Lemon Herb Salmon Salad (Printable)

Flaky salmon, fluffy quinoa, crisp greens, and fresh herbs tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. Easy, nourishing, and ready in 35 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Salmon

01 - 4 salmon fillets, skinless, 4.2 oz each
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Quinoa

06 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
07 - 2 cups water
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Salad

09 - 4 cups mixed salad greens
10 - 1 cup fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, dill, mint, basil)
11 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
12 - 1/2 cucumber, sliced
13 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Citrus Vinaigrette

14 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
15 - Juice of 1 large lemon, approximately 3 tablespoons
16 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
17 - 1 teaspoon honey
18 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
20 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.
02 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place salmon fillets on the tray, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
04 - In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chopped fresh herbs, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and sliced red onion with the cooked quinoa. Drizzle with half the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
05 - Divide the salad mixture evenly among four plates. Top each portion with a warm salmon fillet and drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salmon. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It feels fancy but comes together in the time it takes to watch half a sitcom episode.
  • The citrus vinaigrette doubles as a marinade for chicken or drizzled over roasted vegetables all week.
  • You get protein, grains, and greens in one bowl without feeling like youre eating something virtuous and boring.
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day when the quinoa soaks up all that lemony dressing.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the salmon, it continues cooking after you pull it from the oven and dry salmon ruins everything.
  • Let the quinoa cool for at least five minutes before adding it to the greens or it'll wilt the leaves into sad, soggy ribbons.
  • Make the vinaigrette first and let it sit while you prep, the garlic mellows and the flavors marry in a way that tastes more intentional.
03 -
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning so the lemon zest and oil actually stick instead of sliding off.
  • Use a microplane for the lemon zest and avoid the white pith underneath, it turns bitter and ruins the delicate flavor.
  • If your red onion is too sharp, soak the slices in cold water for five minutes and it'll mellow without losing its crunch.
Go Back