salmon fillets on top. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire salad and drizzle with olive oil if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve the quinoa lentil salmon salad warm or chilled, garnished with extra lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa and lentils thoroughly to remove any bitter taste and impurities.
- Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances flavor significantly.
- You can substitute salmon with other flaky fish like trout or haddock if preferred.
- For added freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or dill.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it great for meal prep.
Keywords: quinoa salad, lentils, salmon, healthy salad, protein packed, Mediterranean, lemon dressing
Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/quinoa-lentil-salmon-salad-recipe/
