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Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad recipe

Grilled Salmon with Quinoa Salad Recipe

This healthy grilled salmon with quinoa salad is my go-to 30-minute meal that's packed with protein, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Grilled Salmon:
  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 limes cut into wedges
For the Quinoa Salad:
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 large cucumber diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese optional
For the Lime Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and toast the rinsed quinoa for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to pop slightly.
  2. Add the broth to the quinoa, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 more minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
  3. While quinoa cooks, pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Mix olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Rub the spice mixture all over salmon fillets and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400°F). Clean and oil grill grates well.
  6. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes on first side without moving. Flip carefully and cook 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  7. Remove salmon from grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over each fillet immediately.
  8. While salmon rests, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a large bowl.
  9. Add cooled quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and mint to the dressing. Toss until well coated.
  10. Taste quinoa salad and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt as needed.
  11. Serve grilled salmon over quinoa salad and sprinkle with feta cheese if using. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Recipe Notes & Tips
No grill? Pan-sear salmon in a hot skillet with oil for the same cooking time, or bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes.
Make-ahead: Quinoa salad can be made 2 days ahead. Add fresh herbs right before serving.
Substitutions: Swap feta for goat cheese, add diced avocado, or use parsley instead of cilantro.